It had always been our dream to explore New Zealand (“Aotearoa” in Māori), but we wanted to do it in style. So, one glorious summer, my partner and I embarked on a 7-day luxury journey through this breathtaking country.
From the adrenaline-fueled playground of Queenstown to the geothermal wonders of Rotorua, with plenty of scenic drives and indulgences in between, our trip was equal parts romance, adventure, and extravagance.
Traveling in the height of New Zealand’s summer (January), we enjoyed long sunny days and pleasantly warm weather – perfect for exploring.
Planning such a trip meant budgeting for some big-ticket experiences. We decided early on that this would be a “no-expense-spared” vacation, a once-in-a-lifetime treat. We even splurged on business-class flights (averaging around $6,265 per person round-trip from the US) to ensure the journey began in comfort.
In the spirit of full transparency, I’ll be sharing our costs in USD for accommodations, transportation, meals, wine, and activities as we recount each day of our adventure. We hope our story inspires and informs fellow travelers looking to experience New Zealand’s wonders in luxury.
Tip: New Zealand’s summer is peak season – book luxury accommodations, popular restaurants, and tours well in advance. The best experiences often fill up fast!)
Day 1: Arrival in Queenstown
After a 12-hour overnight flight, we arrived in Queenstown feeling surprisingly refreshed (those lie-flat seats in business class were worth it). Stepping off the plane, we were greeted by crisp alpine air and a panorama of jagged mountains encircling a sparkling lake.
We picked up our rental car – a comfortable luxury SUV (about $100/day, well worth it for the flexibility) – and in 15 minutes we were at the heart of this scenic resort town.
Checking into luxury: Our home for the next three nights was the famed Eichardt’s Private Hotel, a boutique five-star property perched right on Lake Wakatipu.
The hotel’s elegant heritage suite, with its fireplace and balcony overlooking the water, was the epitome of romance and comfort. Such luxury doesn’t come cheap – suites here can cost over NZ$2,450 per night (US$1,540) – but the experience (from the personalized service to the included gourmet breakfast) made us feel like royalty.
We were greeted with a chilled bottle of Central Otago bubbly in our room, kicking off our trip with a celebratory toast as we admired the lakefront view.
Exploring Queenstown at leisure: Determined to fend off jet lag, we spent the afternoon strolling hand-in-hand around Queenstown’s lively waterfront and gardens.
Street performers strummed guitars, the water of the lake was so clear we could see trout swimming, and the atmosphere was buzzing with summer energy. We wandered into boutique shops, picking up a few travel essentials we’d forgotten – a New Zealand SIM card ($25) and an extra merino wool sweater ($120 for locally made, ultra-soft knitwear) to layer on cool mountain evenings.
These would be our first small purchases in New Zealand (and certainly not the last!).
By early evening, fatigue was creeping in, so we opted for a relaxed dinner at Eichardt’s Bar, the hotel’s iconic bar and bistro. Over two bowls of green-lipped mussel chowder and a shared platter of local cheeses, we began to grasp just how special this week would be.
The meal came to around $80 (New Zealand isn’t cheap, but the quality was excellent). After dinner, we curled up by the fireplace in our suite, watching dusk fall over the lake. Tomorrow, the real adventures would begin.
Financial Notes: Accommodation in Queenstown – 3 nights at Eichardt’s – came to roughly $4,620 including taxes (a splurge we’d saved up for). We also spent about $150 on miscellaneous gear and snacks on Day 1.
Day 2: Queenstown Thrills
We woke to the sun peeking over The Remarkables mountain range, excited (and a bit nervous) for a day of thrills. Queenstown is known as the “Adventure Capital of the World,” and we dove right in.
Morning adrenaline – Jet-boating the Shotover: After a light breakfast (included with our hotel stay), we drove to Arthur’s Point for the famous Shotover Jet boat ride.
Nothing wakes you up like roaring through a narrow canyon at 85 km/h, narrowly missing boulders and 360° spinning in mere inches of water! The jet boat experience cost about NZ$169 per adult ($105 USD) and left us both laughing and completely drenched.
Worth every penny – we felt like kids again, clinging to each other and screaming in delight as the red jet boat fishtailed through the turquoise Shotover River. (Tip: Wear the provided spray jackets – you will get wet!)
Taking the plunge – Bungy jumping: Still riding the adrenaline high, we headed to the historic Kawarau Bridge, the site of the world’s first commercial bungy jump. Standing 43 meters above the emerald Kawarau River, we decided to tandem jump – leaping together in a mix of terror and exhilaration.
I’ll never forget that countdown and the surge of emotion as we free-fell toward the river before the cord caught us. The cost was NZ$320 per person including a video/photo package (about $200 USD each), bringing the total to roughly $400 for this once-in-a-lifetime thrill.
Expensive?
Perhaps – but that moment of pure adrenaline, diving hand-in-hand, was priceless.
Personal tip: If a full bungy jump is too intense, opt for the Kawarau zipride or ride up the Skyline gondola for panoramic views and a milder luge ride. There are plenty of ways to get your heart racing in Queenstown!
By midday, with two major adventures under our belt, we were both pumped and a little exhausted. We grabbed a quick lunch of the famous Fergburgers (around $15 each) in town – because even luxury trips require a taste of the local legends – and enjoyed them at the lakefront. Giant, juicy, and delicious, these burgers hit the spot after our adrenaline-filled morning.
Afternoon relaxation – Onsen hot pools: To balance out the thrills, I booked us a private session at the Onsen Hot Pools, a romantic retreat perched on a hill overlooking the Shotover River.
For an hour, we soaked in a cedar tub of steaming hot mineral water, sipping a complimentary glass of wine as we gazed out at the canyon. The retractable wall opened up, giving us fresh air and an incredible view.
This blissful interlude cost about NZ$126 for two (roughly $80 USD) – money well spent for some spa-like pampering and one-on-one time. We emerged rejuvenated, our muscles relaxed from the morning’s excitement.
Gourmet dining at night: Queenstown’s culinary scene is world-class, and tonight we indulged in a fine dining experience at Rātā, a restaurant by celebrity chef Josh Emett.
The tasting menu featured locally sourced ingredients – from Southland lamb to foraged mushrooms – artfully presented over five courses. We paired our meal with Central Otago wines (a crisp Chardonnay and a bold Pinot Noir).
The tasting menu was NZ$175 per person, and with wine and dessert our bill came to about $320 USD for the two of us. Every bite was phenomenal – especially the melt-in-your-mouth lamb rump – and the attentive service made it a night to remember.
We walked back to our hotel under a canopy of stars, feeling satisfied in every sense. In one day we had experienced New Zealand’s wild adrenaline, natural beauty, and refined cuisine. It’s hard to imagine a more perfect day – but our journey was just getting started.
Financial Notes: Adventure excursions today (jet boat + bungy) totaled about $610. Gourmet dining for dinner was $320. After a packed day, we were glad for our luxury hotel’s comfort, already feeling it was worth the splurge.
Day 3: Scenic Drives and Wine Country
After two high-octane days, Day 3 was about slowing down and savoring the scenery (and the wine!). We planned a mix of self-driven exploration and a private wine tour – maximizing both the natural beauty and the culinary delights of the South Island.
Morning road trip to Glenorchy: We set out early on the road from Queenstown to Glenorchy, a route often lauded as New Zealand’s most scenic drive. And it truly is!
The 46-km lakeside highway winds alongside Lake Wakatipu, with crystal-clear water on one side and towering mountains blanketed in native beech forest on the other.
As we drove the gently curving road, every turn revealed a new postcard view – snow-capped peaks reflected in the lake’s calm surface, golden tussock grasses along the shore, and the morning light creating a magical glow.
It’s no exaggeration to call this route “one of the most picturesque places I’ve ever been”. We couldn’t resist stopping at pull-outs like Bennett’s Bluff Lookout to snap photos and simply marvel at the panorama.
Pulling into the sleepy village of Glenorchy (around 8:30am), we felt like we’d stepped into a painting. We took a short walk along the Glenorchy Lagoon Boardwalk, where black swans glided through mirror-like waters backed by mountain silhouettes.
Other than the gentle crunch of our footsteps and birdsong, all was quiet – pure tranquility. Before heading back, we grabbed coffee and scones at a local café (about $15) and chatted with friendly locals who tipped us off to a secret viewpoint past the Paradise area (famously named for its beauty).
With our SUV (and Google Maps) we ventured a bit further down a gravel road into this aptly named valley, finding ourselves amidst lush fields with horses, streams, and distant peaks used as backdrops in The Lord of the Rings. It was heavenly.
By late morning we returned to Queenstown, having spent only gas money and a few dollars on snacks for an experience that felt truly priceless. The freedom of having a rental car allowed us to explore at our own pace – a must for enjoying these South Island drives.
Afternoon in wine country: Back in town, we transitioned from mountains to vineyards. Central Otago is renowned for its world-class Pinot Noir, and we’d arranged a private wine tour for the afternoon.
Our guide picked us up at 1:00pm in a comfortable Mercedes van, and we set off towards the Gibbston Valley and Bannockburn wine regions just outside Queenstown.
Over the next five hours, we visited three boutique wineries. At Gibbston Valley Winery, we explored their cool underground wine cave and tasted a flight of five wines (tasting fees $15 each, often waived if you buy a bottle).
Next was a small family-run vineyard in Bannockburn, where we strolled through vines heavy with summer grapes and enjoyed a barrel tasting right from the oak – a real treat for wine lovers like us.
Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable, explaining how Central Otago’s hot days and cool nights produce such expressive Pinot Noir. We couldn’t resist purchasing a standout Pinot Noir bottle at the second winery ($75 USD for an award-winning 2019 vintage) to save for a future anniversary.
The grand finale was a leisurely winery lunch at Amisfield Bistro, a gorgeous stone lodge overlooking rows of vines. We indulged in Amisfield’s signature “Trust the Chef” degustation menu (a multi-course chef’s choice feast) for a late lunch, paired with wine flights.
At NZ$240 per person for the tasting menu plus wine, this was a splurge lunch ($350 USD total), but the experience of dining al fresco with vineyard views was extraordinary.
From the seared wild salmon starter to the Central Otago venison main, every course was artfully presented and delicious. And yes, the Pinot Noir here lived up to its hype – silky, fragrant, and bursting with dark cherry and spice notes.
Cost note: Our private wine tour (including guide/driver, vineyard fees, and transfers) cost NZ$520 for two ($320 USD), arranged through a local luxury tour operator. It was convenient and allowed both of us to fully enjoy the wines without worrying about driving. Alternatively, group wine tours start around $130 per person if you’re watching your budget.
We returned to our hotel around 6:30pm pleasantly full and with a nice wine-induced glow. After such a late lunch, we skipped a heavy dinner.
Instead, we took an evening stroll through Queenstown’s Botanical Gardens as the sun set around 9pm, then popped into a dessert bar for two slices of pavlova cake and coffee ($25). It was a sweet ending to a day that fed our souls and our appetites.
As we packed our bags back at the hotel (sadly, our time in Queenstown was ending), we reflected on how diverse the past few days had been – adrenaline, relaxation, nature, food and wine – and how each splurge had truly enriched our experience.
Tomorrow, we’d swap the South Island for the North, trading mountains for mud pools and Māori culture.
Financial Notes: Today’s big expenses were the wine tour and gourmet lunch ($670 total). Gas for our scenic drive was about $30. We also bought a premium wine bottle for $75 (categorized under “wine tastings” in our budget). Despite the high cost, we felt the intimate wine experiences and incredible scenery made it worth every dollar.
Day 4: From South to North
This morning we said Ka kite anō (“see you again”) to Queenstown. After an early breakfast, we checked out of Eichardt’s, waved goodbye to Lake Wakatipu, and headed to the airport. We dropped off our trusty rental car and boarded a mid-morning flight to Rotorua (with a short layover in Auckland).
The domestic flights in New Zealand are refreshingly quick and affordable – our Queenstown-to-Rotorua route cost about $150 per person (coach class) and took only ~3 hours of total travel time including the connection.
By early afternoon, we touched down in Rotorua, stepping out of the plane to the distinctive scent of sulfur in the air – a telltale sign of this city’s geothermal nature!
Welcome to Rotorua: Rotorua sits in the North Island’s volcanic plateau, famed for its steaming vents, geysers, and bubbling mud pools. Even the city parks have plumes of steam rising from fissures in the ground.
We picked up a second rental car at Rotorua Airport (another comfortable midsize SUV at ~$90/day) to get around easily. Our destination was 20 minutes outside town: the Treetops Lodge & Estate, a secluded five-star lodge nestled in 2,500 acres of native forest.
Driving through the gates felt like entering a Jurassic Park of luxury – forested hills, bird songs, and not another soul in sight except for the friendly staff awaiting us.
Checking in at Treetops Lodge: This lodge was pure eco-luxury. We were shown to a huge villa-style suite with a fireplace, spa bath, and balcony overlooking lush greenery.
Every detail, from the handcrafted wood furniture to the welcome platter of local manuka honey truffles, exuded exclusivity and a sense of place. Treetops is an all-inclusive style luxury lodge, meaning our tariff (a whopping NZ$2,400 per night in low season for the room, about $1,500 USD) covered multi-course dinners, fine NZ wines, and gourmet breakfasts each day.
It’s certainly one of the priciest accommodations of our trip – a $4,500+ spend for 3 nights – but we justified it as not just a room but an immersive experience: gourmet dining, on-site activities, and top-notch service all rolled into one. Plus, we were able to use some credit card points to offset a portion of the cost, easing the sting a bit!.
After the morning’s travel, we decided to take it easy and enjoy the lodge’s offerings for the rest of the day.
Afternoon at the lodge – spa & nature walk: While my partner booked himself a Māori mud spa treatment at the lodge’s spa (one hour massage for $180), I opted for a guided nature walk on the estate (included in the stay).
My Māori guide led me through 800-year-old native forest, pointing out medicinal plants and showing me a hidden waterfall. We even fed wild trout in one of the estate’s seven streams.
Meanwhile, my partner emerged from the spa blissful and coated in revitalizing thermal mud – Rotorua’s natural spa ingredients are famous for a reason.
We reunited in the evening for pre-dinner cocktails by the fireplace, followed by a spectacular 4-course dinner in the lodge’s dining room.
The menu that night: roasted kumara (sweet potato) soup, pan-seared hapuka (grouper) with local vegetables, fall-off-the-bone lamb shank in a rich Māori spice sauce, and a trio of kiwi-inspired desserts.
Knowing it was all essentially “pre-paid” made us savor it even more. We would have easily paid $300+ for such a dinner with wine pairing elsewhere, but here it was seamlessly part of our stay.
Evening excursion – Redwoods Treewalk: Although the comforts of Treetops were hard to leave, we had one nighttime activity planned in Rotorua town.
After dinner, around 9pm, we drove a short distance to the Redwoods Forest for the famed Redwoods Nightlights Treewalk. Donning cozy jackets in the cool night air, we walked high among towering 120-year-old California redwood trees on a series of hanging suspension bridges.
Lanterns and multicolored lights illuminated the forest, creating an enchanted, otherworldly atmosphere. We felt like characters in Avatar, floating through a glowing forest canopy under the stars.
The experience was NZ$42 per adult (≈$26 USD each), and utterly magical – a romantic highlight we highly recommend for couples. Holding hands on a swaying bridge 20 meters above the ground, surrounded by lanterns and ancient trees, was a moment of pure awe and connection.
Back at the lodge by 10:30pm, we fell into our plush bed, serenaded by distant calls of kiwi birds in the bush. Rotorua had welcomed us gently with relaxation and nature; tomorrow, we would dive deeper into its geothermal and cultural wonders.
Financial Notes: Today’s costs were mainly transportation – ~$300 for two domestic flight tickets (AKL-ZQN-ROT) and $270 for 3 days of car rental – plus the luxury lodge stay ($4,500 for 3 nights, meals included). Our evening Treewalk activity cost $52 for two. With most meals covered by the lodge, our out-of-pocket spending in Rotorua would primarily be on excursions.
Day 5: Geysers and Māori Culture
We awoke to birdsong and sunlight filtering through the forest – and the smell of rich coffee as a knock on our door delivered French-pressed coffee and pastries (a gentle wake-up courtesy of Treetops Lodge).
Today was dedicated to exploring Rotorua’s famous geothermal attractions and experiencing Māori culture first-hand.
Morning at Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland: After a hearty lodge breakfast, we drove 30 minutes south to Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, one of New Zealand’s most colorful geothermal parks. The name Wai-O-Tapu means “sacred waters” in Māori, and as we walked the well-marked trails, we understood why.
The park is a geothermal wonderland where the earth breathes and nature paints its masterpiece. We marveled at Champagne Pool, a large steaming hot spring with brilliant orange and green mineral edges, bubbling like a giant glass of Champagne.
Nearby, the Devil’s Bath stunned us with its neon green-yellow pool – it looked like a vat of lime paint! We watched the Lady Knox Geyser erupt on schedule, shooting water 20 meters high in a dramatic plume. Between the sulfuric smells, the hissing steam vents, and the otherworldly colors, we felt like we were on another planet.
It’s not often you see bubbling mud pools and naturally fluorescent lakes in one place! The entrance fee was modest (about $32 USD for two adults), and worth every cent for such a unique landscape. (Tip: Wear old shoes – the sulfuric mud can stain – and arrive by 10am to catch the Lady Knox Geyser eruption.)
By noon, the summer sun was intense and we’d covered the park’s trails. We grabbed a quick lunch at the Wai-O-Tapu café (meat pies and ice-cold lemonade for $20) before heading back to Rotorua for our next adventure.
Afternoon mud bath and spa: Rotorua’s geothermal activity doesn’t just create pretty pools – it also offers thermal bathing. We decided to indulge in a classic Rotorua experience: a mud bath and soak at Hell’s Gate Geothermal Spa. Hell’s Gate is an active geothermal reserve that also has therapeutic mud pools where visitors can bathe.
For about NZ$79 each ($50 USD) we got access to a private mud bath session and the sulfur spa pools. Smearing warm, silky grey mud on ourselves was both fun and oddly relaxing – we let it dry on our skin for 20 minutes, supposedly detoxifying and softening it (indeed, our skin felt great after!).
We then rinsed off and soaked in an open-air sulfur pool surrounded by ferns and steaming cliffs. The minerals in the water eased any aches left from our adventures, and we emerged feeling rejuvenated (if a bit smelly – the sulfur scent likes to linger on swimsuits, so use the old ones!).
Rotorua’s geothermal spas like Hell’s Gate or the popular Polynesian Spa offer fantastic relaxation for a fraction of what a hotel spa costs. Our mud spa afternoon for two came to about $100 total, and it was a memorable couple’s experience.
After cleaning up and a brief rest back at Treetops, we geared up for a very special evening.
Evening at Mitai Māori Village: One absolute must-do in Rotorua is to engage with the local Māori culture, and we chose the Mitai Māori Village cultural experience & hangi dinner.
At 5:30pm we arrived at the village, just on the outskirts of town, where we were welcomed (along with a group of other visitors) by Maori hosts in traditional dress. As the sun set, we witnessed a pōwhiri (welcoming ceremony) complete with warriors paddling down the stream in an ornate waka (canoe) and a fearsome haka (war dance) challenge to ensure we came in peace.
The evening was as educational as it was entertaining. Our hosts demonstrated Maori hunting techniques, showed us the intricate art of tattooing (ta moko), and performed traditional songs and dances with incredible passion.
The energy during the haka performance – the stomping, the rhythmic chants, the wide-eyed ferocity – gave us goosebumps. We even got a chance to join a poi dance (using swinging balls on flax strings) which had us laughing at our own lack of coordination.
The performers made everyone feel like extended family, and despite being a tourist-oriented event, it felt surprisingly intimate and genuine. As one brochure accurately put it, an evening at Mitai is “an authentic introduction to Māori culture leaving you amazed and in awe”. We couldn’t agree more.
Midway through, it was time for the hangi feast. Earlier we had seen our dinner being prepared in the traditional way – meats and vegetables cooked in baskets underground on hot stones.
Now we dug into tender hangi-cooked lamb and chicken, kumara (sweet potatoes), corn, salads, and more, all with a delicious smoky-earthy flavor imparted by the cooking method. For dessert, there was steamed pudding with custard.
The buffet was plentiful (we stuffed ourselves) and the food was simple but very tasty – this was comfort food Māori-style, and we loved it.
After dinner, our hosts led us on a short bush walk to see glowworms sparkling along a creek and to share legends of the sacred spring on site.
The entire Mitai experience, including dinner and transfers, cost us about NZ$155 each ($200 USD for both of us). For the cultural enrichment and memorable night it provided, we found it very reasonable.
We returned to the lodge around 9:30pm with full bellies and full hearts. Chatting quietly on the drive back, we both felt we gained a deeper appreciation for Māori traditions and the importance of preserving this heritage. It was humbling to be welcomed into their world for an evening.
Back in our suite, we lit a fire and reflected on the day’s wonders – the raw power of the Earth at Wai-O-Tapu, and the rich cultural tapestry of Rotorua’s people. This trip was proving that travel can delight all the senses and the soul.
We fell asleep to the distant rumble of a geyser (or maybe that was my imagination), grateful for the experiences so far.
Financial Notes: Today was packed with activities but each fairly moderate in cost. Geothermal park entry was $32, mud spa $100, and the Māori dinner show $200 for two. These excursions (total $330) were a great value for the unforgettable experiences they provided. All our meals were included or part of the activities, so we spent little extra on food today.)
Day 6: Rotorua’s Final Treats
It was hard to believe this was our final full day in New Zealand. We wanted to balance one more mini-adventure with some relaxation (and yes, a bit more indulgence) before packing up.
Late start and lodge activities: We deliberately had a lazy morning, enjoying a slow breakfast on the lodge terrace. Eggs Benedict with smoked New Zealand salmon, fresh fruits, and flat whites – all while watching mist rise off the hills – not a bad start! We then took advantage of one of Treetops Lodge’s on-site activities: a 4WD “Estate to Plate” safari.
Along with a few other guests, we hopped in the lodge’s Land Rover for a late-morning drive around the vast property. We spotted red deer grazing (the lodge has its own herds), visited the kitchen garden and orchard where our chef plucked produce daily, and even tried our hand at clay target shooting (I managed to hit 2 out of 5 clays – not terrible for a first-timer!).
This was included in our stay, and it was a fun way to see more of the estate and understand the farm-to-table philosophy behind our meals.
Zorbing like kids: After lunch, we decided to do one quirky Rotorua activity we hadn’t tried yet – Zorbing! Rotorua is the birthplace of zorbing (rolling down a hill inside a giant inflatable ball), and it promised silly fun.
We went to the ZORB park on the outskirts of town and paid for two runs – one together in a “Hydro zorb” (with warm water splashed inside – essentially a downhill water slide in a ball!), and one individual run each.
At about NZ$45 per person per run, we spent roughly $120 USD total. And oh, what outrageous fun it was! We tumbled down a grassy hill, slipping and sliding inside the ball, laughing uncontrollably the whole way. It was like being inside a rolling washing machine (without the soap).
Not exactly a luxury activity, but absolutely a blast – and sometimes luxury travel is about luxury of experience and feeling carefree. Zorbing gave us that in spades.
We ended up giggling for an hour afterward, watching our GoPro footage of our shocked faces as we spun around. (Travel tip: Bring swimwear and a towel for zorbing if you opt for the water version. They have hot tubs at the bottom to warm up in after!).
Afternoon in the Polynesian Spa: To come down from our adrenaline-fueled zorb session, our next stop was the renowned Polynesian Spa back in Rotorua town. This spa boasts lakeside natural hot mineral pools and is often listed among the world’s top spas.
We booked a private deluxe bathing pool for two (at the Sky View Private Pool, which cost us NZ$70 for 30 minutes) and also secured a 60-minute couple’s massage in their Lake Spa Retreat area ($300 USD for both). Sinking into our hot mineral pool overlooking Lake Rotorua was pure bliss – the water, rich in sulfur and sodium, eased every muscle and the quiet, open-air setting was wonderfully romantic.
Our massage afterward, using thermal mud oils, left us in a state of jelly-like relaxation. The Polynesian Spa was the perfect capstone to our week of adventures – cleansing, soothing, and intimate.
That evening, back at Treetops Lodge, we got dressed up for our final dinner in New Zealand. The chef prepared a special degustation menu for us as a farewell treat, and we splurged on an additional wine pairing to celebrate (extra $100).
Course after course delighted us – from creamy paua (abalone) risotto to venison carpaccio, then grilled snapper, and a decadent chocolate fondant to finish. As we dined by candlelight, we reflected on the week’s highlights. It amazed us how much we had seen and done in just 7 days: we felt as though we’d lived a month’s worth of experiences, each day so full and fulfilling.
We raised our glasses of Pinot Noir for one last toast: to New Zealand – its land, its people, and the unforgettable memories we made here. This trip was a splurge in every sense, but it rewarded us with experiences and moments that are truly priceless.
Financial Notes: Today’s fun activities (estate tour, zorbing, spa) summed to roughly $450. Our final dinner’s extra wine pairing added $100 (the rest of the meal was covered by our lodge package). Knowing it was our last day, we didn’t mind one more splurge for the sake of savoring every moment.
Day 7: Departure and Reflections
Our final morning was a mix of sadness and gratitude. We savored one last luxurious breakfast, took a farewell stroll around the lodge’s trout ponds, and checked out with sincere thanks to the staff who had become friends.
Driving to the Rotorua airport, we made a detour to one of Rotorua’s lookout points, taking in the panoramic view of the lake and steaming land one last time. It felt like a proper goodbye.
We returned our rental car and caught an afternoon flight from Rotorua to Auckland, then began the long journey home to the US.
High above the Pacific, reclining in our comfy seats (we managed to upgrade to business class again, using the last of our frequent flyer miles and a bit of cash co-pay), we finally had quiet time to fully reflect on our trip.
Value for money and memorable moments: Yes, we had spent a considerable sum on this week-long adventure – but the value we received was immense.
Every luxury hotel stay, every gourmet meal, every private tour or excursion came with a richness of experience that justified the cost for us. For example, the helicopter flight to Milford Sound (our single most expensive activity at ~$2,100 for two) gave us a perspective of Fiordland’s grandeur we couldn’t have gotten otherwise – invaluable.
Our pricey lodges provided not just a room, but an ambiance and service that let us fully relax and feel pampered between adventures. And the cultural experiences – whether “free” like a self-drive scenic road or paid like the Mitai Village – gave us stories and insights to cherish for a lifetime.
We also learned some tips for luxury travel in New Zealand that we’d pass on to others:
- Plan and book ahead: High-end lodges, award-winning restaurants, and popular tours (heli-tours, etc.) often book out in summer. We booked 6 months in advance to secure our spots.
- Leverage points and perks: We offset some hotel nights and flights using credit card points. Luxury travel doesn’t mean paying full cash for everything – smart use of miles/points saved us around $2,000 on this trip.
- Mix adventure with relaxation: New Zealand offers thrills and tranquility. We found that alternating adrenaline days with restful or indulgent days (spa, wine tasting, etc.) kept us energized and happy, without burnout.
- Budget for incidentals: Prices in NZ (especially for food and fuel) can be higher than back home. We built in a 15% cushion in our budget for unexpected costs (souvenirs, extra snacks, tipping for exceptional service, etc.). We did tip occasionally at high-end restaurants, though it’s not required by Kiwi custom – we just wanted to show appreciation.
- Pack for all conditions: Even on a luxury trip, you’ll be outdoors a lot. We were glad we brought good walking shoes, rain jackets, swimwear, and casual layers along with our nicer outfits. New Zealand’s weather can change quickly, and many luxury lodges have a casual dress code (no need for formal wear unless you want to).
As the California coast came into view out the airplane window, we held hands and smiled, already reminiscing about bungy jumps and geysers and that incredible Glenorchy drive.
Our one-week New Zealand extravaganza had been everything we hoped for: romantic, thrilling, educational, and yes – undeniably luxurious. We returned home lighter in wallet but richer in memories, with hundreds of photos and countless stories to share.
Haere rā (goodbye), New Zealand – until we meet again.