New Zealand Luxury Itinerary: 3 Weeks / 21 Days 🍷 [2024]

© Unsplash

How to Get Around New Zealand in 3 Weeks

The below luxury itinerary is best done as a self-drive itinerary. We also include a few other transport methods such as a train and ferry journey, while you may also need to book connecting flights. Transport to consider using for this three-week luxury itinerary for New Zealand includes:

Rental Car or Campervan

Renting a car or a motorhome is the easiest way to achieve the below itinerary. Use a rental company that has depots in Auckland and Christchurch, then Greymouth and Christchurch, as you will be swapping rental vehicles between the TranzAlpine train journey. Start your research using The Guide to Renting a Car or The Guide Renting a Campervan in New Zealand.

Helicopter Transfers

These provide a quick way to get between destinations when you first arrive in Auckland. INFLITE/Heletranz offer airport transfers.

Ferries

This itinerary includes a trip on the ferry between Wellington and Picton. Find out more in The Ferry Between the North Island and South Island. There is also the option to take the ferry between Auckland and Waiheke Island, which you can learn more about in our guide to Public Transport in Auckland.

Train

This itinerary also includes a one-way train journey on the TranzAlpine between Christchurch and Greymouth. Find out more on the Train Network in New Zealand.

Domestic Flights

The below itinerary begins in Auckland and ends in Christchurch. Both cities have international airports and are well-connected with domestic flights. If you’re leaving from Auckland, you will need to consider booking a domestic flight from Christchurch to Auckland.

Escorted Tours

If driving and/or organising your own trip is something you’d rather leave to the professionals, then consider taking an escorted tour of the country. Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours, Luxury Gold and APT offer 19 to 21-day tours of New Zealand with accommodation, some meals and some activities included. Note that they follow their own set itineraries; not the one listed below. Learn more about national tours in The Best 20+ Days Tours of New Zealand.

Finally, if you’re new to the whole road-tripping thing, make sure it runs smoothly following the 10 Ways to Relax on a Road Trip.

© ATEED

Day 1 – Auckland Airport to Waiheke Island

Travel time: 40 minutes drive then 40 minutes ferry or 15 minutes helicopter flight
Welcome to Aotearoa New Zealand! Because these islands are far from pretty much everywhere, this itinerary begins with some time to get over the jet lag. And what better way to do that than with a wine in hand on Waiheke Island? Either take a helicopter transfer to your Waiheke Island accommodation or a combination of taxi, ferry and accommodation transfer. Ferry tickets are available on Klook and KKday.

Relax with some of the luxury experiences on Waiheke Island, from winery-hopping tours to spa retreats within luxury lodges. Get a good night’s rest, as you’ll be heading back to the mainland tomorrow where your trip really begins!

Luxury Experiences on Waiheke Island

• Do a winery and olive grove tour with Ananda Tours (more info on Viator and Klook)
• Indulge in a spa treatment at one of the island’s luxury lodges, such as Marino Ridge or Delamore Lodge
• Zipline over vineyards and native forest with Ecozip Adventures (on Viator and Klook)
• Do a guided Waiheke Island art walk with Terra & Tide.

For more inspiration, take a look at the 9 Glorious Things to Do on Waiheke Island.

Luxury Accommodation on Waiheke Island

• Delamore Lodge
• The Moorings Studio Apartments
• Villas Waiheke
• Woodside Bay Chalets
• Palm Beach Lodge

© NZPocketGuide.com

Day 2 – Waiheke Island to Auckland

Travel time: 40 minutes ferry

After some rejuvenation on Waiheke Island, it’s time to take a scenic ferry trip through the Hauraki Gulf to Auckland Central.

In New Zealand’s largest city, why not dine in the revolving restaurant atop the Sky Tower or browse the Auckland Art Gallery? Those feeling more adventurous can experience the speed of an America’s Cup Yacht at the Waitemata Harbour with Explore. Find out more about the latter on Viator or Klook.

Luxury Experiences in Auckland

• See the city from spectacular heights in a helicopter or seaplane tour with Auckland Helicopters, Heletranz or Auckland Seaplanes
• Inspire yourself at the Auckland Art Gallery
• Hit the water for a lunch cruise or on an America’s Cup yacht (on Viator and Klook)
• Try your luck at the vibrant SkyCity Casino
• Discover Auckland’s historical and cultural sites on a Maori culture tour with TIME Unlimited Tours.

Find out more about each experience in our 10 Luxury Experiences in Auckland.

Luxury Accommodation in Auckland

• SO/ Auckland
• The Hotel Britomart
• voco Auckland City Centre
• Cordis, Auckland
• The Grand by SkyCity

Find out more about each accommodation in the 25 Best Luxury Hotels in Auckland.

© THL

Day 3 – Auckland to Rotorua (via Waitomo)

Travel time: 2 hrs 30 mins (via Waitomo: 4 hours)

Pick up your rental vehicle and leave the big city behind for a road trip around the North Island. While you could drive straight to Rotorua and stop by the picturesque Hamilton Gardens, we recommend taking a wee bit of a detour to Waitomo…

Waitomo is the location of New Zealand’s most famous glowworm caves; a subterranean wonderland with magnificent limestone formations teeming with glowworms. There are many ways to experience the caves, from private caving tours to boat tours. Compare your options in the 8 Best Waitomo Cave Tours and the 10 Luxury Experiences in Waitomo.

Luxury Experiences in Waitomo

• Delve on an exclusive private tour of Waitomo’s caves with Glowing Adventures
• Abseil, float and scramble through the caves with The Legendary Black Water Rafting Co. (on Viator and Klook)
• Experience an enchanting boat ride under the glowworms at the Waitomo Glowworms Caves
• Relax with a spa treatment at Waitomo Adventures
• Tackle a multi-day cycling experience with Timber Trail Lodge.

For elaboration on each experience and more, see the 10 Luxury Experiences in Waitomo.

Your final stop today is Rotorua, where we will get into activities tomorrow. For now, check-in at one of the town’s premium accommodations.

Luxury Accommodation in Rotorua

• Solitaire Lodge
• On the Point – Lake Rotorua
• Pullman Rotorua
• Regent of Rotorua
• Ngamihi Lodge

For elaboration on our top recommendations, browse the 20 Best Luxury Accommodations in Rotorua.

© Julian Apse & Destination Rotorua - Tourism New Zealand

Day 4 – Explore Rotorua

You have the entire day to explore Rotorua along with its geothermal wonders and immersive Maori culture. Fly onto one of the nearby volcanoes on a unique helicopter tour with Volcanic Air (more info on Viator and Klook) or gain a greater understanding of the Maori culture of New Zealand on a private tour with Kahukiwi Experiences.

After the day’s adventure, retreat to your accommodation or book a table at Mokoia Restaurant (at the Wai Ora Lakeside Spa Resort) or The Regent Room (at the Regent of Rotorua) for indigenous New Zealand cuisine.

Luxury Experiences in Rotorua

• Visit Rotorua’s geothermal and volcanic highlights with Elite Adventures
• Fly and land on the Mt Tarawera volcano with Volcanic Air (on Viator and Klook)
• Enjoy an authentic Maori tour with Kahukiwi Experiences
• Drive the 4WD challenges at Off Road NZ
• See one of the most stunning and off-the-beaten-track forests with Foris Eco-Tours.

For more details on each experience, as well as other ideas, check out the 10 Luxury Experiences in Rotorua.

© www.lovetaupo.com

Day 5 – Rotorua to Taupo

Travel time: 1 hour

While it’s only a short journey from Rotorua to Taupo, it’s worth breaking it up by experiencing the lunar landscape of Orakei Korako.

After exploring the geothermal park, your final destination is Taupo on the shores of New Zealand’s largest lake. Relax your road trip aches in one of the town’s premium hot pool complexes, Taupo DeBretts or check out the town’s eclectic dining scene, where we list recommendations in The Luxury Guide to Taupo.

Luxury Experiences in Taupo

• Ride the Great Lake Trails on a personalised tour with Taupo Kayaking Adventures (more info on Viator or Klook)
• Indulge in the mineral hot pools and spa treatments of Taupo’s premium hot pool complexes, like Taupo DeBretts
• See the lake and volcanoes from above on a scenic flight with Taupo’s Floatplane or Chopper Worx Taupo
• Hit the ski slopes of Mt Ruapehu
• Play golf on some of New Zealand’s most prestigious golf courses like Wairakei Golf and Sanctuary or the Kinloch Club.

For more information on each experience and more, be sure to check out the 10 Luxury Experiences in Taupo.

Luxury Accommodation in Taupo

• Huka Lodge
• Flying Trout Boutique Lodge
• Hilton Lake Taupo
• Sacred Waters Taupo
• Lake Taupo Lodge

For elaboration on our top recommendations, see the 15 Best Luxury Accommodations in Taupo.

© Gannet Safaris Overland - Hawke's Bay

Day 6 – Taupo to Napier

Travel time: 1 hr 50 mins

It’s time to travel over the hill to Napier and the Hawke’s Bay region, famous for being New Zealand’s oldest wine region, as well as for its stark art deco architecture. Leave yourself enough time in the day to jump on a premium wine tour once you get there, visiting the region’s oldest wineries. Check out the tour with Vines and Views Tours.

For those who prefer to connect with nature, a fantastic experience is visiting New Zealand’s largest mainland gannet colony and the dramatic cliff formations of Cape Kidnappers. Join Gannet Safaris Overland for either a group or private 4WD tour of this hard-to-reach site.

Luxury Experiences in Napier

• Tour Napier and its winery in a vintage VW Kombi with Avantogo Tours
• Take a private art deco tour with the Art Deco Trust
• Get the real Maori experience with Waimarama Maori Tours
• See New Zealand’s largest mainland gannet colony with Gannet Safaris Overland
• Experience rafting in an epic river with Mohaka Rafting.

Find out more about each experience and its location in the 10 Luxury Experiences in Napier.

Luxury Accommodation in Napier

• Swiss-Belboutique Napier
• McHardy Lodge
• The County Hotel
• The Crown Hotel
• Art Deco Masonic Hotel

For more information on our top recommendations, see the 10 Best Luxury Accommodations in Napier.

© Mike Clare - WellingtonNZ

Day 7 – Napier to Wellington

Travel time: 4 hrs 20 mins

Your North Island journey continues today with a drive down the Hawke’s Bay region through the Manawatu Gorge complete with stunning walks through lush native forest. Stop by Ashhurst or Palmerston North for a road trip snack. We list recommendations in The Luxury Guide to Palmerston North and The Food Guide to Palmerston North.

Finally, you’ll finish in New Zealand’s coolest little capital, the city of Wellington. There’s something for just about any city-lover here, from the renowned Te Papa Museum and its guided tours (more info on Viator and Klook) to its whisky bar and craft brewery scene. On the other hand, those who prefer the wilderness will certainly get a sense of it at the Zealandia Ecosanctuary and its special night tours to see kiwi birds. Check out Viator or Klook to find out more.

Luxury Experiences in Wellington

• Play at one of Wellington’s prestigious golf courses
• Explore Wellington’s designer boutiques
• Join a wine tour of the Wairarapa wine region with Zozo Travel
• Try fine whisky at the city’s reputable whisky bars
• See Wellington from new heights with Wellington Helicopters (more info on Viator or Klook).

Find out more about each experience and much more in the 10 Luxury Experiences in Wellington.

Luxury Accommodation in Wellington

• InterContinental Wellington
• Rydges Wellington
• QT Wellington
• Sofitel Wellington
• Mövenpick Hotel Wellington

Find out more about each accommodation in our 15 Best Luxury Accommodations in Wellington.

© Unsplash

Day 8 – Wellington to Picton

Travel time: 3 hours ferry

Enjoy a scenic ferry journey across the Cook Strait, from the Wellington Harbour to the stunning Marlborough Sounds. Revel in the sounds landscape while looking out for dolphins on one of the world’s most scenic ferry journeys. Make your trip extra special by booking into one of the adults-only lounges with Interislander, which includes food and drink. Book your tickets on Direct Ferries, Viator or Klook.

Don’t leave your arrival town on the South Island just yet, as there’s more to explore in the Marlborough Sounds. In fact, the sounds are home to some of the most prestigious resorts in New Zealand, giving you a fabulous holiday away from your holiday.

As for things to do, the sparkling waters of the Marlborough Sounds provide an idyllic backdrop to the trails of the renowned Queen Charlotte Track or a seafood cruise with the Marlborough Tour Company (more info on Viator and Klook). But if none of these excites you, how about delving into our list of other premium activities in Picton and the Marlborough region?

Luxury Experiences in Picton

• Hike the Queen Charlotte Track
• Enjoy a private Marlborough region wine tour (more info on Viator and Tripadvisor)
• Take to the skies in a scenic flight over Marlborough with Pelorus Air or Coast to Coast Helicopters
• Indulge in a relaxing spa treatment at the Bay of Many Coves
• Sail the Marlborough Sounds with Sounds by Sail or Steadfast.

For more details on each experience and others, see our 10 Luxury Experiences in Picton.

Luxury Accommodation in Picton

• Kippilaw House
• Escape to Picton
• Bay of Many Coves
• Sennen House Boutique Accommodation
• Punga Cove Resort

For more details on our top recommendations, take a look at the 10 Best Luxury Accommodations in Picton.

© Barry Peck - www.nelsontasman.nz

Day 9 – Picton to Nelson and the Abel Tasman National Park

Travel time: 1 hr 50 mins to Nelson then 55 minutes to the Abel Tasman National Park

Leave the Marlborough Sounds behind for New Zealand’s sunniest city, Nelson. There are two routes to get there from Picton, either via Blenheim where you can visit wineries (there will be more time to do this later if not today) or the winding scenic route via Queen Charlotte Drive. Both have the same travel time.

You may wish to stay in the city of Nelson, so you’re close to various eateries, wineries and have a wider selection of accommodation. Alternatively, it’s another 55 minutes to the Abel Tasman National Park where most Abel Tasman tours depart.

You have more time to explore tomorrow. For now, enjoy the luxury of your chosen accommodation.

Luxury Accommodation in Nelson

• The Sails Nelson
• Tides Hotel
• Grand Arden Monaco Nelson
• Quail Farm, Colonial Charm
• Quest Nelson

For more details on our top recommendations, browse the 10 Best Luxury Accommodations in Nelson.

© www.nelsontasman.nz

Day 10 – Explore the Abel Tasman National Park

You’ll be forgiven for thinking you’ve stumbled upon a tropical island when you feel your toes in the golden sand of the Abel Tasman National Park. Admire its beauty from the air on helicopter and plane charters or get a little closer to the action by sailing on a catamaran yacht. You could even take a timeout from this itinerary with a three-day sailing holiday.

Luxury Experiences in Nelson and Abel Tasman National Park

• Explore Nelson Tasman by helicopter with Helicopters Nelson
• Take a scenic flight with Golden Bay Air
• Do a day tour or liveaboard holiday with Abel Tasman Sailing Adventures
• Hire a private charter with Abel Tasman Charters – Day Tours
• Do a small-group or private tour of Abel Tasman or Golden Bay with Wine, Art & Wilderness.

For the finer details on each experience and others, take a look at the 10 Luxury Experiences in Nelson.

© NZPocketGuide.com

Day 11 – Nelson to Kaikoura

Travel time: 3 hr 25 mins

You have another chance to explore the Marlborough wine region today as you leave Nelson for the South Island’s east coast. Today’s final destination is Kaikoura, which is famous for its abundance of year-round marine wildlife.

A must-do is seeing Kaikoura’s sperm whales and playful dusky dolphins. Get a unique perspective from above on a scenic whale-watching flight. Choose from a fixed-wing flight Wings Over Whales (more info on Viator and Klook) or enjoy the manoeuvrability of flying over the whales by helicopter with South Pacific Helicopters. Alternatively, land on top of mountains in the remote alpine wilderness with Kaikoura Helicopters.

There are plenty of reasons to keep your feet firmly on the ground too between the private multi-day hike of the Kaikoura Coast Track to the scenic fairways of the Kaikoura Golf Course.

Luxury Experiences in Kaikoura

• Fly over the whales and dolphins on a scenic plane or helicopter flight
• Land in the majestic Kaikoura Mountains with Kaikoura Helicopters
• Sample fresh crayfish at one of the restaurants
• Walk the private Kaikoura Coast Track
• Play golf on the Kaikoura Golf Course.

For more information on these luxury activities, check out the 10 Luxury Experiences in Kaikoura.

Luxury Accommodation in Kaikoura

• Hapuku Lodge & Tree Houses
• Glenburn Coastal Retreat
• The Hamptons
• The Fairways at Ocean Ridge
• Manakau Lodge

Find out more about each accommodation in our 10 Best Luxury Accommodations in Kaikoura.

© Pxhere

Day 12 – Kaikoura to Christchurch

Travel time: 2 hr 25 mins

Head south today to the South Island’s largest city, Christchurch. You could visit the wineries of the Waipara Valley independently or wait until you reach Christchurch for a private or small-group tour with Cheeky Wine Tours. Alternatively, take a one-hour detour to Hanmer Springs for the alpine resort town’s magnificent hot springs complex, as well as the 10 Luxury Experiences in Hanmer Springs.

If you head straight to Christchurch, however, you’ll have more time to hop onto a private luxury tour of the city with Legend Tours and Travels. Either way, this evening can be spent indulging in a four-course meal onboard the Christchurch Tramway Restaurant.

Remember to return your rental vehicle to the Christchurch depot today, because tomorrow you are taking the train to the West Coast.

Luxury Accommodation in Christchurch

• The Observatory Hotel Christchurch
• Sudima Christchurch City
• The Mayfair
• The Classic Villa
• The George

For more details on our top recommendations, take a look at the 10 Best Luxury Accommodations in Christchurch.

© westcoast.co.nz

Day 13 – Christchurch to Greymouth

Travel time: 4 hours train

This morning, jump onboard the TranzAlpine for one of the world’s most scenic railway journeys. Starting from the Christchurch Railway Station, the journey on “Scenic Plus Class” carriages with panoramic windows takes you through the lush Canterbury Plains to the mountainous wilderness of the Arthur’s Pass National Park. Book tickets on Viator or Klook.

Once you arrive in Greymouth, you’ll be able to pick up a new rental vehicle before heading to your chosen accommodation. This afternoon, you will have time to take a swing at one of the local golf courses, do some boutique shopping, or drive/take a guided tour of the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks.

Luxury Experiences in Greymouth

• See the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks, Hokitika Gorge or other highlights with Explore West Coast
• Cycle the West Coast Wilderness Trail
• Play a round at one of the local golf courses
• Fly and land in the majestic Southern Alps with Anderson Helicopters
• Do some boutique shopping and gallery browsing in town.

For more details on each experience, see the 10 Luxury Experiences in Greymouth.

Luxury Accommodation in Greymouth

• Rimu Lodge
• Coleraine Suites & Apartments
• Goldfield Suites
• Copthorne Hotel Greymouth
• Paparoa Beach Hideaway

Find out more about each accommodation in the 5 Best Luxury Accommodations in Greymouth.

© NZPocketGuide.com

Day 14 – Greymouth to Franz Josef Glacier

Travel time: 2 hrs 10 mins

If the weather is clear but is forecast to be wet for the next couple of days, drive straight to Franz Josef. That way, you won’t miss out if your helicopter tour gets cancelled due to bad weather (which happens frequently). Otherwise, take your time on the way down to Franz Josef, perhaps to admire the vibrant blue pools of Hokitika Gorge or to experience the New Zealand rainforest from new heights on the West Coast Treetop Walk & Zipline.

We’ll talk more about what to do in Franz Josef tomorrow. For now, you have some fabulous accommodations to choose from.

Luxury Accommodation in Franz Josef

• Te Waonui Forest Retreat
• Rainforest Retreat
• Westwood Lodge
• Kahere Retreat
• Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier

For more details on our top recommendations, take a look at the 5 Best Luxury Accommodations in Franz Josef.

© NZPocketGuide.com

Day 15 – Explore Franz Josef

Most travellers visit Franz Josef to set foot on the famous glacier itself. One of the most accessible and private options is a scenic helicopter flight complete with a snow landing, such as with HeliServices.NZ (more info on Viator and Klook). Alternatively, join a group tour to explore the ice caves on a heli-hike with Franz Josef Glacier Guides and The Helicopter Line (on Viator and KKday).

If you catch yourself in Franz Josef in bad weather, you can always soak the disappointment away at the Waiho Hot Tubs or be pampered at the Amaia Luxury Spa of the Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier.

Luxury Experiences in Franz Josef

• Hike on the ice of the Franz Josef Glacier with Franz Josef Glacier Guides and The Helicopter Line (find out more on Viator and KKday)
• Catch salmon or brown trout at Lake Mapourika with Franz Josef Wilderness Tours (more info on Viator and Klook)
• Do one of New Zealand’s most scenic skydives with Skydive Franz Josef & Fox Glacier (on Viator and Klook)
• Indulge in a spa treatment at Amaia Luxury Spa
• Be treated to degustation dining amidst the rainforest at Te Waonui Forest Retreat.

See our 10 Luxury Experiences in Franz Josef for more details on each experience and more.

© Unsplash

Day 16 – Franz Josef to Queenstown

Travel time: 4 hrs 45 mins

If you didn’t get the chance to fly over the glacier yesterday, this morning might be your chance. Otherwise, pray that the weather will change once you arrive in Haast where the tiny town has its own array of helicopter and fixed-wing excursions. Learn more in the 10 Luxury Experiences in Haast. Otherwise, cruising down the Waiatoto River into the unspoiled Mt Aspiring National Park is a fantastic rainy day activity thanks to the all-weather jet boat design of Waiatoto River Safaris.

Down the Haast Pass, you have an array of short walks to stunning waterfalls and blue pools to enjoy independently, as listed on the Department of Conservation website.

Stop for dinner with glorious lake views in Wanaka, where we provide plenty of dining recommendations in The Luxury Guide to Wanaka and The Food Guide to Wanaka.

Then, enjoy a scenic drive over the Crown Range and the Cardrona Valley to the “Adrenaline Capital of New Zealand”, Queenstown. You have plenty of time to experience its tours in the upcoming days.

Luxury Accommodation in Queenstown

• Minaret Station Alpine Lodge
• Lime Tree Lodge
• Wanaka Luxury Apartments
• Edgewater Hotel
• Lakeside Apartments

Find out more about each premium accommodation in our 10 Best Luxury Accommodations in Queenstown.

© Unsplash

Day 17 – Explore Queenstown

Adrenaline, food, wine, golf, scenery, spas: whatever your vibe is, Queenstown is likely to have it. In summer, tee off at some of New Zealand’s most prestigious golf courses, while winter is when the mountains beckon for heli-skiing such as with Alpine Heliski. Explore one of the most dangerous roads on an exclusive private tour with Off Road 4X4 Queenstown.

And, the list goes on between the 10 Luxury Experiences in Queenstown and the 10 Things to Do in Queenstown.

Luxury Experiences in Queenstown

• Take a private 4WD excursion to Skippers Canyon
• Play golf at Queenstown’s prestigious courses
• Escape the crowds with heli-skiing with Alpine Heliski or at Queenstown’s private ski field, Soho Basin
• Explore the Great Walks with an expert guide on a guided hike with Nomad Safaris (more info on Klook and Viator)
• Do a wine and foodie tour with Queenstown Wine Trail (on Viator and Klook).

For more information on each experience, check out the 10 Luxury Experiences in Queenstown.

© Megan Thomas - Destination Fiordland

Day 18 – Explore More of Queenstown or Fly to Milford Sound

You have plenty of time to do the Queenstown experiences you might have missed yesterday. On the other hand, today could be the day that you discover the “Eighth Wonder of the World” for yourself…

By far the most luxurious way to experience Milford Sound, getting there by plane or helicopter takes just 35 minutes. All the while, you’ll soak in the views of magnificent glacier-carved valleys, mountains, alpine lakes and vast forest.

Once you arrive in Milford Sound, you can enjoy one of the two-hour cruises through the fiord, allowing you to experience the Fiordland National Park in two amazing ways. Compare flights and experiences with our 5 Best Scenic Flights to Milford Sound from Queenstown.

© Unsplash

Day 19 – Queenstown to Aoraki Mt Cook National Park

Travel time: 3 hrs 10 mins

You have a long yet stunning journey ahead of you today, starting with the dramatic river scenery of the Kawarau Gorge on your way to Cromwell. Do a wine tasting in Cromwell before heading north through what is deemed the most beautiful road in New Zealand, Lindis Pass. You’ll come out the other side in Omarama where a highlight includes soaking in the soothing waters of Hot Tubs Omarama.

The final leg to Aoraki Mt Cook is through the high country village of Twizel where you can stop by for a skydive with Skydive Mt. Cook, as well as the activities listed in the 6 Fun Things to Do in Twizel.

Follow the shores of the vibrant blue Lake Pukaki to Aoraki Mt Cook Village or to one of the luxury lodges around the lake. Devour Kiwi cuisine to the views of New Zealand’s highest mountains before calling it a night at your accommodation.

Luxury Accommodation in Mt Cook

• The Hermitage Hotel Mt Cook
• Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat
• Lakestone Lodge
• Matuka Luxury Lodge
• SkyScape

For more details on each stay, take a look at the 5 Best Luxury Accommodations in Mt Cook.

© Unsplash

Day 20 – Explore Aoraki Mt Cook National Park

This is your last day in the mountainous regions of the South Island so make the most of it. Take to the skies and land on a glacier in a ski plane with Mt Cook Ski Planes & Helicopters – one of the only places in the world where you can have such an experience. Find out more on Viator or Klook. If you missed out on a glacier heli-hike in Franz Josef, then you get another chance here on New Zealand’s longest glacier with Mt Cook Glacier Guiding.

Luxury Experiences in Mt Cook

• Land on the Tasman Glacier in a ski plane (more details on Viator or Klook)
• Do a heli-hike on New Zealand’s longest glacier with Mt Cook Glacier Guiding
• Treat yourself to a spa day at Lakestone Lodge or Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat
• Do a guided hike in the Aoraki Mt Cook National Park with Ultimate Hikes
• Have a private picnic experience amongst the peak with Inflite Experiences.

For more details on each experience and more, see the 10 Luxury Experiences in Mt Cook.

© Unsplash

Day 21 – Aoraki Mt Cook National Park to Christchurch Airport

Travel time: 4 hours

Your last day in New Zealand ends with one last Kiwi road trip, this time between Aoraki Mt Cook and Christchurch. Your first stop will be the lakeshores of Lake Tekapo for more mesmerising landscapes. Pick up souvenirs at the boutiques in Fairlie and, if you have time, check out the many vintage museums of Geraldine. You’ll finally journey through the pastures of the Canterbury Plains towards Christchurch Airport.

Remember to give yourself enough time to return your rental vehicle. There are connecting flights from Christchurch Airport to Auckland Airport, as well as international flights out of Christchurch.

Then it’s herae rā (goodbye), New Zealand!

© First Light Travel

Plan This Luxury Itinerary with First Light Travel

If you like this New Zealand luxury itinerary for three weeks but don’t like the hassle of planning everything yourself, then there’s a way to lighten the load. First Light Travel is an online travel agent specialising in luxury itineraries in New Zealand. Plus, using their service is super simple:

• First, send First Light Travel an enquiry by completing their online form
• Then, you’ll receive your customised luxury itinerary
• Review your itinerary and work with your First Light Travel agent on perfecting it
• Finally, First Light Travel will organise the rest including the bookings.

First Light Travel has access to more than 20,000 travel products, including almost all the tours and accommodations featured on this list (and more). With that and their local expertise here in New Zealand, they will create a well-catered luxury itinerary to meet your needs while also suggesting some dream travel experiences that you may have never heard of. They only work with companies where their past clients have had positive experiences, so you know you’re in good hands.

What’s more, all of the bookings are arranged by First Light Travel, so instead of having to contact each individual accommodation and operator should your travel plans change, any amendments can be done through your FLT agent – easy! Did we mention the service is at no extra cost to you?!

For more information on planning your own New Zealand itinerary, see How to Create the Perfect New Zealand Road Trip Itinerary. Or better yet, jump on firstlighttravel.com and start making your own itinerary there.