landscapes of luxury

A 40-minute ferry ride from central Auckland, Waiheke Island is a picturesque blend of farmland, forest, beaches and an abundance of award-winning wineries and olive groves that have become an essential for visitors to the island. Waiheke is also home to one of New Zealand’s most important artistic centres – local and international artists have chosen the Island as the base for their studios where visitors can see a mix of sculptures, ceramics and paintings.

Surrounded by breathtaking natural scenery at the foot of the majestic volcano, Mount Tarawera, lies the largest of the 18 magnificent lakes of the Rotorua region, Lake Tarawera. Spend your days mountain biking or horse riding amidst the lush, native and exotic trees of the gorgeous Whakarewarewa Forest, exploring the fascinating living Māori village of Ohinemutu, taking scenic boat cruises to discover ancient Maori cave drawings or relaxing at the secluded Hot Water beach, where geothermal springs warm the lake’s glistening waters. For an adventurous outdoor getaway in a spectacularly beautiful and peaceful natural environment, look no further than lovely Lake Tarawera,

Arthur's Pass National Park lies in the centre of the South Island of New Zealand. With its towering mountains, steep gorges, wide braided rivers and breath-taking waterfalls, it is an adventure seeker’s dream. The wide riverbeds and vast beech forests of the eastern side of the park stand in striking contrast to the deeply gorged rivers flowing through the dense rain forest of the west.

Down the middle of 'the great divide' between these distinct areas is an alpine wonderland of snow-covered peaks, glaciers and scree slopes providing a mecca for skiers, snowboarders and mountaineers. Take a scenic train ride through the park and pop into the lovely little village of Arthur’s Pass. This tiny hamlet, often shrouded in a thick cloud of mist, is located within the park and offers accommodation and a few quaint restaurants.

Set in South Island, near the southern end of the Mackenzie Basin in the Waitaki District, Omarama is a charming small-town meaning ‘Place of Light’. The village is internationally renowned for its aerial gliding opportunities over the landscape’s untamed high-country, snowy mountain peaks and bright blue waters. 

Meander between the skyscraping ridges of the Clay Cliffs in the north, followed by a soak in the Omarama Hot Tubs which provide exquisite views both at night-time and during the day. The area is a fisher’s paradise, with an abundance of rainbow and brown trout in the lakes, rivers and streams and a range of guided trips on offer.

Nestled in picture postcard fashion on the shores of the Lake Wakatipu, and with a reputation as the adrenalin capital of the Southern Hemisphere, Queenstown is a sophisticated resort destination like no other.

The gateway to the Fiordland National Park, the town is surrounded by mountains, glaciers, fiords, backcountry fly fishing rivers, Lord of the Rings film scenes, deserted gold mining settlements and a host of exciting tour options.