« Haere Mai Aotearoa »
In Māori language: “Welcome to the country of long white clouds”!
The scene is set: we are far, far away from home.
February is the month of love, for loving life, and loving travel too, of course. Charly’s Team is in the mood for love, and we want to make the most of the much-awaited reopening of this destination very soon, by sharing a honeymoon like no other, intended especially for young lovebirds, in
New Zealand
This archipelago, known for its relaxed way of life, is located in the azure waters of the southern Pacific Ocean. Beloved for its pristine environment and outstanding beauty, New Zealand offers extraordinary experiences.
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Take flight.
Discover these landscapes at the edge of the world by journeying into the heart of Fiordland. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the name of Te Wāhipounamu, the spectacular Milford Sound is covered mainly by forests as yet unexplored by man.
Departing from Queenstown, Wanaka or Te Anau, your private helicopter will provide entirely different views of the jade-green waters, which run 15 kilometres inland, from high up in the sky.
And to make this moment even more special, you will notice that the weather here is unpredictable all year round, passing through all four seasons in a single day, and that this is also one of the wettest places in the world. Here, you are at the latitudes known as the Roaring Forties…
During a two-hour ride, you will fly over mountain peaks, rainforests and frozen lakes, into the very heart of the majestic Milford Sound. You will make a stop at the summit, which will give you the opportunity to take a closer look at its glaciers, with numerous blue-green crevasses and awe-inspiring waterfalls.
A radical change of scenery is guaranteed!
12 km north of the town of Kaikoura, situated on a strip of land between imposing mountain ranges and an oceanic trench, the Hapuka Lodge & Tree Houses offer unparalleled luxury and service in a region with breath-taking landscapes.
Located at the heart of a deer-breeding farm, the rooms of the cabins are perched high up in the canopy of indigenous tea-trees.
The waves of the Pacific Ocean and its renowned surfing spots are close by, as are colonies of cheerful seals.
Built entirely from recycled or responsibly sourced timber, the Lodge houses works of art, sculptures and made-to-measure furniture, which give it a unique appearance.
The keys words here are: relaxation, conviviality and environmental responsibility!
In the footsteps of Robinson Crusoe.
In all seasons, the Abel Tasman National Park, the smallest national park in New Zealand, located at the north end of South Island, boasts a pristine coastline with clear blue waters and plentiful marine fauna and flora.
Departing from picturesque Wainui Bay, alight on the seashore, camp under the stars or stay in a tastefully appointed lodge, relishing the feeling of sand between your toes as you stroll on golden beaches.
Enjoy novel views of the sea off Nelson as you leave the port. This is the ideal place to explore the coastal paradise east of the park. Board a catamaran for a few nights and discover the many coves with their crystal-clear waters; escape on a kayak, put on your mask and snorkel, or why not cast a rod into the sea and try to catch some fish, which your chef will cook for lunch. When it’s cooler, walk along the path that winds through the forest and then meet your boat again a few bays further down the coast, to observe the marine fauna from a new spot. All of these places pay tribute to their very first guardians, the Māori, who inhabited this area for more than 500 years, living entirely off the land and sea, by fishing, hunting and foraging.
Masks on!
The best way to explore the Queen Charlotte Sound is by boat, departing from Picton. Keep an eye out for the Little Blue penguins, nesting along the coast, until you reach the Double Cove marine reserve. Inhabited by incredibly curious fish, who will eat from the palm of your hand, snorkelling and scuba diving are a great way to explore the bay, set against the backdrop of the stunning indigenous bush. The site is home to a large variety of marine life, including carpet sharks and rays. Dive into the depths and let the blue cod brush against your mask and cameras, as is their custom.
The Bay of Many Coves Resort is a unique location on the shore of an isolated bay of the Marlborough Sounds. The spacious suites offer uninterrupted views from their large balconies over the blue sea and the hills concealed in the bush. You will finally understand why Captain Cook set his sights on this anchorage during his visit.
The palette of warm colours reflects the natural hues of wood, sand and stone. The interior décor is tastefully appointed with textured fabrics and exceptional architectural details. The Miritu Day Spa offers a range of treatments that will ensure your relaxation and recuperation. Inspired by indigenous cultures and European influences, massages using nectars and botanical extracts will ensure deep healing.
You will arrive by helicopter, seaplane or boat. Renowned chefs flock here, crafting their menus from local produce that is always perfectly paired with the region’s finest wines. Here, there are no roads, but only hiking trails that invite you to immerse yourself fully in this unspoilt nature, overlooking the bay and its many desert coves. Each detour is conducive to the observation of dolphins and fur seals, which are very often spotted in the area.
Here you are, 450 m above Queenstown, ready to experience a thrilling aerial adventure. After ascending by cable car to Bob’s Peak, an astonishing journey awaits you, through an ancient indigenous forest, uncovering its secrets. This natural landscape is the perfect place for a more eco-friendly form of travel, which is so important for this country. But how? By chaining together six ziplines through the canopy, you will descend the equivalent of 30 floors, quickly or slowly – you decide your speed, but the approximate duration is 2 and a half hours. Allow yourself to glide above spectacular views, set foot on the hiking trails, rest at the observation platforms and balance on a suspension bridge.
The city offers two different adventures, one overhanging Lake Wakatipu, and the other the Kawarau River, to be done solo or in tandem, reaching speeds of up to 60 km/h.
To live happily, live hidden
20 minutes from the famous hot sulphur springs of Rotorua, the Solitaire Lodge, one of the oldest lodges in the country, is a luxurious and peaceful retreat, sitting on a narrow peninsula. The nine suites offer spectacular views of the Mount Tarawera volcano, rising above the lake of the same name. The lodge mirrors its natural environment and fosters a relaxing atmosphere. Behind its rustic appearance, it conceals a discreet modernity. There are no gyms nor swimming pools here; instead, you will exert yourself on kayaks and canoes, and bathe in a pure thermal pool, nestling on the other side of the shore, accessible only by boat.
And, as variety is the spice of life, why not experience a different yet essential aspect of this country with Anglo-Saxon roots: its vast pastures and grazing sheep. In the course of a rather unusual activity, you will gain an insight into farming life, the history of the region and the life of a shepherd. Here, you will be able to meet the celebrated Huntaway breed, with its exceptional abilities. This New Zealand sheep-herding dog seeks out the cattle over craggy lands, then herds and drives them with enthusiasm, thanks to its ability to bark almost incessantly.
Find out more about these strong hounds, their different roles and tasks at the farm. As soon as the whistle blows, they stand to attention, ready to show off their various talents.
And why not spend a few nights at an isolated property, surrounded by meadows as far as the eye can see, bounded by picturesque orchards. Feed the adorable lambs, try your hand at sheep shearing, and pick your own fruit and vegetables, which will later be served to you for dinner. This is an excellent opportunity to meet farmers and discover the rural idyll.
Eat, drink and be merry.
Many delicious dishes, often of British origin, are the trademarks of an exciting and innovative cuisine, with the preparation of green-lipped mussels being just one example. The latter are paired to perfection with excellent local wines, notably from Waiheke Island, also known as “Wine Island”.
Its subtropical, sunnier microclimate will delight foodies and especially those who love oysters, as the best ones in the country can be found here.
Among the unmissable vineyards, it’s worth mentioning Jomara Vineyard in Onetangi – from the Māori name meaning ‘weeping sands’ – where the vines are planted on clay slopes, in steep terraces.
Around thirty growers share the rolling hills, favouring Syrahs, Bordeaux-inspired red blends, delicate Chardonnays and Pinot Gris.
New Zealand has a vibrant atmosphere, the perfect mix of proud Māori heritage and modern European and Polynesian cultures.
Charly’s team is ready to create the perfect tailor-made itinerary for you.
Please contact us for any further information.
