Accommodation
Iconic luxury lodges, remote alpine chalets and ultraluxe villas
Experiences
From the farmyard to the vineyard
Itineraries
From Northland to Southland and the West Coast to the East Cape
Nelson’s golden sand beaches and three national parks, combined with Marlborough’s vineyard clad countryside and mysterious intertwining sounds, all make the top of the South Island perfect for any traveller.
Nelson is deservingly one of New Zealand’s most beloved holiday spots, blessed with beautiful golden sand beaches, one of the sunniest climates in the country, and surrounded by three stunning national parks. It’s also known for great produce, its arts and crafts culture, and as a centre of the craft beer industry. Most famously though, Nelson is the gateway to the Abel Tasman National Park, a park famed for its crystal clear waters and stunning golden sand beaches.
Marlborough is New Zealand’s most famous wine producing region, and produces significantly more wine than any other. Its crisp and unique taste means the regions vineyards are high on many wishlists. Be sure not to miss the meandering Marlborough Sounds, a never-ending network of flooded valleys, islands and inlets that attract those seeking adventure and seclusion.
Luxury Destinations Nelson & Marlborough
Explore a selection of our favourite locations
Luxury accommodation Nelson & Marlborough
Experience some of our favourite places to stay
Luxury Experiences Nelson & Marlborough
Discover a few of our favourite activities
Itinerary Inspirations
These itineraries have been designed to inspire you with a small selection of the many unique adventures to be had in this beautiful region. Once you have a feel for the destinations and experiences that best resonate with you, we will tailor every element of your perfect luxury travel itinerary, exclusively for you.
Take a weekend break to Nelson and the Abel Tasman
The Nelson region has long been one of New Zealand’s holiday hotspots. The township itself is known for its arts and crafts scene, and the weird and wonderful World of Wearable Arts Museum. Outside of the town, the rich soil and year round sun makes it the hop growing capital if the country, so you’re never far from a craft beer brewery, or a vineyard if you prefer. Then tucked away between Tasman Bay and the aptly named Golden Bay is the Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand’s smallest national park, and arguably the most beautiful. Explore her golden sand beaches, kayak the crystal clear waters in search of seals and seabirds, and walk the ever popular Abel Tasman Coast Track.
- Inclusions
3 nights’ accommodation (3 nights at Split Apple Retreat including dinner and breakfast), 4 days rental vehicle including full insurance and GPS, and a private guided excursion through the Abel Tasman National Park.
Take a weekend break to Marlborough
The Marlborough region is synonymous with wine, most famously the world beating Sauvignon Blanc. Stay amongst the vines in gorgeous boutique accommodations, and explore the cellar doors, tasting as you go, on a privately guided tour. Then discover Marlborough’s other jewel, the meandering Marlborough Sounds. The spectacular maze of inlets, islands and bays makes up a staggering one fifth of New Zealand’s total coastline, and unsurprisingly is home to delicious seafood at every turn.
- Inclusions
3 nights’ accommodation (3 nights at The Marlborough including pre dinner drinks and breakfast), 4 days rental vehicle including full insurance and GPS, a private guided wine tour of the Marlborough vineyards, and a shared small group seafood cruise through the Marlborough Sounds.
Take a weekend break to the Marlborough Sounds
For those wanting to explore deeper into the Marlborough Sounds, a stay at Bay of Many Coves Resort is a must! Visit historic Ship Cove, a favourite anchorage of Captain Cook, as well as Motuara Island, a fantastic bird sanctuary. Stretch your legs by walking the popular Queen Charlotte Track which runs right by the resort.
- Inclusions
3 nights’ accommodation (3 nights at Bay of Many Coves Resort including dinner and breakfast), return private airport transfers between Blenheim Airport and Picton, return private water taxi transfers between Picton and your accommodation, and a full day sailing excursion through the Marlborough Sounds.
All the best fly fishing spots in the country
New Zealand has long been known as a mecca of world fishing, and for good reason! Our clean and clear rivers tumble down from the mountains in the distance and criss-cross their way through our spectacular landscapes heading for the sea. Monster trout and salmon can be found at every turn, not to mention the local delicacy, whitebait. This itinerary includes the best fly fishing lodges in the country, from Poronui Lodge near Taupo, to Owen River Lodge in the Nelson region, the super-luxurious up and comer Lindis Lodge, and of course, no fishing journey through New Zealand would be complete without a stay in Queenstown.
- Inclusions
13 nights’ accommodation (1 night at Park Hyatt Auckland, 3 nights at Poronui Lodge, 3 nights at Owen River Lodge, 3 nights at The Lindis Lodge, and 3 nights at Blanket Bay, inclusive of breakfast daily and 12 dinners), rental vehicle including full insurance and GPS, a full day private guided fly fishing at each of the four lodges, a private helicopter excursion to Milford Sound and Fiordland National Park, and a shared jetboat ride into Mount Aspiring National Park.
The South Island from north to south
Start this fantastic journey at the northern tip of the South Island in Marlborough, a region justifiably famous for its world class Sauvignon Blanc. After perusing the vineyards, see Marlborough’s other claim to fame, the Marlborough Sounds, an incredible network of bays, islands and inlets than make up nearly 10% of New Zealand’s entire coastline. Stay at a remote lodge only accessible by boat and hike the Queen Charlotte Track. Then head west for the Abel Tasman National Park which is arguably home to New Zealand’s best gold sand beaches, as well as yet more world class hiking and pristine waters for swimming and kayaking. The second part of this journey takes you inland, into the South Island’s rugged interior of mountains, forests, lakes and glaciers. Walk through ancient rainforests and cruise upon Doubtful Sound, one of Fiordland’s many remote fiords. Cap off your incredible journey with stay in Queenstown where you’ll be treated to one of New Zealand’s most magnificent views over Lake Wakatipu to the Remarkable Mountains.
- Inclusions
14 nights’ accommodation (2 nights at The Marlborough, 2 nights at Bay of Many Coves Resort, 3 nights at Pihopa Retreat, 3 nights at Fiordland Lodge, 1 overnight cruise on Doubtful Sound and 3 nights at Azur) inclusive of breakfast daily, 2 lunch and 7 dinners, rental vehicle including full insurance and GPS, half day private guided cycling tour of Marlborough vineyards, shared Seafood Odyssey cruise and transfer to the Bay of Many Coves Resort, full day private guided hike on the Queen Charlotte Track, private water taxi transfer from Bay of Many Coves Resort to Picton, private full day sailing and hiking of the Abel Tasman National Park, full day private guided hike on the Kepler Track, overnight cruise of the Doubtful Sound, and a full day private guided tour of the Central Otago vineyards.
The most luxurious and private villas New Zealand has on offer
This is the itinerary for those seeking absolute privacy in New Zealand’s most exclusive villas. Enjoy the Bay of Island’s famed beaches; sip wines amongst the vineyards of Hawke’s Bay; see seals, dolphins and penguins on the rugged Banks Peninsula; hike, ebike or kayak through the Southern Alps, and be captivated by majestic Milford Sound. Each villa offers at least four bedrooms and all the standard facilities, plus some very unique ones such as a recording studio, a collection of important Maori artefacts, a frisbee golf course, and even an observatory. A full complement of staff can be at your every beck and call, or perhaps you’re happy with just a chef-cum-sommelier?
- Inclusions
16 nights’ accommodation (3 nights at The Landing, 3 nights at Summerlee, 3 nights at Scrubby Bay at Annandale, 3 nights at Flockhill in the Homestead, and 4 nights at Piwakawaka, including meals and beverages to suit), private scenic helicopter transfers between Auckland and the Bay of Islands, private cruise through the Bay of Islands, private wine tour of Hawke's Bay, private swimming with dolphins experience and private penguin spotting tour in Akaroa, your choice of hiking, ebiking, kayaking, fishing and caving in the Southern Alps, private helicopter excursion to Milford Sound and Fiordland National Park, and private hike and jetboat excursion into Mount Aspiring National Park.
many many many thanks!!!!!!
We have been blown away by everything - hotels, food, people, golf, wine - the list is endless. You did an amazing job
Planning a 7 week trip is daunting enough without the complications of COVID cancellations, rebookings, and closures. Yet every connection, every transportation detail, every accommodation, every meal, everything was flawless.
From our arrival in Sydney .. to our last stop in Queenstown .. we will carry with us the best memories of our trip and all of your efforts. The incredible private boat tours .. the bespoke wine tours with the best guides .. our accommodations .. and the excellent itinerary and pacing, made for a perfect trip.
We can't thank Southern Crossings enough for making this trip all, and more, than we had imagined. You allowed us to see the best of your countries: the people, the beauty, the culture. Five stars, a blue ribbon, and a gold medal to everyone at Southern Crossings!
