8 Day Luxury Escape into Wellness

Arrive in Auckland and step into your private journey of luxury and restoration. Collect your car and leave the city behind as you travel to the coastal sanctuary of Castaways Resort. Perched above the wild Tasman Sea, this clifftop retreat offers sweeping views and complete tranquility. Spend the evening settling into the rhythm of the waves, enjoying a glass of wine with a view, and letting the stress of travel slip away with the tide.

After a relaxed breakfast, begin your scenic journey to Rotorua. Along the way, lush landscapes and winding roads invite you to slow down and savour the moment. Upon arrival, check into On The Point – Lake Rotorua, a serene lakeside lodge that blends understated elegance with a deep sense of place. Settle into your luxury suite and enjoy the peace of the property’s heritage charm, framed by the still waters of the lake and the scent of native bush.

Today, experience a deeply nurturing two-hour Hosted Restorative Journey at Wai Ariki Hot Springs & Spa, where ancient Māori wellness practices meet world-class design. Guided through spaces of steam, stone, and stillness, you’ll reconnect with your breath and body in a space that honours both tradition and transformation. Afterward, return to your lakeside lodge for an evening of pure relaxation, warmed by firelight and the afterglow of deep healing.

Depart Rotorua and follow the lake’s edge toward Taupō, where alpine vistas and thermal valleys await. Nestled near the tranquil shores of Whakaipo Bay, Whakaipo Lodge is your luxurious home for the next two nights. Surrounded by native bush and birdlife, this elegant retreat offers refined comfort with the feel of a private country estate. Let the afternoon stretch out slowly—perhaps with a stroll through the nearby trails or a quiet read in the garden.

Begin your day with a 1-hour Hot Stone Massage, designed to melt tension and awaken inner calm. Then, immerse yourself in the therapeutic geothermal pools of Wairakei Terraces & Spa, where mineral waters flow through a beautifully landscaped sanctuary. Time seems to pause as you soak, breathe, and absorb the elemental energy of the earth. Return to the lodge refreshed, ready for a glass of local wine and a restful evening.

Today’s drive leads you into the heart of nature’s quiet luxury. Your destination is Matu PurePod, a stunning glass eco-cabin completely immersed in the landscape. With nothing but native bush, birdsong, and the vast night sky surrounding you, this is solitude at its most beautiful. Disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with the rhythms of nature—slow, grounding, and utterly peaceful.

After a leisurely morning, journey back to Auckland where a final night of comfort awaits at Te Arikinui Pullman Auckland Airport. This luxurious hotel—designed in collaboration with Waikato-Tainui—offers a graceful fusion of indigenous storytelling and modern sophistication. Reflect on your journey over a gourmet meal, knowing that your return home begins from a place of true rest.

Check out, return your vehicle, and prepare for departure. Though your journey through New Zealand’s luxurious landscapes comes to a close, the stillness, strength, and serenity you’ve cultivated will carry you far beyond.