New Zealand’s luxury includes adventure, fine dining and remote lodges

New Zealand is known one of the world’s top destinations for adventure. B&amp;R’s new <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/trip/small-group/new-zealand-biking">Limited Edition biking trip</a> to the South Island ensures travellers cycle some of the country’s best trails, as well as enjoy thrilling off-bike experiences that immerse them in the landscape and the lore. <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/who-we-are/meet-the-designers/rob-grieve">Rob Grieve</a>, who calls the South Island home and is the Experience Designer behind this one-of-a-kind trip, offers insight into what to expect during this trip.&nbsp;For people who haven't been to the South Island before, what can they expect from the landscape?&nbsp;If you've ever seen pictures of New Zealand, it's probably the South Island. It's the more majestic of the two islands that make up the country. It's where all the towering peaks are—there's a spine of beautiful mountains called the Southern Alps that run from the bottom to top of the island. It's where your fjords are. It's where your temperate rainforest is on the west coast. It’s where the braided river systems are. It's where the 12,500-foot Mount Cook or Aoraki, our highest peak, is. In a word, it’s spectacular.&nbsp;With such varied terrain, what will the rides on this trip be like?&nbsp;The beauty about New Zealand is the access to really different landscapes, really quickly. From Christchurch, you start on the Canterbury Plains, a beautiful fertile, flat area. We’ll do a scenic flight over the Southern Alps before getting back on the bikes to ride through the foothills of the mountains where there are incredible biking tracks that are off road. It’s a well-maintained gravel track. Kids, families, everyone rides it. It's super doable. The hiking is amazing too, so that's something that we'll incorporate into the trip as well.&nbsp;

What’s your favourite activity off the bikes for B&amp;R travellers?&nbsp;&nbsp;One of the experiences that we've got is a private jet boat ride up the river in the Matukituki Valley near Wānaka. We’ll spend the morning exploring this braided river system that winds its way between beautiful towering mountains into the back of beyond. Instead of having an outboard motor with a propeller that hangs down and needs depth, it's got a grate in the bottom of the boat. It sucks water through the grate and shoots it out the back, which means the boat can go places that only have two to three inches of water. You can go far upriver to places that often can’t be reached otherwise. Farmers have used them a lot in the past to get access to their properties.&nbsp;Speaking of food, New Zealand has a famous wine scene, and its culinary scene is divine as well. What is it that makes it so good?One of the key factors about New Zealand and the culture here is that because we're so far away, a lot of young Kiwis head out into the world, and then bring back all the amazing stuff that they’ve seen and learned. People have gone overseas, working as chefs or artisans or artists, whatever it might be—culinary, viticulture—then return and set up these thriving little communities. And then there’s our weather, which creates conditions perfect for growing all sorts of beautiful food and produce.&nbsp;Did I mention the incredible wines?

There are unique opportunities with the lodges folks will be staying at as well, too.One of the most exciting things about this trip is that we've got four property buyouts, which means we’ll have the hotels and lodges to ourselves. Lakestone Lodge is a beautiful six-room lodge that sets you right above Lake Pukaki. Next up is The Lindis, an incredible six-star luxury lodge in the Ahuriri Valley. Both those areas are dark sky reserves, so stargazing is a must. We also have the lovely and historic Hulbert House in Queenstown is our own—situated just above town with stunning views out across the lake—and the Whare Kea Lodge, a mountain chalet in Wānaka.

Butterfield & Robinson’s New Zealand Biking Limited Edition trip helps travellers experience the very best of the country’s dining scene, adventure activities and exclusive lodges

New Zealand

Welcome to New Zealand, where lush landscapes, breathtaking coastlines and vibrant culture await at every turn. Known as Aotearoa in Māori, New Zealand captivates travellers with its wild beauty, friendly locals and quiet luxury. At Butterfield &amp; Robinson, we believe in journeys that go beyond the ordinary. Our New Zealand trips are crafted for those who seek the thrill of exploration while enjoying unparalleled luxury, comfort and authenticity.We'll take you from the geothermal wonders and vineyards of the North Island to the adventure-laden South Island, where breathtaking fjords and rugged peaks await. Uncover the energy of New Zealand through exclusive, memorable moments that will be so special, they'll leave you wanting more.

An adventure lovers paradise

New Zealand | Butterfield & Robinson

It’s all about the purity of its Middle-Earth-like wilderness, the fresh attitude of the Kiwis’ approach to life and the friendliness of its people. New Zealand is a destination that we&nbsp;love&nbsp;to explore—from the silent waterways of Fiordland to its towering mountain peaks and rich Maori culture. We love "tramping" the famous walking tracks, rafting the rapids and luxuriating in world-class lodges. And to land by heli on a deserted glacier is something to be celebrated—naturally—with a glass of New Zealand sparkling in hand.

Nature's Wonder

Understated Luxury

Active Adventure

New Zealand is cinematic in every sense—glacier landings with bubbly in hand, trails that redefine “epic” and coastlines rugged enough to stop you mid-hike. Tramp through Fiordland, soak in hot springs and connect with Māori culture that runs deep. With jaw-dropping lodges and even better locals, Aotearoa doesn’t just welcome you—it wows you.

Raw, rugged adventure awaits hidden in the heart of the Pacific 

There’s something pure, fresh and primal about New Zealand

Bespoke travel lets you to take our inspirational cues and craft them into your personalized, private adventure. Collaborate one-on-one with an Experience Designer to put together your tailor-made trip.

Nestled between the vast Pacific Ocean, rugged mountain ranges and shimmering lakes, New Zealand is a cyclist's paradise waiting to be discovered. Kia ora! Cycle the land of the long white cloud and the vibrant city of Christchurch, where a private charter flight is waiting to whisk you over the Southern Alps to Lake Tepako. Head to Lakestone Lodge, your first exclusively booked retreat, where you’ll quickly feel immersed in the awe-inspiring beauty of this Dark Sky Reserve. Venture further south to cycle along the famed Alps to Ocean Trail, then retreat to The Lindis, a luxurious hideaway tucked between the mountains and the serene Ahuriri River. Explore the picturesque Matukituki River by jet boat, then venture to Queenstown, the world-famous mountain town brimming with adventure and charm. Between exclusively-booked properties, incredible gastronomic experiences and heart-stirring rides, you’ll quickly feel an intimate connection to this magical corner of the world.&nbsp;

Incredible Rides

Off the Beaten Path

Luxurious Stays

New Zealand isn’t just a cyclist’s paradise—it’s a cinematic love letter to Mother Nature. Jet over the Southern Alps, ride the legendary Alps to Ocean Trail, and unwind in jaw-dropping lodges booked just for us. From starry skies at Lake Tekapo to jet boating in Queenstown, Aotearoa delivers magic, mountains, and more “wow” than your camera can handle.

Cycle along the South Island

The itinerary below is a sample and is subject to slight changes in routes, accommodations and activities. Please download the itinerary for your selected departure for precise details.

Preview the itinerary

Experience Designer

Our new Limited Edition New Zealand Biking trip offers an unparalleled journey through the South Island, one of the world’s most extraordinary landscapes. Created by local Experience Designer Rob Grieve, this exclusive itinerary invites you to cycle through strikingly diverse terrain—from the fertile Canterbury Plains to the rugged foothills of the Southern Alps—immersing you fully in the South Island’s wild and breathtaking beauty.Savour New Zealand’s renowned food and wine, unwind at private luxury lodges, and explore untamed landscapes by jet boat and scenic flights. Stargaze under the protected skies of a Dark Sky Reserve and enjoy exclusive stays at Lakestone Lodge, The Lindis, Hulbert House, and Whare Kea Lodge—each a distinctive property embodying the spirit of the South Island.

New Zealand’s luxury includes adventure, fine dining and remote lodges

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