GLIMPSES OF KIWI GLORY
Where should the indulgent traveller park his money in New Zealand? Five unmissable experiences for the luxury traveller.
NEW ZEALAND IS A land coloured from an extensive palette of green, with soulful views and dramatic landscapes to immerse in. It seduces the traveller with its unfaltering brush with nature. You can choose from action-packed adventures, mellow nature trails or charming experiences dominated by the Maori culture. So touted is the nation as an outdoor playground, that travellers often miss the fact that New Zealand offers a number of luxury experiences for the indulgent traveller. Chalk these as the top five un-missable ones on your next trip.
Volcano viewing from a helicopter
This is the most magical ‘hotspot’ of New Zealand—both literally and figuratively. White Island is the country’s only permanent active offshore volcano, and can be reached by a three-hour helicopter ride from Rotorua. Get a bird’s eye view of the Northern Lakes district as you soar over the region and get engulfed in the billowing smoke from the crater. Once you land on the island for a guided walk, expect steaming vents and technicolour sulphur formations all around. Stroll around the lunar landscape for an otherworldly day around the steam-spewing volcano. Price Approximately $628.50; Book volcanicair.co.nz
Super yacht holiday
The Bay of Islands on the northern edge of the North Island is strewn with 140 small islands, surrounded with underwater treasures. The emerald blue waters brim with fish and other marine creatures, making snorkeling a popular activity. Expect the quay to have some lean yacht traffic with holiday-makers sunning themselves on the decks, glasses of chilled New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc within graspable distance and crayfish BBQs crackling in earshot. It’s the ideal way to spend a summer day. Price Approximately $300 per night, plus fuel and insurance; Book www.greatescape.co.nz
Wine O’clock
Apart from the astounding scenery and adrenalin-packed adventures, people come in droves to New Zealand to excite the palate—especially with wines. The Waipara wine region of the South Island is the historical heartland of the wine industry, known for endless vineyards in
In good company
The low-key Kaikoura Peninsula in the South Island is rife with spectacular views of the ocean. But there is one experience that trumps others in all ways— watching the sperm whales and dolphins from a high-winged aircraft. The mammoth 60 tonners are amazing to spot from a unique perspective, their almost 18 metre length being showcased fully. The flight orbits over schools of dolphins and whales for 30 memorable minutes. Nature’s treasures don’t end here. Back in town, you can also spot fur seals on the rock formations along the sea. Price Approximately 180 NZD per person; Book whales.co.nz
the alpine country. Gentle slopes covered in neat rows sprawl as far as your eyes can see. The only logical thing to do is to step inside one for a tour and tasting experience. Both Chardonnay and Pinot Noir vines are popular products of the region and have an additional organic and biodynamic tag to their list of credentials. Customised trips are upwards of 150 NZD per person; Visit blackestate.co.nz
Geothermal wonders in the wild
Steer off the usual luxury circuit and explore the Coromandel Peninsula on the North Island. The juxtaposition of thousands of years old rainforests and ancient caves with luxury spa resorts overlooking epic views is a surreal experience. You can choose to hit the nature trails from Stony Bay to Fletchers Bay in the day and return to pamper weary legs in the holistic spas. Inviting natural springs line the Hot Water Beach to give you a flavour of the geothermal wonders that headline the region. Book coromandeldiscovery.co.nz New Zealand is rife with bespoke, lavish and classic luxury experiences. The vote of confidence from travellers has urged the country to offer sublime accommodations and spas that are addressed right in the middle of vineyards and beaches. Ancient forests, nature trails and dramatic fiords are ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and the cities thrum with a hip gastronomic, shopping and art scene. There is no reason for a traveller to endure any hardships of travel. Instead, time should be spent on deciding on the next one-of-a-kind experience.