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
The ferocity of Mother Nature is on display here as steam erupts from the earth and volcanoes litter the landscape. These forces feature heavily in the daily lives and legends of local Maori.
Rotorua was the birthplace of tourism in New Zealand, with Maori long travelling from across the land to bathe in her hot springs and reap the health benefits of the volcanic mud bubbling up from the deep. They created fantastic legends (myths) about how the region was transformed by volcanic explosions. Visitors still flock here for the geothermal attractions, but Rotorua has also become a magnet for outdoor enthusiasts looking for white water rafting, mountain biking, hiking, zorbing and other adventures.
Sitting quietly to the south of Rotorua, Taupo lines the shore of our largest lake which shares its name. Geothermal features are rich here too, but the township is perhaps best known for its rivers which are teeming with monster fish the envy of fly fishermen and women from around the world. Further south are the three majestic peaks of the Tongariro National Park, one of the worlds few dual listed UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Luxury Destinations Rotorua & Taupo
Explore a selection of our favourite locations
Luxury accommodation Rotorua & Taupo
Experience some of our favourite places to stay
Luxury Experiences Rotorua & Taupo
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 Rotorua
See the power of Mother Nature at Rotorua’s geothermal parks, starring erupting geysers, boiling pools of mud, decimated volcanoes, and steaming lakes and streams. Hike up Mount Tarawera, a wasteland or red burned rock, and feel the thrill of a scree run down into the crater. Then soothe you joints with a visit to the world renowned Polynesian Spa for some mineral goodness.
- Inclusions
3 nights’ accommodation (3 nights at Solitaire Lodge including all meals), 4 days rental vehicle including full insurance and GPS, shared guided hike up Mount Tarawera, admission to Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland, and admission to the Polynesian Spa.
Take a luxurious weekend break to Huka Lodge
Iconic Huka Lodge has been drawing travellers to the Taupo region since the 1920’s, and has an impressive guest list including royalty, rockstars and world leaders alike. Enjoy the exquisitely manicured grounds, the luxurious designer rooms and the world famous service that has seen the lodge become perhaps the most famous in the country.
- Inclusions
3 nights’ accommodation (3 nights at Huka Lodge including breakfast, pre dinner drinks and dinner) and 4 days rental vehicle including full insurance and GPS.
Take a weekend break to Owhaoko
Incredibly remote and only accessible by helicopter, Owhaoko is a huge 6,950 hectare stretch of mountainous terrain near Taupo. The land has been frequented by local Maori for decades, and is today proudly held in a trust for their descendants use over the coming decades. Located on the land is a single glass-encased cabin, Te Whare Ruruhau. Hike, hunt, birdwatch, stargaze, enjoy the outdoor bathtub and completely switch-off in this complete wilderness location.
- Inclusions
3 nights’ accommodation (3 nights at Te Whare Ruruhau including all meals), return helicopter transfers from Taupo, and a guide for exclusively tailored activities.
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.
Beaches, volcanoes and culture on this North Island only itinerary
Experience the best of what the North Island has on offer, from the beaches of Northland to the vineyards of Waiheke Island; the lakes and volcanoes of the Central Plateau; and the rich green farmlands of the Wairarapa.
- Inclusions
12 nights’ accommodation (2 nights at The Boatshed, 3 nights at The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs, 2 nights at Huka Lodge, 2 nights at Craggy Range, 3 nights at Wharekauhau Country Estate, including breakfast daily, 2 lunches and 8 dinners), rental vehicle including full insurance and GPS, private wine tour of Waiheke Island, private cruise through the Bay of Islands, private helicopter flight to Mount Tarawera and White Island, private wine tour of Hawke's Bay, and a private farm tour at Wharekauhau.
Two weeks in New Zealand's best lodges from north to south
This classic ultraluxe itinerary has you visiting the very best of New Zealand’s lodges throughout the country. Start in the city of Auckland and enjoy the wines of Waiheke Island before heading south to Taupo for a stay at iconic Huka Lodge. Delve into New Zealand farming life, with a luxury twist, at The Farm at Cape Kidnappers. Stay in a grand Downtown-esque manor on the outskirts of Christchurch. And finally, as you head towards Queenstown, take two epic helicopter rides, one through the Southern Alps and another to Milford Sound, a pièce-de-résistance you’ll never forget!
- Inclusions
14 nights’ accommodation (2 nights at Park Hyatt Auckland, 2 nights at Huka Lodge, 3 nights at the Farm at Cape Kidnappers, 2 nights at Otahuna Lodge, 2 nights at The Lindis, and 3 nights at Matakauri Lodge, inclusive of breakfast daily, 7 lunches and 12 dinners), private car and driver transfers to and from airports and accommodations, private seaplane flight to Waiheke Island with a private wine and food tour of the island, private tour of the Hobbiton movie set, private guided hike and cruise of Lake Taupo, private wine and food tour of the Hawke’s Bay, green fees, club and cart hire at Cape Kidnappers Golf Course, cooking class at Otahuna Lodge, private tour of Banks Peninsula and Akaroa with dolphin cruise, private helicopter journey through the Southern Alps, private guided fly fishing day, private helicopter excursion to Milford Sound, and s private full day touring of Queenstown art and highlights.
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!
Your country, its people and your team could not have made us feel more welcome.
Thank you for all the special moments you enabled us to experience.
