New Zealand
Why New Zealand
Rugged snow-capped peaks, sun-filled skies, iconic Maori culture, winery-dotted islands, and innovative cuisine served by Michelin-star chefs. New Zealand treasures quality, and you’ll eat and drink very well. It’s wild, too—cliff-hugging drives to lost valleys, biking between wine tastings, picnic spots literally straight out of Hobbit movies.
Moments That Matter
A spine-tingling, foot-stomping Maori haka war dance. A helicopter ride from the Kiwis’ adventure capital to waterfall-splashed picnic spots. Michelin-star chefs preparing specially arranged meals at the country’s oldest wineries. Biking winery to winery along a perfect coastline. Along the way, stay in style: luxurious cottages looking out over neighboring vines, or below peaks near the lip of glimmering lakes.
Your Private Experience
Who It’s For
From the casual wine lover to the outdoor enthusiast who gets a rush from helicopter rides to secluded hikes, New Zealand has something everyone can learn from and be inspired by.
When to Travel
New Zealand’s peak times are the southern hemisphere's summer: December thru February. March and April, too, offer prime weather, long evenings and autumnal colors.
Make It Yours
Only in it for the wine? We get it. Want to dial up the adventure? Always possible in New Zealand. Tell us what you’re looking for and we’ll make your trip unforgettable.
Day by Day
There’s a lot packed into these two little islands across the world—here’s how we recommend exploring:
Where We Sleep
Prepare for high style and design in some of New Zealand's most stunning locations—on the water, in the vines, at the base of mountains.
Auckland
The city’s emerging harborfront district—home to best restaurants and theater—is an ideal and indulgent base to settle, packed with Maori-inspired design and local art, with rooms with city views.
Hawke's Bay
We’ll get in deep with the setting, by setting up in boutique cottages with luxurious living rooms looking through huge windows to craggy peaks and rows of luscious vines.
Martinborough
Situated at the entrance of Martinborough’s quaint village square, our hotel has been the talk of the town sine the 1850s. It's still considered one of the finest hostelries in New Zealand.
Queenstown
New Zealand’s Southern Island amps up the adventure. We’ll stay in Queenstown’s best boutique digs, an intimate base overlooking the city’s snow-capped peaks and silvery waters of Lake Wakatipu—the perfect base for mountain journeys.
People Love MO/AD’s New Zealand
Our activities were amazing, and the accommodations and food were excellent.
I enjoyed the entire experience: the destination, the curated itinerary and pace, and, of course, the wine and food.
I'll always remember the friendships made while touring this beautiful, friendly country.
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How many people is this itinerary suitable for?
Our private itineraries are ideal for groups as small as six, or as large as you desire—you and friends, families and multi-generational groups.
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Can you curate an itinerary for a larger group?
Yes, we can help you craft an unforgettable milestone celebration, for groups as large as 40 or more.
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What makes a MO/AD experience different?
Our level of curation and care. We handle everything, overseeing your experience from beginning to end, with the highest levels of ownership and responsibility. We also support you each step of the way, with comprehensive trip materials and itineraries, detailed day-by-day options, insider destination info, gear recommendations, and 24/7 dedicated support.
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How far in advance should I plan my trip?
Preferably three to six months in advance. We stay in unique, in-demand boutique and luxury hotels where advance reservations are important to secure the best accommodations possible.
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What is typically included?
We curate your Modern Adventure to ensure the experiences are authentic and immersive, and included in your trip price. This includes internal flights, all accommodations, local transport and airport transfers, private travel for all day trips and excursions, private tours with local guides and cultural experts, exclusive VIP access and activities, all breakfasts and some lunches and dinners.
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How much will it cost?
Private Modern Adventures typically cost $750 to $1,500 per person, per day, and vary by time of year, number of people in your group, types of activities you prefer including private local guides and private transfers.
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What's not included?
MO/AD Private Departures do not include roundtrip airfare to/from your destination, travel insurance, transportation to your trip’s starting point, hotel incidentals (including room service, laundry service and hotel bar tabs), and any activities or meals not included in your confirmed MO/AD itinerary.
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What deposits are required?
After learning more about you, your interests and preferred style of travel, as well as your preferred travel dates, we will present you with a detailed itinerary including activities, internal flights, transport and accommodations. In order to check and confirm availability for your group, there is a $750 non-refundable deposit due. This will be applied to your final trip cost.
Your trip is guaranteed—and your dates secured—with a 25% non-refundable deposit. Many of our local partners, including our hotel and resort partners, require advance deposits to secure the best accommodations. The balance of your trip is due 30 days prior to travel.
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What travel documents are needed?
US citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure from New Zealand. US citizens are eligible for a visa waiver and therefore do not need a visa for tourists stays of three months or less. Under the visa waiver program, US citizens will be required to have a NZeTA, which can be applied for prior to travel and is valid for multiple visits for up to two years. For full requirements and information visit the New Zealand Embassy. For citizens of other countries, please check with New Zealand’s embassy or consulate for information and requirements.