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Saturday, November 01, 2025
Summer in New Zealand longer daylight hours, sun-drenched landscapes and outdoor adventures, perfect for designing memorable itineraries for your clients. Average temperatures(opens in new window) range from 20-25°C (68-77°F), ideal for including beach escapes, alpine hikes, and scenic national parks in their journeys.
In this edition, learn about the newest gems from stylish city retreats and slowcation villas to immersive experiences and scenic train journeys.
Discover Aotearoa New Zealand’s newest luxury and boutique stays, from vibrant urban retreats to secluded coastal hideaways, these properties offer unique opportunities for leisure, slowcations, and adventure-based travel, all complemented by curated local experiences.
Learn more about high-end accommodations and experiences in New Zealand with our brand-new luxury course in our 100% Pure New Zealand Specialist Programme(opens in new window) (Advanced Course after completing eight modules)
Marking Accor’s first TRIBE address in New Zealand, TRIBE Auckland brings a bold design edit to the city’s hotel scene. Located on Fort Street, just a 5-minute walk from Britomart Transport Hub and Auckland’s ferry terminal, the hotel features 60 compact yet ultra-comfy guestrooms with smart technology, a vibrant lobby bar, terrace, and social hub. Guests are within easy reach of Commercial Bay’s designer shopping and dining, as well as the Viaduct Harbour and Wynyard Quarter precincts.
Planning tip: Book your clients on the nearby ferry to Waiheke Island(opens in new window) for a day of world-class wine, art, and coastal scenery, an ideal addition to a stylish Auckland itinerary.
Tribe Auckland
Opened in August 2025, The Clements Hotel transforms the historic 1866 Masonic Hotel into a contemporary boutique retreat. Each suite blends plush bedding, stylish décor, and modern amenities, creating a refined yet relaxed stay for leisure and business travellers. Guests are just steps from boutique shopping, local cafés, and the charming Cambridge town square, known for its tree-lined streets, heritage buildings, and welcoming small-town vibe.
Planning tip: Book your clients day trips around the region to the magical Hobbiton™ Movie Set Tours(opens in new window) or the world-famous Waitomo Caves(opens in new window), and in the evening enjoy dining at the hotel’s restaurant or the basement speakeasy bar.
The Clements Hotel, Cambridge
Perched above Kaiteriteri with sweeping views of Tasman Bay, Domu Retreat is purpose-built for a slowcation, where time moves gently and nature takes centre stage. Each villa features floor-to-ceiling windows, a private deck, and an outdoor bath overlooking native bush and sea. Guests can unwind with in-villa dining by Michelin-star-level chef Toby Stuart, showcasing seasonal local produce in elegant, restorative meals.
Planning tip: Located just minutes from the departure point for Wilsons Abel Tasman(opens in new window) guided walks and water-taxi services into Abel Tasman National Park, your clients can enjoy kayaking, hiking, sailing and exploring the park’s natural beauty.
Domu Retreat, Kaiteriteri
Nestled above Lake Whakatipu and framed by the Southern Alps, Lodge Lorien offers an exclusive-use villa experience just 45 minutes from Queenstown or a 15-minute helicopter flight away. Recently awarded Qualmark Gold, this villa combines sustainable luxury with spacious living areas, four intimate bedrooms, outdoor entertaining spaces, and the option of a private chef, perfect for a fully immersive escape.
Planning tip: Guests can pair their stay with an unforgettable experience in the region from Glenorchy - such as scenic flights(opens in new window) over Milford Sound, high-country horse riding, or private wine tours of Central Otago’s vineyards.
Lodge Lorien, Glenorchy
ROKI Collection Queenstown offers an ultra-luxurious urban retreat with just 15 suites, each designed by renowned New Zealand interior designer Virginia Fisher. Situated on Brunswick Street, this boutique property blends wilderness-inspired tranquility with cosmopolitan sophistication. Guests enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables, complemented by bespoke amenities and world-class service.
Planning tip: Enhance your clients’ stay with a scenic helicopter flight over Milford Sound or wellness treatment at ROKI Pure. For wine enthusiasts, Appellation Wine Tours(opens in new window) provides premium tours through Central Otago’s renowned vineyards.
ROKI Collection Queenstown
This summer brings new, immersive ways to explore New Zealand. From Northland’s culture-rich coastal tours to bespoke South Island luxury journeys, your clients can connect with nature, wildlife, and local communities with these unique experiences.
Known for their exceptional Waiheke Island experiences, Terra & Tide have expanded into Northland, providing culture-rich tours showcasing Aotearoa New Zealand's nature, art, food, and wine. Offering customised itineraries through Hokianga, the Tūtūkaka coast, and the Bay of Islands, Terra & Tide continue their focus on regenerative, nature-based ecotourism. A great choice for small groups, suitable all year-round and for all fitness levels.
Planning tip: Match your clients' Northland experience with a stay at Mākoha PurePod(opens in new window), a luxurious off-grid eco-cabin near Kerikeri. Nestled in native bush with river views, it offers total seclusion, self-contained amenities, and stargazing, perfectly complementing Terra & Tide’s immersive tours.
Terra & Tide, Waiheke and Northland
Alpine Luxury Tours has launched premium private day tours from Christchurch, exploring the Canterbury region, including Akaroa, Arthur’s Pass, Kaikōura, and Nelson. They also offer bespoke multi-day itineraries connecting Queenstown, Aoraki Mount Cook, Christchurch, and the upper South Island, partnering with local wineries, luxury accommodation, and activity providers to craft unforgettable experiences.
Planning Tip: Base your clients in central Christchurch at five star boutique Hotel Montreal(opens in new window), offering luxurious modern‑farmhouse rooms with balconies, tapas restaurant, and complimentary bikes for exploring, making it a great choice to pair with an Alpine Luxury Tour.
Alpine Luxury Tours, Akaroa and Banks Peninsula Tour
New Zealand offers some of the world’s most scenic train journeys, from heritage rides through Northland’s lush countryside to coastal and alpine vistas of the South Island. Book your clients on a heritage journey or a luxury scenic adventure for an unforgettable way to experience the motu country.
The newly Qualmark Gold-accredited Bay of Islands Vintage Railway offers a memorable two-hour heritage journey through Kawakawa, past the Hundertwasser Toilets, and over the Southern Hemisphere’s longest wooden curved bridge. Guests travel through lush Northland countryside, rolling hills, and rivers, enjoying restored carriages and the option to stand outside for sweeping scenic views. A highlight is the stop at the charming Taumarere Station for photos. Suitable for families, and groups, the train carries up to 150 passengers and operates all year-round.
Planning Tip: Suggest your clients take their bikes on the train and explore the Twin Coast Cycle Trail(opens in new window). This scenic ride passes lush native bush, historic towns, and beautiful harbours, with the train providing a convenient start or finish point.
Bay of Islands Vintage Railway
Great Journeys New Zealand have brought back their iconic Coastal Pacific train service, reconnecting Christchurch with Picton, Blenheim, Kaikōura, and Hurunui.
The Coastal Pacific brings New Zealand’s South Island to life with breathtaking coastal and mountain scenery. Operating daily from 1 September 2025 to 31 January 2026, with departures from Christchurch at 7:00 AM and returns from Picton at 12:40 PM. The journey takes approximately five hours each way, covering a distance of 310 kilometres (192.6 miles).
And have you heard that another Great Journeys train, the TranzAlpine, has recently been recognised as one of the world’s top train journeys in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards(opens in new window).
Planning Tip: Recommend your clients upgrade to the Scenic Plus class(opens in new window), which offers spacious seating, regionally inspired cuisine, fine New Zealand wines, and full at-seat service, while onboard hosts share the stories of the land and sea.
Coastal Pacific Train, Great Journeys New Zealand
Looking for more inspiration to help curate some new and exciting itineraries this season? Check out previous editions of our 'What’s New In New Zealand' article for a collection of new eco-accommodation and exciting experiences from around the motu (country)