Downtown Auckland with the Sky Tower dominating the evening skyline.
The long journey to reach New Zealand is so worth it because you will find yourself in paradise from the moment you arrive.
New Zealand's Maori name is Aotearoa and there are two main islands, the North Island and the South Island and a tiny island at the bottom called Stewart Island. Wellington is the capital, but more international flights arrive in Auckland, which is also the biggest city. It makes sense to start your luxury tour of New Zealand from the top and work your way south.
Auckland is a vibrant city with a mix of shopping options, including international brands and local homegrown brands. New Zealand has a small but well-known fashion industry and you can pick up some one-off pieces made by talented Kiwi designers. Wandering down the main street, you will find yourself at the hip waterfront where you can sip wine and people watch against a stunning ocean backdrop.
After heading south out of the city, you might want to explore the Coromandel area. The Lost Spring in Whitianga has a day spa and geothermal pools making it a romantic spot for couples and honeymooners.
You will find boutique art galleries, gift shops and restaurants dotted all along the Coromandel Peninsula. You can explore with a private driver at your own pace and shop till your heart is content. Expect to stop at beautiful beaches along the coast and soak up some sun and surf.
To experience Maori culture, you need to visit Rotorua. Known for its geothermal activity, you will see hot pools, springs, waterfalls, shooting geysers, mud pools and steam rising from the ground, all with a distinctive sulfur smell. You can bathe in the warm pools that many believe to have healing properties and the mud is also said to make you look more beautiful.
The drive from one charming town to the next is stunning, with many gorgeous sights of fields, farmland and mountain ranges to enjoy. Plus you will see a lot of sheep.
