Most drawn to New Zealand for those epic experiences out in nature - the open spaces, the dusted peaks, the lakes that pop with blue, but that’s all just the tip of the glacier. From the feather-clad harbingers of Maoritanga to the happening backstreets of Wellington to the natural beauty of Milford Sound, this country jumps with vitality in more ways than merely geological. Come for the epic trails and bubbling geysers and stay for the friendliest folk in the southern hemisphere. Whale watching, wine tasting, whitewater rafting – New Zealand spoils travellers with its abundance of natural wonders and cultural riches. Brave a bungee, skydive, or glacier hike; witness a wild-eyed haka at a traditional Māori village; immerse yourself in soothing hot springs and crystal-clear lakes; or marvel at snow-capped peaks from rugged mountain trails. Whatever you do, the warm kiwi people and remarkable landscapes of these islands will stay with you forever. In the spirit of manaakitanga, the Māori concept of showing respect, generosity and care for others, we invite you to feel at home in a land of striking contrasts and beauty. Golden beaches stretch to meet ancient rainforests, and crystal-clear lakes mirror surrounding mountains. Immerse yourself in vibrant Māori culture, tour New Zealand's geothermal landscapes. Relax in luxury lodges or tour New Zealand's wine regions and taste award-winning wines at the cellar door. While visiting New Zealand, indulge in European flavors with a touch of the exotic, wine regions that have earned international recognition and a vast range of outdoor activities for many lifestyles. The North Island serves as the gateway to this picturesque country. There is rich history and heritage to be discovered, as well as an abundance of wildlife, award-winning wineries and gourmet foods to be enjoyed. The South Island is home to some of the country’s most rugged scenery and active experiences. Scenic glacial fjords and dramatic alpine peaks provide a backdrop from which to enjoy a wide array of adventures, including trekking, skiing, jet boating and even bungee jumping. Those seeking a more relaxed escape will also find no shortage of intriguing arts and architecture, history, culture, cuisine and therapeutic endeavors to enjoy. No matter what type of traveler you may be, the stunning natural beauty, varied activities and friendly faces you will find in New Zealand are sure to provide for a memorable and luxury travel experience.
National Geographic Journeys: Discover New Zealand
Immerse yourself in New Zealand’s stunning landscapes and multicultural heritage, travelling by plane, train, van, and boat through the North and South Islands. Discover magnificent fjords, ethereal glowworm caves, and snowcapped peaks; visit picturesque vineyards, explore vibrant cities and get to know "The Land of the Long White Cloud". Tour Highlights - A day at Kohutapu, Rotorua, Sheep Shearing Experience, Canterbury Plains, Tekapo Dark Sky Experience, Lake Tekapo and Waiheke Island Wineries. Experience Waitomo Caves, Kohutapu Local Maori Community, guided tour of the Kiwi Hatchery. Scenic Tranz and Alpine train, Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre and Aoraki Mount Cook Kea Point Trek. Free time in Wanaka, Arrowtown and Queenstown. Wilderness day cruise in Fiordland National Park. Tour price starts $5,456 per person
Kaikoura Whale Watching
A Food & Wine Journey through New Zealand
The rich soil of New Zealand, combined with a favorable climate means it produces some of the world’s best food and wine. Embark on this 14day journey for a real taste of New Zealand that takes you to the best of the North and South Islands, visiting the renowned wine regions where you will have the opportunity to meet the winemakers, taste world-class wines, and dine on fresh local produce. From the hidden gem that is Waiheke Island, to Hawkes Bay, Marlborough and Central Otago near Queenstown, indulge and enjoy the best they each have to offer. Destinations: Auckland; Napier; Wellington; Marlborough; Christchurch; Queenstown. Highlights - Napier Full Day Wine Tour, Marlborough Gourmet Food & Wine tour, Christchurch Wine and City tour and Queenstown Gourmet Food & Wine tour. Tour price starts $12,060 pp
Best of New Zealand: Mountain Biking & Black-Sand Beaches
Now's the time to explore New Zealand on your terms with this tour that's affordable for young travellers. They say good travel happens on small islands. Regardless of whether or not that's an actual saying, the small islands of New Zealand pack plenty of exploratory punch. Go from kayaking in Raglan to hiking in Abel Tasman National Park to cruising remote fjords and taking in some Insta-worthy views. But if you’re short on travel dollars, fear not; this trip squeezes in the very best of both the North and South Islands into an affordable, action-packed 21-day itinerary where you'll move swiftly without feeling rushed. Learn about Maori culture, get an adrenaline rush in Rotorua and Queenstown, discover Abel Tasman National Park by foot and cruise through the remote fjords of Milford Sound. Tour cost starts $3,374 pp
The Haka
A traditional Māori dance that embodies cultural pride, history, and community spirit, often performed to welcome guests or during significant events. The haka is one of the most vivid symbols of Maori culture — the indigenous group who make up under a fifth of New Zealand’s population. The best-known haka is the Ka Mate — performed by New Zealand’s rugby team, the All Blacks. It derives from when an 18th-century chief, Te Rauparaha, hid from his enemies in a pit. A woman sat on the entrance to hide it. When the chief emerged from the pit, he gave thanks for seeing the sunshine again — the final lines of the haka.
South Island Coastal Splendor Tour
Experience South Island of New Zealand on this 7day independent coach tour. Travelling by coach and train through the specular South Island of New Zealand. Your journey commences in Christchurch travelling on day one to Greymouth on the world famous TranzAlpine Train and then by road to Franz Josef. Then by road up the rugged West Coast, via Haast Pass and Wanaka to Queenstown. You will have three nights in Queenstown and during your stay there you will visit Milford Sound and enjoy a nature cruise on the sound. You will also have a full free day to explore the township on your own or partake in one of the many activities that are on offer. From Queenstown you will travel by road to Dunedin where you will enjoy a sightseeing tour of the city plus a day tour out onto the Otago Peninsula for a visit to Larnach Castle and for a wildlife cruise on the harbor during your two-night stay. Tour price starts $1,530 pp
Waiheke Island Gourmet Food and Wine Tour
Indulge in the succulent tastes of Waiheke Island on a 5.5-hour food and wine tour. An informative guide picks you up from the wharf and takes you to boutique wineries. Taste wine accompanied by locally produced specialties such as olive oil, oysters, and artisan cheese. Then settle in for a platter lunch at a vineyard restaurant. Linger on Waiheke and take the ferry back to Auckland whenever you like. Tour cost $209 pp
Off Road Quad Bike Adventure Tour in Franz Josef
The Westland Tai Poutini National Park has been shaped by the flow and freezing of water over millennia. Experience the park’s ancient pathways up close with a quad bike ride over the lush landscape on this off-road adventure tour. Take in sights of the distant Southern Alps and Franz Josef Glacier as you ford shallow rivers and sped through dense rainforests. Quad bike tour through Westland Tai Poutini National Park. Don’t worry about the weather—you’ll be kitted out with wet weather gear and a chance to see the South Island’s dramatic scenery up close.
Premium New Zealand North Island
Take in the natural beauty of New Zealand’s North Island and visit iconic Hobbiton. This is natural beauty on the biggest scale – huge volcanoes, vast lakes, rolling farmlands and deep caves. On this Premium trip, you’ll spend eight days exploring the best of New Zealand’s North Island with the guidance of a passionate local leader. On a journey from Auckland to Wellington, sip local wine on Waiheke Island, explore the mythical world of Hobbiton, marvel at the geothermal delights of Rotorua, relax on the shores of Lake Taupo, explore the volcanic landscapes of Tongariro and sail across Wellington Harbor. Sip your way around Waiheke Island off the shores of Auckland. Discover an underground world during a tour of the Waitomo Glow Worm Caves, then experience the geothermal wonders of Rotorua, from bubbling hot springs to geysers and mud pools. Tour price starts $3,688 pp
Experience the exceptional with a custom luxury vacation.
Let me create the ultimate itinerary perfectly tailored to you!
Where regions are incredibly diverse and home to some of the best luxury and adventure travel experiences in the world. From golf and yachting to fine dining and wellness, New Zealand will show you premium the kiwi way. Whether you want to savor the finest wines at renowned vineyards, traverse some of earth's wonders from sky to sea or discover a new pace of travel at top spa and wellness retreats, New Zealand can take you there. Iconic highlights of adventure as a NZ first timer hitting North and/or South Island. Or Easy-going Family adventure with scenic trains rides, glow worm caves and beach days in Coromandel Peninsula. Or a romantic couple's journey designed with cozy lodges, wine tasting at cliffside vineyards and hot mineral pools under the stars.
Build your adventure, your way
My Tailor-Made trips show you the world on your terms. I turn dreaming into doing. What does your adventure look like?
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Meghann Barrios w/ Leo's Bon Voyage Meghann@lbvtravel.com 215-828-5873 Appointments by request