7-day Luxury self-drive New Zealand South Island itinerary
Wine, Kayak, and Golf Tour in Marlborough
Rather than trying to cover a thousand kilometres in a day, this itinerary limits the distance you have to travel in order to pack a lot in, letting you save the long drives for the golf course! Renowned kiwi luxury tour operators Black Label Experience let you put together your own high-end New Zealand South Island itinerary for 7 days of unforgettable elegance. Covering the top of the South – both geographically and in terms of attractions – this self-drive itinerary lets you see some of New Zealand’s most beautiful scenery, taste the country’s best wine, and enjoy a round of world-class golf. Starting in Blenheim, the epicentre of Marlborough’s world-famous Sauvignon Blanc production, take a private tour of several vineyards and enjoy exclusive cellar door tastings at some of New Zealand’s premier wineries, such as Cloudy Bay and Mount Riley Wines.
Then, after a night at a historic bed & breakfast, play a round of golf at the Marlborough Golf Club, one of New Zealand’s oldest golf courses, founded in 1900 and set in a stunning location surrounded by vineyards. The following day, drive an hour to Havelock, spend a night in comfort at Blue Moon Lodge, then enjoy a gentle kayaking tour on the Pelorus river. Arguably New Zealand’s most beautiful river, the Pelorus is a rare wildlife haven, and you’ll be looked after by your own personal guide.
Abel Tasman National Park luxury kayak tour
To complete this luxury New Zealand South Island itinerary within 7 days, drive a few hours onto Nelson and take an unforgettable scenic helicopter ride over Abel Tasman National Park. Drift over golden beaches, turquoise water, and lush forests on your way to the secluded oasis of Awaroa Lodge, where you'll find exquisite meals and luxurious comfort for a night's stay. The Resurgence, surrounded by native forest and voted among the world's best 25 eco lodges by National Georgraphic, is another exquisite option for active couples looking for immersion in nature, a romantic setting, and delicious gourmet food. If, rightly so, you’d like to spend more time exploring Abel Tasman National Park in serious comfort, why not link onto the 5-day Luxury Kayak Tour from Abel Tasman Kayaks? This tour lets you experience the untouched beauty and uncharted coastlines of D’Urville Island for 3 whole days, all the while being catered for with sensational local seafood dinners.
If you’re intrigued by the active element of the Premier New Zealand South Island itinerary for 7 days, but you would rather have everything taken care of for you, then you might also be interested in the lavish 8-day South Island luxury tour from Aroha Tours, which includes a day kayaking on Milford Sound!
5-day Bay of Islands Comfort Kayaking Tour
Best kayaking locations in New Zealand uncovered
The Bay of Islands is an absolute paradise for kayaking. Over 100 islands dotted across a sub-tropical sea, this is one of the best kayaking locations in New Zealand with countless beaches, coves, and inlets to explore. The Comfort Kayaking tour lets you paddle through rock gardens and tunnels, snorkel at a white-sand beach, and even listen out for the calls of wild kiwi over 5 leisurely days exploring the islands. The itinerary includes circumnavigating Moturoa Island and paddling all the way out to Cape Wiwiki, accompanied by an experienced guide who is knowledgeable on the local history, flora and fauna that you’ll encounter.
A luxury kayak tour that has taste
What really makes this tour different from the other Bay of Islands kayak tours, though, is what awaits you after your days out on the water: an evening aperitif, a gourmet meal from your own personal chef (featuring locally caught seafood – even mussels you harvest yourself!), a hot shower, and a comfortable bed in a gorgeous private beachside cottage. Another bonus for choosing this tour is that they make an effort to prioritise ecological practices, so you can feel safe that you’re doing your best to help keep this piece of paradise one of the best luxury places in New Zealand to kayak for future generations.
22-day New Zealand helicopter tour
Kayak, hike, and sail in serious style
Luxury kayak adventure in Stewart IslandIn short, this tour covers the best places in New Zealand. In slightly longer terms, this all-inclusive, nationwide luxury helicopter tour in New Zealand is the experience of a lifetime – in fact, it’s several experiences of a lifetime squeezed into one elegant package. Heli hiking on Fox Glacier, private sailing around the Bay of Islands, a guided walk on the Milford Track, a private boat charter and fishing excursion on Lake Taupo, and a scenic luxury kayak adventure in Stewart Island are but a few of the items on this incredible itinerary.
Enjoy first-class food and service in beautiful wilderness
Huka Lodge on Lake TaupoFrom the top of New Zealand to the bottom, this all-inclusive helicopter vacation lets you see almost everything in serious style. Stay in famous luxury accommodations around New Zealand – like Huka Lodge on Lake Taupo and the Alpine Chalet in the Buchanan Mountain Range – and enjoy a gourmet breakfast every morning, plus a 3-course meal prepared every day by your own personal chef. The 22-night NZ Helicopter Vacation also includes a private cooking class with the head chef at acclaimed Christchurch establishment Otahuna Lodge, as well as privately guided wine tours around Central Otago and Hawke’s Bay, so it’s particularly suitable for travellers with a taste for the finer things in life!
