Keep dreaming of your luxury bucket list

We arrive now on the precipice of our fifth volume of exploration, and so are looking back at our highlights from the past few weeks. We’ve explored exceptional destinations, beautiful retreats, discovered the defining flavours of our nation and soared high above the mountaintops in helicopters. We now invite you to explore our top rated, and our customer favourites in no particular order to see what exceptional options await you for exploring more of this stunning land we call home!

5-Star Accommodation

Welcome to the ultimate in New Zealand luxury retreats. This multi-award winning New Zealand retreat is set within a 75 acre estate atop its own private ridgeline that boasts phenomenal views of the glistening Bay of Islands. Take advantage of heated, horizon edged infinity pools and gourmet chefs to give you an international luxury experience right here at home! Located in easy walking distance to the town of Russell, you can embark on helicopter flightseeing, romantic picnics and so much more! A must-do in luxury Bay of Island getaways.

Plus, to make your trip EXTRA special, why not add on a Hole in the Rock helicopter tour and have your whole holiday sorted!

 

5-Star Accommodation

Perfection starts right here at the Gibbston Valley Lodge & Spa. Experience a Welcome Drink, Daily Wine Tasting Hour, Evening Turn-Down Service, Complimentary Bike Hire, Valley Parking and a Winery Shuttle into town to name just a few of the exceptional benefits of your stay here. In a refined, comfortable and modern retreat, you’ll love spending time amidst the vines, and enjoying the simple pleasures of natural quiet away from the public eye. Relax and revive with a rejuvenating spa package, sample world-class food and wine, or even branch out and have an intimate and private picnic prepared specially for you by the Executive Chef. This an experience quite unlike any other, and quite worth its weight!

 

5-Star Accommodation

Welcome to your newest luxury high-country homestead and eco-sanctuary situated in the beautiful south of New Zealand. Offering a unique, lodge-style accommodation that is just 20 minutes drive from Wanaka, or a 10 minute helicopter flight from Queenstown, you’ll discover the feeling of seclusion and privacy in virtually your own private national park. Boasting private, modern and beautiful suites, you’ll fall in love with the magic of this destination and the dramatic natural alpine vistas that dominate the region.

 

5-Star Accommodation

One of New Zealand’s premiere luxury lodges, the Solitaire Lodge enjoys breathtaking views over Lake Tarawera with lush natural bush and volcanic landscape backdrop. The perfect place to relax and rejuvenate, it combines subtle design which allows the outdoors to flow inside, with the quiet invitation to soak up the peace of quiet of this tranquil setting.Boasting a plethora of onsite amenities, and locality to the touristy thrills of Rotorua, you’ll find it a truly ultimate getaway for experiencing everything on your own time.

Plus, to make your trip EXTRA special, why not add on a Gondola & Wine Tour and have your whole holiday sorted!

Rotorua is an adventurer’s dream, full of adrenaline-racing activities and vibrant opportunities to explore a virtually untouched and untamed region of the country. Nestled amongst all this lies the incredible Sulphur Spas of Hells Gate. Sink into the geothermal pools, and allow your worries to ease away as you shut your eyes and recline peacefully in this time-stopping experience.

 

 

Journey high into the stunning Buchannan Mountains for scenery of Wanaka like no other. Get a behind the scenes view of a genuine High Country Farm at the West Wanaka Station, see beautiful, wild farm animals up close and bask in the incredible seldom-seen views of Lake Wanaka. Listen to expert local guides as they elaborate on the deep grandeur of this wondrous destination. A guaranteed adventure that the whole family will enjoy!

 

Undertake a tour of adventure as you hunt for the best boutique vineyards throughout Central Otago. From Queenstown to Cromwell, to Alexandra and more, you will see and taste more of Central Otago on this boutique wine tour! Taste over 30 delicious wines from the best producers throughout the region, and best of all, experience this in a round trip from your accommodation. Your guide will pick you up in the late morning and drop you back in the late afternoon. Sample, purchase and indulge in the best flavours that these exceptional vintners have to offer!

 

Local Cuisine, Wine Bar, Vegetarian Friendly

In operation for over 28 years and in close proximity to the new Forsyth Barr Stadium, the Bacchus Wine Bar & Restaurant boasts exceptional cuisine in the glistening jewel of the south island. An exemplary cocktail, whisky & wine menu complements a plethora of menus (3-course, lunch, evening and dessert) that overflow with sensational flavours and true local cuisine elements. Daily, changing soup, delicious risottos and authentic lamb rumps are but a few of the exceptional ways to get a true taste of Dunedin.

Step out for a delicious meal when you stay in Dunedin. Ask your Local Travel Advisor about adding this onto your booking.  

 

2-Hats Awarded, Local Cuisine, Creative Flavours

Rated 2 Hats by Cuisine 2019, this restaurant’s reputation truly speaks for itself. Boasting a modern, relaxed environment with innovative cuisine, an extensive wine list and enviably warm service, you’ll find their ever-changing dishes showcase local producers and Marlborough’s rich stories. Offering two styles, the “Eat Local” and “The Many”, their menus overflow with a veritable sense of creativity, joy and a deep-seated sense of exploration. We’re talking of sourdoughs, parsnip and fromage tortellini, slow roasted lamb, and desserts which overflow with chocolate, milk ice cream, rhubarb and so much more. We would recommend booking in advance, to ensure that you can sample this slice of perfection and experience the 2 Hats wonder for yourself. 

Step out for a delicious meal when you stay in Marlborough. Ask your Local Travel Advisor about adding this onto your booking.  

 

3-Hats Awarded, Vineyard, Local Cuisine

Rated amongst the best restaurants that the nation had to offer in 2019, the incredible Amisfield in Queenstown is known for more than just their exceptional wine. Awarded the prestigious 3-hats for their culinary prowess, their menu boasts bold flavours, decadence to rival the finest international cuisine, and a creativity that comes from being true experts in their craft. Delight your senses with this delicious experience and find a new favourite in the restaurants of New Zealand.

Step out for a delicious meal when you stay in Queenstown. Ask your Local Travel Advisor about adding this onto your booking.  

 

Click below to download our bucket-list to help mark off your top 10!

 

This concludes our New Zealand destination-focus for our Keep Dreaming of Travel series. Keep your eyes peeled for future editions where we’ll look into Spas & Retreats, Marine Adventures & more across our beautiful country!

 

Seen something else that’s caught your eye? Give your local Travel Advisor a call today and turn it into a reality!