WHITE WATER & FJORDS

Imbibe the English-style city of Christchurch and the luxurious Otahuna Lodge, which occupies a Victorian mansion just outside the city, surrounded by countryside. This is a perfect place to relax and unwind after your flight, maybe by the pool. In Christchurch, visit the boutique shops and soak up the atmosphere in the buzzing bars and restaurants.

Your destination today is Lake Heron, a freshwater lake that’s a two-hour drive from Christchurch. It has a stunning backdrop of glacial mountains, rolling hills, forests and valleys, and this is a beautiful spot for some off-the-beaten-track exploration. From the historic and characterful Lake Heron Station, which is still a working farm, go swimming, take a boat out on the lake, and enjoy a walk around the waterfront and the forests, keeping an eye out for birds such as the kea. Wind down afterwards by feeding the sheep and relaxing by the fire – whatever you do, you’ll be surrounded by spectacular scenery.

Drive on to beautiful Wanaka and the lovely Tin Tub Lodge, which overlooks Lake Wanaka and the surrounding mountains. The scenery here, incredible even by New Zealand standards, makes Wanaka one of the top spots in New Zealand for skydiving - however, if you prefer to stay inside planes rather than jump out of them, enjoy a scenic flight over Wanaka, taking in Mt Aspiring National Park and Milford Sound as well. Seeing these regions from the air is one of the best ways to experience them. Back on the ground, Wanaka is also fantastic for hiking, from gentle lakeside strolls to challenging mountain hikes, and there are also numerous mountain biking tracks around the lake. Afterwards, wind down with a gourmet lakeside picnic.

It’s on to Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland and the beautiful Milford and Doubtful Sounds. Fiordland Lodge sits on a hill amongst several hectares of grasslands, and its cosy log cabins offer spectacular views of Lake Te Anau and its mountain backdrop.  From the doorstep, you can enjoy guided hikes around the lodge and the lake with experienced local guides, and when it comes to refuelling, don’t miss the chance to try the flavoursome local cuisine, from venison to fresh seafood to cheese.

It’s time to head out on the waters of Doubtful Sound. Less well-known and crowded than Milford Sound, it is just as beautiful, if not more so. You’ll board the luxurious Fiordland Navigator, your accommodation for the night as you cruise through the fiord, giving you plenty of time to take in the incredible landscapes as waterfalls tumble from the cliffs into the water, and pods of dolphins swim below. As you glide along, enjoy the beautiful peace of this pristine wilderness: in Maori, the fiord is known as Patea, ‘the place of silence’. The knowledgeable guides will ensure you don’t miss anything, and there are opportunities to head out in a kayak or a boat, take a dip, or simply relax onboard - there are spacious viewing decks and an observation lounge, so you can take in the scenery in style, inside and out. At night, don’t miss the chance to do some stargazing in these panoramic skies, in between enjoying a three-course buffet dinner and some drinks from the bar.

After your cruise on Doubtful Sound, it’s back to Fiordland Lodge for a night before heading to the Bay of Islands, giving you a chance to imbibe the landscapes of Fiordland for a final time before relaxing by the log fire and making the most of the delicious food and wine. The cast and crew of The Hobbit were certainly taken with this lodge during filming, calling it a ‘perfect retreat’ - and the landscapes all around the lodge are certainly cinematic – you’ll feel like you’re in your very own film. 

The Bay of Islands, at the northern tip of the North Island, offers beautiful beaches, secluded islands and activities such as exploring the beaches and sand dunes by 4WD and enjoying scenic walks around the peninsula. You can also swim with dolphins and go snorkelling, diving and kayaking in these pristine waters – the wrecks here are popular with divers in the know. Or simply relax on the beach or enjoy a picnic under the trees. Huntaway Lodge sits above several beaches, guaranteeing wonderful views over the golden sands and the island-dotted Pacific Ocean – take them in from your private balcony as you toast your perfect honeymoon.