The Daily Telegraph - Saturday - Travel
Experience the ultimate journey in New Zealand
Win the private journey of a lifetime to New Zealand with expert UK tour operator Red Savannah and leading airline Air New Zealand. You and a guest will embark on a 15-day luxurious journey to the country voted as the best in the world by Telegraph Travel readers for the last four years. After enjoying awardwinning in-flight service in Premium Economy, you’ll stay in some of the finest and newest hotels on both North Island and South Island, and discover what makes New Zealand one of the most beautiful and desirable countries to visit and live in.
Complete The Telegraph Travel Awards 2017 survey and you win a 15-day private tour of New Zealand with Red Savannah and Air New Zealand
The prize
Your journey to Auckland begins on board Air New Zealand in its innovative Premium Economy cabin. Guests settle into a luxurious leather seat with generous armrests and adjustable leg and foot rests, before enjoying a glass of sparkling wine and a dining experience devised by chefs Peter Gordon and Michael Meredith. It could be pancakes for breakfast or Char Sui duck for dinner – and a selection of premium wines are matched to the menu. Then enjoy the entertainment via the airline’s Panasonic eX3 inflight system.
On arrival in Auckland, you’ll be met by a Red Savannah representative and transferred for a 40-minute ferry journey to beautiful Waiheke Island. Here you’ll stay for three nights at the boutique hideaway, The Boatshed, where you’re only minutes from local galleries and the beach. Daybeds and panoramic views of the bay define the mood here. You can even take the hotel’s Mini Moke for a spin around the island.
Next you’ll fly to Napier, collect a rental car and drive to The Manse, a gorgeous luxury lodge in Hawke’s Bay and your home for the next three nights. It’s located on a hill overlooking the surrounding mountains bordering the worldrenowned Gimblett Gravels wine region. Relax on the terrace or in the pool, or stay in the library stocked with Cuban cigars and malt whiskies.
Your adventure continues with a flight to Nelson and a leisurely drive to the stunning setting of Edenhouse, where you’ll stay for three nights. With amazing views in each direction, Edenhouse hosts a maximum of six guests at any one time. From here you can explore Nelson and the Abel Tasman National Park area, which offers some of the most magnificent coastlines in New Zealand.
Your final stop is Queenstown, where you’ll stay for two nights in one of New Zealand’s finest retreats, Eichardt’s Private Hotel. Dating back to 1866, Eichardt’s has just five
The providers
Red Savannah (redsavannah.com) is one of the UK’s most respected tour operators and has been voted “Favourite Specialist Tour Operator” by Telegraph readers. It organises