New Zealand!

I had an amazing hosted trip to the South Island of New Zealand in February - a great time to visit when the weather is warm enough for outdoor activities. I wish I was also able to travel to the North Island- but that will be for another trip.

Helicopter ride over Milford Sound

Following the Luxexperience travel show in Sydney, I had an amazing opportunity to visit New Zealand. Thanks to Toni at Tapoi Travel in New Zealand for planning an outstanding itinerary! My trip began with arrival into Queenstown airport in the South Island. Our driver and guide from Alpine Luxury Tours whisked me and my fellow travelers off to the wine region in Gibbstown, Central Otago. We enjoyed a winery tour and tasting at Gibbston Valley Winery (loved their sparking wine and Pinot Noir in particular) and then sat down to a fabulous multi-course dinner at Gibbstown Valley Lodge & Spa with an overnight stay at their beautiful and spacious lodge. The next morning, we were off to Milford Sound passing through the lakeside town of Te Anau before boarding the Fjord Jewel yacht for a fabulous dinner, evening activities, and overnight stay as we traveled through Milford Sound - truly a highlight of this trip. The following day, we are on a helicopter soaring over glaciers courtesy of Heliworks Queenstown before checking in for our last night at the stunning Azur Lodge - with only 9 private villas - this was an incredibly private and luxurious hotel to spend our final evening. Before dinner, our private chef created a beautiful spread at a Queenstown villa managed by MajorDomo and then off to dinner in downtown Queenstown. I highly recommend a much longer trip to New Zealand to experience both islands and immersion into Maori culture. Definitely add New Zealand to your MUST SEE list!