Luxury New Zealand holidays

There are lots of five-star hotels in New Zealand which would be perfect for your luxury getaway. At The George Hotel in Christchurch, for example, you can look forward to stylish suites and delicious dining in a beautiful setting, as the hotel overlooks Hagley Park and the River Avon. Or, if you’re considering staying in Queenstown, check out The Rees Hotel. This five-star hotel boasts an award-winning restaurant and top-notch spa, where you can take your pick from a range of therapeutic treatments.

Meanwhile, on the North Island, there’s Huka Lodge Taupo. One of the best lodges in New Zealand, this exclusive retreat has just 26 suites. You’ll be able to join in with a variety of excursions, feast on sublime cuisine, and fall asleep to the sounds of the Waikato River. But if you’re looking for an urban base, take a look at Hotel Grand Windsor Auckland MGallery by Sofitel. This boutique hotel has everything you need for a relaxing stay, from high tea to the health club.

New Zealand offers an endless amount of things to see and do – so why not do it properly? There are a number of luxury excursions and experiences you could incorporate into your holiday.

On the South Island, you can discover Franz Josef Glacier on an epic heli-hike. You’ll hop into a helicopter and fly over the jagged ice-cap, before landing on its surface and embarking on a guided hike through icy tunnels and blue-hued caverns. Or, if you’d rather do something more relaxing, why not book a scenic flight over Milford Sound? From above, you’ll have a stunning view of the mirror-like fjord and the surrounding mountains.

There are plenty of luxury activities available on the North Island, too. You could unwind with a pamper session at the Polynesian Spa in Rotorua. Have a relaxing soak in one of the 28 hot pools – filled with geothermal mineral waters from two natural springs – or enjoy a soothing mud massage. Prefer to keep active? Book a guided hike across the dramatic Tongariro Alpine Crossing, then tuck into a sumptuous afternoon tea at Chateau Tongariro.

If you’re an avid foodie, you can look forward to plenty of world-class options for wining and dining on your luxury New Zealand holiday. On the North Island, Auckland has a great restaurant scene. For a special treat, why not book a table at The Sugar Club? This swanky place serves up tasty New Zealand cuisine and sweeping city views, thanks to its location inside Auckland’s Sky Tower. Or you could try a delicious six-course tasting menu at award-winning restaurant, The French Café. And make sure you hop over to Waiheke Island for a day. This picturesque isle is home to some lovely vineyards, but Mudbrick is our pick of the bunch. You can enjoy a wine-tasting at their cellar door, or indulge in a gourmet meal at their flagship restaurant.

Alternatively, if you’re travelling to the South Island, make tracks for Marlborough – the biggest wine region in New Zealand. With more than 30 vineyards offering tours and tastings, you’ll be spoiled for choice. Visit famous wineries like Brancott Estate and Villa Maria, where you can try the region’s world-famous sauvignon blanc, as well as fruity pinot noir and spicy syrah.

New Zealand has four seasons like the UK – they just occur at opposite times. The weather is best during New Zealand’s summer, from December to February, while the winter months between June and August are generally cold and wet.

As you’d expect, summer is the best time to go to New Zealand, as the days are usually dry and warm – although rain is always a possibility here. Top attractions, like Milford Sound and Huka Falls, will be much busier at this time of year, though. If you want to avoid the crowds, consider planning your New Zealand trip for spring or autumn. Between September and November, the weather will still be warm enough for outdoor activities, while March to May sees the leafy scenery begin to change from green to orange.

One key thing to note is that the North Island is typically warmer than the South, and the temperatures will get cooler the further south you go. It’s also worth remembering that showers are common throughout the year in New Zealand – so it’s best to pack a waterproof and some layers.