Signature New Zealand
Price Guide From US$ 16,850
Duration 15 days
A perfect introduction to New Zealand, this 15-day luxury journey spans both the North and South Islands, weaving through dramatic landscapes, charming cities, rolling vineyards, and sweeping coastlines. Along the way, you’ll encounter geothermal wonders, world-class wines, and moments of pure wilderness—an elegant blend of culture, adventure, and natural beauty that captures the very essence of Aotearoa.
Our curated journeys include
We design thoughtfully curated experiences that balance comfort, discovery, and a touch of indulgence. Each journey with Orange Moon Travel includes:
- Handpicked stays in distinctive hotels and retreats
- Expertly guided explorations
- Seamless private transfers
- Specially selected experiences for every traveler
- Dedicated support from our travel specialists
Destinations and Highlights
Auckland
From volcanic peaks and sparkling harbours to lively neighbourhoods and a world-class dining scene, it blends cosmopolitan energy with natural wonder—perfect for those who thrive where city lights meet ocean horizons.
Days 1-3
Rotorua & Taupo
Bubbling mud pools, ancient forests, and sacred Māori traditions shape Rotorua and Taupo into a realm of geothermal drama and cultural depth—crafted for families seeking both awe and adventure.
Days 3-5
Hawke’s Bay and Nelson with Abel Tasman
Golden vineyards, artisan flavours, and sun-drenched coastlines flow seamlessly into Abel Tasman’s emerald waters and golden sands—designed for travellers who pair indulgence with exploration.
Days 5-9
Kaikōura and Christchurch
Snow-dusted peaks tumble into the Pacific where whales and dolphins dance offshore, while Christchurch balances English charm with creative reinvention—crafted for those who love nature with a touch of culture.
Days 9-12
Queenstown
From soaring alpine peaks and mirrored lakes to adrenaline-fuelled adventures and vineyard feasts, Queenstown is New Zealand’s ultimate playground—made for travellers who crave thrills with style.
Days 12-15
Highlights
Auckland Horizons & Harbour Life
Climb volcanic cones for sweeping views, wander vibrant waterfront precincts, and dine on world-class cuisine framed by sparkling harbours.Rotorua’s Geothermal Wonders
Fly over volcanic craters, marvel at geysers and bubbling mud pools, and immerse yourself in Māori traditions under the glow of lantern-lit forests.Taupo Tranquility & Adventure
Cruise across sapphire waters, try your hand at fishing or floatplane flights, and unwind at a lakeside retreat with mountain-framed horizons.Hawke’s Bay Wine Country
Sip acclaimed vintages at boutique vineyards, taste artisan produce fresh from the land, and savour vineyard dining bathed in golden light.Abel Tasman’s Golden Shores
Sail turquoise bays, kayak beside playful dolphins, and picnic on golden beaches where forest trails meet crystal waters.Kaikōura’s Marine Serengeti
Take to the skies to spot whales, swim with curious seals, or cruise alongside dolphins leaping against a backdrop of snow-capped peaks.Queenstown & Milford Majesty
Helicopter over glaciers and fjords, glide beneath sheer cliffs on a private cruise, and toast the alpine sunset with Central Otago wine.Milford Sound & Fiordland
Carved by glaciers and crowned with cascading waterfalls, Fiordland’s wild beauty and Milford Sound’s dramatic fjords create a stage for unforgettable cruises and helicopter flights—perfect for seekers of raw, untamed wonder.
Itinerary in detail
Auckland
Day 1: Arrival in Auckland – Cosmopolitan Welcome
Arrive in Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city, where modern sophistication meets island charm. Settle into your luxury hotel overlooking the harbour and spend the afternoon at leisure. In the evening, enjoy a private chef’s table dinner paired with fine New Zealand wines, a first taste of the country’s culinary creativity.
Day 2: Auckland Volcanoes & Coastal Wonders
Discover Auckland’s volcanic cones with your private guide, each one holding stories of Māori history and panoramic harbour views. Continue west to windswept black-sand beaches at Muriwai or Bethells, where seabird colonies and dramatic surf create raw natural beauty. End your day with sundowners at the Viaduct Harbour, alive with music and sailing yachts.
Day 3: Waitomo Glow & Rotorua Arrival
Depart Auckland via a scenic drive through limestone country, stopping at Waitomo’s famous glowworm caves, where starry bioluminescence lights up underground rivers. Arrive in Rotorua, a geothermal wonderland of geysers and bubbling mud pools, and check into your forest-fringed luxury lodge.
Rotorua and Taupo
Day 4: Rotorua – Geothermal Majesty & Māori Traditions
Take a helicopter flight over Mount Tarawera and the hidden valley of Orakei Korako, descending to surreal geothermal terraces. Return for a cultural immersion in Ohinemutu Village, where Māori hosts share ancestral meeting houses, stories, and sacred carvings. As dusk falls, walk the illuminated suspension bridges of the Redwood Forest, a magical spectacle beneath lantern-lit canopies.
Day 5: Lake Taupo Adventure
Journey south to Lake Taupo, a volcanic caldera turned sapphire-blue sanctuary. Choose between a private lake cruise with champagne and trout fishing, or a floatplane flight skimming across secluded bays and waterfalls. Later, unwind at your lodge with spa treatments and views over the glassy waters.
Hawke’s Bay and Nelson and Abel Tasman
Day 6: Hawke’s Bay – Wine & Epicurean Pleasures
Fly to Hawke’s Bay, the heart of New Zealand’s wine country. Visit boutique vineyards for private tastings of award-winning vintages, paired with artisan cheeses and orchard-fresh produce. In the evening, dine al fresco in a vineyard under strings of lanterns, the region’s golden light bathing the landscape.
Day 7: Hawke’s Bay to Nelson – Gentle Transition
A short hop brings you to Nelson, New Zealand’s sunniest region. Check into a chic boutique lodge and relax in gardens scented with citrus. Stroll the city’s creative quarter, filled with galleries and artisan studios, before sampling local seafood with crisp Sauvignon Blanc.
Day 8: Abel Tasman National Park – Golden Shores
Set out on a private yacht across turquoise waters and golden bays of Abel Tasman. Kayak, snorkel, or simply relax on deck as dolphins dance in the bow wave. Disembark for a forest walk, picnic on the sand, and drift back at sunset with seals basking on rocky coves.
Kaikoura and Christchurch
Day 9: Kaikōura – Marine Serengeti
Travel south to Kaikōura, where snow-capped mountains meet a wildlife-rich coast. Board a light aircraft for a scenic flight above sperm whales and pods of dolphins, or dive into the water for an unforgettable swim alongside playful fur seals. In the evening, savour freshly caught crayfish overlooking the Pacific.
Day 10: Kaikōura Exploration
Spend another day immersed in Kaikōura’s wild bounty. Choose a private cruise to encounter dusky dolphins renowned for their acrobatics, or hike dramatic coastal trails with your guide. Return to your treehouse-style lodge for fireside dining with views of the ocean and mountains.
Day 11: Christchurch – Cultural Revival
Arrive in Christchurch, a city reimagined after its earthquakes. Wander leafy parks and riverside paths before a guided art and architecture tour of its creative precincts. In the evening, enjoy punting on the Avon River before dinner at one of the city’s new-wave fine dining restaurants.
Queenstown
Day 12: Queenstown – Alpine Arrival
Fly into Queenstown, embraced by soaring peaks and a sparkling lake. Take the gondola up Bob’s Peak for sweeping alpine views, then settle into your luxury suite. Dinner tonight features Otago lamb and Central Otago Pinot Noir, savoured beneath starlit skies.
Day 13: Milford Sound by Helicopter & Cruise
Embark on one of New Zealand’s great icons: Milford Sound. Soar over glaciers and waterfalls by helicopter before descending to board a private fjord cruise, where dolphins and seals glide beside sheer cliffs. Return by air, tracing emerald valleys and ice-blue rivers.
Day 14: Wanaka – Tranquil Elegance
Spend the day exploring the quieter twin of Queenstown. Walk beneath autumnal poplars, visit boutique art galleries, or sip wine at lakeside vineyards. Families may opt for an adventurous jet boat ride on the Dart River, while couples unwind with spa treatments overlooking the lake.
Day 15: Departure from Queenstown
Enjoy a final lakeside breakfast before your private transfer to the airport. Bid farewell to New Zealand, your journey ending with memories of soaring peaks, golden bays, and the warmth of Māori hospitality.