Your browser (Internet Explorer {{browserVersion}}) is out of date. It has known security flaws and may not display all the features of this and other websites.
Update my browser

Discover New Zealand by Private Air

Read an article about a remarkably comprehensive 12-day journey, covering the majestic landscapes, cities, and alluring attractions of the North and South Islands.

Rediscover the natural purity of New Zealand in 2023 and 2024 with an APT Private Air Tour. Embark on a remarkably comprehensive 12-day journey, covering the majestic landscapes, cities, and alluring attractions of the North and South Islands. And thanks to the speed and ease of air travel, you will be awed by how easily you tick off an array of unforgettable experiences across the country. Below are just some of the highlights from APT’s newest air tour.

Superior Comfort

No crowded coaches or delayed flights here. The joy of a private aircraft is being able to stick to your own tour schedule, skip the arduous check-in and luggage collection and travel the length of the country with speed and ease. You will be sharing your Saab 340 plane with no more than 29 other APT guests, so you will have the full attention of the expert crew. Another advantage of this mode of travel is that flights are enviably short compared to any other form of transport; the longest journey is just 2.5 hours to your next beautiful destination.

Award-winning Dining

The New Zealand Private Air Tour boasts an exclusive and indulgent itinerary starting with two nights in the luxurious Cordis Hotel, where you will launch your holiday in style with an interactive welcome dinner at the hotel’s award-winning restaurant “Eight”, named after the eight national cuisines served.

There are plenty more memorable meals on tour including an indulgent epicurean lunch accompanied by wine at Cloudy Bay winery, a delicious dinner onboard Christchurch’s charming heritage Tramway Restaurant and a traditional Māori feast at Te Pa Tu.

View of marlborough sounds

Island Touring

In addition to the North and South Islands, your exclusive mode of transport means you will have time to take some extra-special excursions, including the idyllic Waiheke Island, also known as the “Island of Wine” where, as the name implies, you will be sampling some of New Zealand’s most delectable wines. Your island touring doesn’t stop here, you will also enjoy a cruise on the beautiful Marlborough Sound and have the pleasure of viewing hundreds of beautiful isles as you navigate through some of the 1,500km of waterways which make up this breathtaking natural phenomenon.

te pa tu tangata traditional performance

Cultural Immersion

For generations Te Puia has welcomed manuhiri visitors to witness the magic hidden within Te Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley. Te Puia guides are passionate about sharing Māori culture and showcasing the lands remarkable beauty. Prepare to be moved by the majesty of nature when you see Pōhutu Geyser– the largest geyser in the Southern Hemisphere shoot a stream of water and steam metres into the sky. On the same day you will also be treated to a remarkable evening at Te Pa Tu with a Signature Experience which will give you a glimpse into life in Rotorua prior to European settlement.

Queenstown lakeview exterior

Waterview Rooms

Every hotel has been hand-picked by APT Travel Experts, so you can be confident of a beautiful and memorable stay. A firm favourite with guests is the Copthorne Hotel & Resort Queenstown Lakefront which boasts an unobstructed view of the achingly beautiful Lake Wakatipu, and as we believe it should be admired as much as possible, you are assured a lakeview room for your three nights stay in Queenstown. We recommend getting a Central Otago wine from the Hotels Impressions Cocktail Bar and enjoying the remarkable mountain range and lake views from the expansive balcony.

Off-Road Safari

It is hard to describe the experience of journeying through wild Wanaka, so instead you can experience it for yourself on an off-road safari. Traverse through the 30,000 acre private farm by scenic alpine 4WD backroads, taking in the mountain-top views and historic sites. You might even be spot a few of the locals, free-ranging red deer and New Zealand’s signature - Angus cattle. Your adventure ends with a glimpse into agricultural life at West Wanaka Station. But don’t get too comfortable, your private aircraft will be ready to whisk you Queenstown for a delightful three-night stay.

Queenstown dinner cruise with view of walter peak

The Grand Finale - Lake Wakatipu Cruising

After 12 days of experiencing New Zealand’s most beautiful locations, wining and dining in some of the country's most delightful restaurants and wineries and learning about the island’s magical history, it’s time sit back and reflect on your journey. For your final night with APT, hop aboard a Lake Wakatipu cruise and enjoy a relaxing evening, featuring a hearty dinner accompanied by a glass of New Zealand wine and Queenstown's breathtaking surrounds. In the morning, hop aboard your private plane, the sadness of your tour coming to an end soothed somewhat by enjoying a glass of champagne and lunch onboard as you glide through the air back to Auckland. Until the next time that you visit this fascinating region.

Words: Grace Cullinan

Images courtesy of Te Pa Tu and Spirit of Queenstown