5 Star New Zealand Luxury Vacation

White Island is New Zealand's only active volcanic island.

What to expect on this itinerary

Superlatives cascade from this vacation of ultimate luxury. Private islands, private yachts, cooking lessons from celebrity chefs, exclusive journeys by helicopter and private jet; and that’s just the start of the opulent indulgence. This prestigious vacation bursts with exacting wonder, New Zealand’s breathtaking natural spectacle unveiled in aristocratic elegance and inimitable style. Raise your expectations and prepare to be amazed.

Countries Visited

New Zealand

Places Visited

Cavalli Island, Aotearoa, Rotorua, White Island,   Wharekauhau Country Estate,   Abel Tasman National Park, Hawkes Bay, Kahurangi, Queenstown, Central Otago, Fjordland National Park

Suggested Duration

12 Days

Customizable Itinerary

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Day 1

Prestigious Beauty on Your Own Private Island

New Zealand’s northern islands dazzle beneath the sun, waves gently lapping against hidden beaches, and sapphire waters dancing into sheltered bays. The faraway waters of Aotearoa are mostly uninhabited, the islands providing a haven for rare wildlife and marine delights. Cavalli Island sits within a protected marine and wildlife sanctuary, home to a secretive private hideaway that redefines stylish island living. You’ll be the only guests; both on the island and in the sanctuary. The enchanting Cavalli Island Retreat and Spa is your base for three days, concealed from the rest of the world and emanating superlatives. A private chef designs a menu to your taste, personal butler and maid attend to every need, and a spa therapist removes any travel aches.

Such exclusive elegance is preceded by an exclusive journey, a private jet whisking you away from the airport and cruising into the far north of New Zealand. Ascend above the volcanic leftovers, soaking up lush blue and rolling green before continuing the journey by luxury car and amphibious craft. Settle in and listen. Bird song flickers through the treetops, waves gently loll onto shore, and there’s nothing to break the serenity. This prestigious setting provides the opulent introduction to New Zealand’s wonder.

What's Included:

Accommodation
Flight
Transfer
Tour
Breakfast
Day 2

Exploring Your Own Private Marine Sanctuary

Day 3

Exclusive Yacht Cruising Through the Islands

Day 4

Luxurious Chic and Style in the Forest

Day 5

Standing on the Edge of a Live Volcanic Crater

Day 6

Deep Immersion in Maori Culture and Cuisine

Day 7

Indulgent Vineyards and Helicoptering Across New Zealand’s Scenic Wilderness

Day 8

An Inimitable Food Day with Celebrity New Zealand Chef, Al Brown

Day 9

Private Yacht Cruising and Stunning Aerial Journeys Across Kahurangi

Day 10

A Unique Journey Into World Famous Milford Sound

Day 11

A Boutique Vineyard Tour Through Central Otago

Day 12

A Final Private Jet Ride Before Your International Departure

Trip Highlights

  • Soak up the serenity of your own private island and explore the abundant life of your own private marine sanctuary
  • Take elegant yacht journeys through marine national parks and secluded archipelagos, hundreds of idyllic bays and untamed beaches awaiting your footprints
  • Enjoy exclusive aerial journeys throughout, private jets and helicopters taking you across New Zealand and revealing a landscape that emanates superlatives
  • Spend a day with celebrity chef, Al Brown, learning how to cook his signature delights and toasting to the country’s finest vineyards
  • Land in the middle of the wilderness, your helicopter touching down on breathtaking mountain peaks, active volcanic craters, and stunning glacial seclusion
  • Trek up an active volcanic crater and then follow the fault line to explore New Zealand’s hypnotic topography
  • Journey to hidden vineyards and elegant gourmet destinations, each stop reserved for the most discerning and demanding of palettes
  • Settle into some of the planet’s finest luxury accommodations; a cottage perched on an ocean cliff, a villa nestled in virgin forest, and a hotel screaming of grandeur and history

Detailed Description

New Zealand’s thick canopy of wilderness is tailor made for the private getaway. This itinerary carefully handcrafts the finest New Zealand experiences, serving up the ultimate in luxury and personalized bliss. Each transfer is by private jet or helicopter, every meal imbues gastronomic brilliance, while all the accommodations ensure absolute seclusion and tranquility. Private yacht journeys through marine national parks, exploring live volcanoes, indulging in boutique vineyards, aerial journeys into untamed wilderness; it’s a vacation of endlessly diverse wonder, with every facet fully customizable to your exacting preferences and tastes.

Start your New Zealand luxury tours on your own private island, exploring the rich green hills of Cavalli and enjoying exclusive use of a marine sanctuary with abundant delights. The Pacific’s finest spa therapists soothe the body and a private chef serves up delectable feasts. Then a huge private yacht takes you through the archipelago, a myriad of hidden coves and secretive beaches awaiting your exploration. From island wonderment you fly south, indulging in untamed forests and trekking to the rim of an active volcano. A private Maori cultural experience offers another unforgettable highlight, with elegant hilltop villas complimenting the delightful impressions of aesthetic euphoria and absolute tranquility.

Beach, forest, snow-capped mountains, riverine trails, rolling farmland; every aerial journey soars above a patchwork of juxtaposed geography, your unhurried immersion in wilderness provided by private helicopter. On day seven you head into renowned wine territory, sublime feasts accompanied by ocean views and ever-dramatic panoramas. Unveiling the subtleties of local cuisine, celebrity chef Al Brown guides day eight, taking you snorkeling for native abalone then into the kitchen to create his signature dishes. Two of the nation’s finest vineyards provide the backdrop, before two national parks are effortlessly explored on day nine. Take a yacht through the marine tranquility of Abel Tasman. Then take the helicopter to the rugged high alpine peaks of Kahurangi.

Completing your unique vacation is the pure escapism of Queenstown. Helicopter over world-famous Milford Sound, soaring above the Fjordland peaks and then touching down in this natural marvel. Like always, it’s unlikely you’ll see anyone other than your pilot or host. Each evening in Queenstown is imbued with the intoxicating smells of one of New Zealand’s finest restaurants, while day 11 brings a handful of sensual vineyards to gratify the palette. The unparalleled lavishness of Eichardt’s Private Hotel is the final chapter in an exclusive collection of accommodations, a fitting finale to this ultimate journey of luxury.

Starting Price

$13,700 per person (excluding international flights)

Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.

What's Included

  • Accommodations
  • In-country transportation
  • Some or all activities and tours
  • Expert trip planning
  • 24x7 support during your trip

Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.

4.8

Verified Traveler Reviews

Based on 2025 reviews

Sivly R.
Australia, New Zealand Trip Review: Tasmania, Rotorua, Uluru, Queenstown, Luging, Camel Ride, Wildlife, Hobbiton, Islands, Glowworm Cave, 2 Weeks

We absolutely loved so much of our trip! My kids’ (ages 11 and eight) favorite activities were luging in Rotorua, NZ, and the sunset camel ride in Uluru, AU, while my husband and I were enchanted by Hobbiton and enjoyed exploring a glowworm cave with the owner's father! We all loved Tasmania.

There were a few hiccups. However, we were very happy with all the support the Zicasso travel company's team provided in real time to help us get back on track. 

The overall trip was fantastic. My husband and I appreciated having the team support our adventures, both the highs and the lows. The team members were detailed-oriented. This trip exceeded our expectations and we’re incredibly grateful for their expertise in curating such memorable experiences.

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Sharon B.
Australia, New Zealand Travel Review: Wildlife, Hiking, Vineyards, Helicopter Trip, Plane Ride, 24 Nights

The trip was awesome; the trip of a lifetime! We saw/experienced everything we could imagine. The trip reflected all of our wish-list items. Zicasso's travel specialist was very accommodating to our ideas and was very detail-oriented. We didn't have to worry about a thing on this vacation.

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Paul S.
New Zealand, French Polynesia 75th Birthday Trip Review: Volcano Flight, Helicopter Ride, Glacier, Overnight Cruise, Bora Bora, Milford Sound, 32 Nights

We had a fabulous time celebrating my 75th birthday in New Zealand and Bora Bora. Zicasso's travel specialist was fantastic to work with. She was very responsive to all of our questions and concerns and even checked in with us numerous times while we were on the trip. I'd highly recommend her and the travel company when traveling to New Zealand or French Polynesia.

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Stephanie G.
New Zealand, Fiji Travel Review: Canyon Swing, Glacier, Helicopter Ride, Hiking, 15-Night Trip

Zicasso's travel specialist worked with us every step of the way to create an amazing itinerary filled with adventure in New Zealand and luxurious relaxation in Fiji. She helped us adjust the itinerary until it was just right. Unfortunately, there were a couple of excursions that were impacted by the weather and other logistics, which impacted our experience, but it was not her fault and she was willing to try to find other options.

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Lisa D.
Australia, New Zealand Tour Review: Milford Sound, Melbourne, Food Tour, 11 Nights

Great trip! Zicasso's travel planner was responsive to our needs and put together an enjoyable trip. It was organized, with all documents in order and no surprises!

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Jodi R.
Australia, New Zealand Trip Review: Sydney, Melbourne, Phillip Island, Kangaroo Island, Cairns, Milford Sound, Wildlife, Great Ocean Road, Opera House, Great Barrier Reef, Harbor Bridge Climb, 3 Weeks

The process was straightforward and Zicasso's trip planner was very easy to work with. She came up with an itinerary that we were able to tweak and work with to fit our timeline and expectations.

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Customizable Itinerary

This is a sample itinerary to inspire a personalized trip designed with your travel specialist.

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