Experiential New Zealand
Ahipara is known for creating and delivering world-class experiences – notably being awarded the inaugural prize for “most creative experiences” by Traveller Made agencies. In effect a “travel Oscar”. This itinerary showcases some of those experiences against a backdrop of beauty and luxury. Please note that in 15 years we have never repeated an itinerary and should you contact us, we will focus on your unique requirements.
This itinerary is costed for two couples travelling together.
This is a day-by-day listing below:
1.
Arrive in New Zealand. Airport VIP service from the door of your aircraft to your domestic flight to Taupo. Transfer to Poronui Lodge and relax.
2.
Back country fly fishing on some of the finest rivers in the country for two people. Private horse riding on the estate for two people.
3.
An awesome welcome by Maori warriors on the sacred mountain Mount Titiraupenga. This is a combined physical and spiritual experience followed by some sharing which usually touches our travellers deeply.
4.
A day with a Maori/Irish outdoorsman/chef discovering the Maori relationship with food, helping prepare and eat a traditional hangi. (Maori meal cooked underground)
5.
Fly from Rotorua Airport to Nelson. Transfer to the superb Edenhouse or Stonefly Lodge
6.
Private cruise along the beautiful Abel Tasman coast. Kayak and hike whenever you like. See baby seals in an enchanted pool (seasonal).
7. See the best of the local area with a custom heli-tour. Incorporating a hike to the second purest spring in the world, a gourmet picnic, and another walk along a superb nikau-palm fringed wild peninsula.
8.
Drive across the South Island to the beautiful Hapuku Coast – take an exclusive rafting trip on the Clarence River, before stopping at Hapuku Treehouses & Lodge
9.
A day discovering wild coastal food with an excellent local chef. In the past this has involved paua (abalone) crayfish (rock lobster) and kina (sea urchins).
10.
Swim with the largest pod of dolphins in New Zealand. From 100-1000 dolphins at any one time. In season there is also a magical little waterfall and pool where baby seals play.
11.
Fly to Queenstown and transfer to Blanket Bay Lodge.
12.
Big helicopter day discovering Fiordland with a local legend of a helicopter pilot. 25,000+ flying hours mainly in this area and superb knowledge of the place as well as mastery of his machine and local weather make this a special day. It can incorporate wild animals, wild food, or pounamu (greenstone) discovery. This is a full day experience with 3-4 hours of flying time and multiple landings giving full flexibility.
13.
Head into the southern Fiords and discover a forgotten river where the trout are so unused to people, they do not automatically flee from your boat. See Fiordland as it used to be. (alternatively we can focus on the old history and conservation projects)
14.
Spend a day with a private jetboat, including a wild food barbecue on the banks of the river before catching your flight out.
The cost for this itinerary – all accommodation, meals, activities, transportation – is from NZ$100,000 for 2 couples travelling together.
Poronui is the perfect scene for just about any outdoor adventure. Set in the foothills of the Kaimanawa mountains in the central plateau of the North Island, this unique environment provides visitors a taste of so much that is special about New Zealand. Even more impressive is the range of natural habitats and environmental features available in one location, from indigenous beech forest to rolling manuka-clad hills and miles of pristine fishing water.
A helicopter flight deep into the mountains will uncover some of the most legendary and challenging fly fishing in the world. Not for the feint-hearted, the angling up here can be technically difficult but extremely rewarding.
The seclusion of Poronui lends itself to being an ideal location for a corporate retreat. Move away from the distractions of the office and out into a space where creative and strategic thinking flow freely. Couples fall in love with Poronui’s numerous and picturesque locations as they make for phenomenal wedding photos.
But the magic of Poronui is not only in its breath-taking location and the quality of the outdoor experience -- the genuine Kiwi warmth of the staff and the camaraderie you share with guides and fellow adventurers will ensure memories for years to come. Share stories and tall tales over dinner or gather round the breakfast table to plan your day ahead. Chefs at this luxury property delight in surprising guests with a plethora of dining experiences from sundowners in a field and picnics next to the river to gourmet tasting menus in the Wine Cellar.
For a bit of downtime, the Stables area is a short walk from the lodge and plays host to more than just horses. It is a modern sports and relaxation centre with gym and health club facilities - including steam, sauna, and massage treatment rooms. Guests can also enjoy a game in the Snooker Room on the full-sized antique English billiard table or simply unwind.
"If you could but be a bird you could more fully appreciate the beauty that is Kaikoura." That was our inspiration – how could we put our guests among the birds?
Our seductive crops of Manuka and Kanuka suggested the solution: station people in the tree tops and they would be closer to the mountains, closer to the ocean, closer to the birds. And that is what we have tried to do – allow our guests to nest in the treetops in a luxurious version of a child’s tree house.
A contemporary country lodge, Hapuku Lodge & Tree Houses is composed of five luxury tree houses set 30 feet (10 metres) above the ground in the canopy of native Kanuka. An additional four luxury lodge suites and the Olive House suite provide additional accommodation.
The idyllic setting adds to the allure, with the wild deer wandering on the resident farm, olive groves and a vineyard – all set up against the picturesque backdrop of the Kaikoura ranges.
This magnificent Lodge provides facilities and accommodation that eclipses the best New Zealand has to offer. Situated on the shores of Lake Wakatipu on a 10,000 acre high country farm with quintessential South Island lake and mountain views, Blanket Bay is perfectly positioned to experience all this region has to offer.
Blanket Bay is consistently voted one of the world’s best Lodges by many prestigious publications and organizations such as Conde Nast Traveler, National Geographic, The Discovery Channel, Virtuoso, Andrew Harper's Hideaway Report, The Robb Report and Small Luxury Hotels of the World, to name a few.
A la Carte dining reflecting Pacific Rim cuisine will be served in one of three dining rooms or outside on a balcony. Whichever you choose, all feature huge log-burning fireplaces.
Itinerary
Ahipara Luxury Travel Experiential New Zealand Itinerary
Total Suggested Nights
10
For more information or a personalised itinerary and quotation, please contact Ahipara Luxury Travel: www.ahipara.com