Five unforgettable travel experiences for your New Zealand bucket list – Signature Luxury Travel & Style

From golf on world-class courses to exploring ‘Middle Earth’ via helicopter, these travel experiences will elevate your next New Zealand adventures. 

New Zealand is an epicentre of culture, adventure and awe-inspiring natural attractions. If you’re looking to make another trip over to explore New Zealand’s wild and wonderful landscape, add one of these five fantastic adventures to your luxury travel bucket list. You won’t be disappointed.

Cruise the Hauraki Gulf

Embark on a luxe super yacht and cruise your way around some of the best beaches of the Hauraki Gulf. Labelled by many as the best experience in New Zealand, Hauraki Gulf offers visitors a plethora of recreational delights.

The sparkling blue waters and dotted emerald islands are the ideal canvas for a leisurely cruise. Participate in a range of epic water experiences like diving, snorkelling, fishing, jet skiing and underwater Seabob scooters. Spend the day lounging on the ship’s hull, visit a secluded island and dine on a sumptuous local fare. Better yet, if you have time, stay overnight and extended cruise for added travel adventure.

Tee off at world-class golf courses

If you’re an avid golfer, the 14 world-class Marquee Courses should be next on your travel experiences bucket list. With a backdrop of snow-capped mountains and isolated coastal stretches, driving down the straight has never looked so good.

Beyond the stunning landscapes, some courses also provide five-star accommodation, gourmet cuisine and exceptional facilities – everything a travelling golf aficionado requires.

Tee off at the 72-par championship golf course, Kauri Cliffs, for stunning ocean views. Rated the best course in Australasia and 49 in the world, it’s sure to exceed any golfing expectations.

For fine food and a friendly putt or two, Wainui Golf Club is a fantastic meeting point. With a rural New Zealand backdrop, but only 20 minutes from downtime Auckland, it is the ideal green for those flying in or out of Auckland.

Retreat to The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs

Just 45 minutes from Auckland, The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs takes luxury to new heights. Perched upon a 200-hectare property, you’ll be treated to spectacular 180-degree views of the Pacific Ocean, as well as the stunning Kauri Cliffs Golf Course.

The grand colonial-style lodge houses 22 suites, three four-bedroom Residences and a two-bedroom Owners villa.

Dine alfresco under covered verandas, cosy up by the fireplace with a book and glass of local fine wine, or take to the great outdoors. With an infinity pool, tennis courts and fitness centre, you can be as active as you desire. With horse riding, fishing and mountain bike riding also on hand.

After an active day of exploring the natural wonders, indulge with a deluxe spa treatment at The Spa at Kauri Cliffs. Each treatment room features floor-to-ceiling views that open into a private outdoor patio. Bathe in the sweet symphonies of birdsong in a forested haven.

Explore Middle Earth on an epic helicopter tour

Take to the skies and explore ‘Middle Earth’ by helicopter on this bucket list-worthy adventure. You’ll fly above some of The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings’ most iconic landscapes like ‘Dimrill Dale’ and the ‘Ford of Bruinen’. You’ll land high on a glacier, near the ‘Misty Mountains’, offering an immerse adventure into the popular films.

Your helicopter captain, Alfie Speight, was the principal filming pilot for the trilogies, and has a wealth of knowledge to share, for a journey of this world-renowned scenery making for ever-lasting memories.

Cast a line in New Zealand’s untouched backcountry

Get knee-deep in gin-clear waters as you fly fish with local guides. With their intimate knowledge of the region and wildlife, your private fishing experience is tailored to suit all your adventurous desires.

Go heli-fishing to untouched backcountry rivers like the pristine waters of the great Wanganui, the Mohaka, Rangitkei and Ripia Rivers. Different species of trout will taunt your line, with brown and rainbow being the most common catch.

With all equipment, licensing and lunch included, this excursion will be as seamless as the river streams you fish in. And lasts over up to eight hours.