New Zealand: Wild & Remote

Wild beaches, backcountry huts, towering peaks, glacier lakes it’s all here waiting for you to sit by the fire and take it in. EliteLyfe has got you covered. Our team will craft your custom adventure into the wild, building an experience that combines the perfect mix of remoteness and adrenaline, all splashed with the perfect blend of comfort.

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Our speciality is crafting a combination of unique adventurous moments, designed for you.

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Focus: The best of New Zealand focusing on adventure, remoteness, diving and exploration.

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Highlights: Rotorua - Whakarewarewa Forest - Kaituna River Raft Experience - Ride world class trails - Sunset Thermal Pools Rotorua - Rainbow Mountain - Heli-Biking. Queenstown - Shotover Remote River - Fiordland Remote Experience - Queenstown Surroundings.

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Base Locations: Rotorua — Evergreen Lodge, Queenstown — Hurbert House, Fiordland — Private Charter, Upper Shotover — Remote Field Camps.

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Welcome to New Zealand, a land of breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and extraordinary experiences.

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An exclusive adventure designed offers an unparalleled journey through a country renowned for adventure. We’ll take you to the secret parts of New Zealand where few humans have ever set foot. You’ll paddle pristine and remote rivers, ride the best trails, explore hidden fiords, dive for abundant sea life, and raft the highest the highest commercially run waterfall in the world. All that and so much more - from the deep south to the ‘’Flawless North’’, every moment is curated to deliver an unforgettable experience to last a lifetime.

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This bespoke adventure promises to reveal the very best of New Zealand in absolute style and comfort - with a little adventure thrown in as only a kiwi experience demands. Welcome to a journey like no other.

• DAY 1 | Welcome to New Zealand — Journey to Central Lakes. Overnight in Rotorua.
• DAY 2 | MTB Whakarewarewa Forest Shuttles + Float Plane. Overnight in Rotorua.
• DAY 3 | Rainbow Mountain + Kaituna River. Overnight in Rotorua.
• DAY 4 | Heli-Biking Kaimanawa Forest. Overnight in Rotorua.
• DAY 5 | The Journey South — Mt Crichton Loop. Overnight in Queenstown.
• DAY 6 | Backcountry Shotover River Overnight at Remote Field Camp. 
• DAY 7 | Backcountry Shotover River. Overnight at Remote Field Camp. 
• DAY 8 | Backcountry Shotover River. Overnight in Queenstown.
• DAY 9 | Dusky Sound — Diving, Kayaking, Hiking. Overnight in Rotorua. 
• DAY 10 | Dusky Sound — Diving, Kayaking, Hiking. Overnight in The Bay of Islands. 
• DAY 11 | Dusky Sound — Diving, Kayaking, Hiking. Overnight in The Bay of Islands. 
• DAY 12 | Departure. Overnight in Auckland upon request. 

Welcome to New Zealand

• Day One: Overnight Evergreen Lodge, Rotorua.

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Welcome to New Zealand! We can provide private transport from the airport and head South through the fertile Waikato region, and into the volcanic heart of New Zealand, Rotorua.

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Rotorua is renowned for its geothermal wonders, including bubbling mud pools, geysers, and hot springs. Surrounded by lush forests and sparkling lakes, it's a hub for Māori culture, offering rich traditions and performances. Adventure and natural beauty blend seamlessly in this unique geothermal paradise.

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Want to stretch your legs? If you’re up for it, we can head out for a sunset ride. Rotorua is famous for smooth flowy goodness with berms galore, drops to tight and technical features and “Hero Dirt” – tacky, with minimal rocks – all set up for maximum fun. Later, settle in to your exclusive Mountain Bikers Lodge.

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EVERGREEN LODGE, Rotorua

Located on the edge of the Whakarewarewa Forest, Evergreen Mountain Bike Lodge is the ideal staging ground for our Rotorua adventure.

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The Evergreen is a beautiful home with 8 bedrooms, 2 lounges, and one large kitchen. Built in 2020, this modern purpose build property boosts a secure bike storage for 20 bikes, mechanic room, and expansive space. Roomy and stylish, enjoy the space that allows for socialising and relaxing alone to recharge.

Enjoy some time to relax in the hot tub, savor a brew while reminiscing the days epic trails. Our guiding team will prepare the daily fare in-house, or well head out to the local spots for an award winning casual dining experience.

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The Evergreen Lodge is the most convenient to enjoy the adventure mecca of Rotorua.

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Whakarewarewa Private MTB Shuttles

• Day Two: Overnight Evergreen Lodge, Rotorua.

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Rotorua is, without a doubt, home to the best single track riding in New Zealand. Today we’ll have access to every corner of it. Our Redwoods Private Shuttles day means we’ll have access to an entire network of 200km of single track, have it to ourselves and do it in style. We’ll tailor the day to the type of trails you want to ride, and there’s no need to pedal uphill!

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If you’re keen to keep riding today, our lodge is directly across the road from the forest where there’s ample opportunity to ride till you drop. As the sun sets we’ll board a float plane and head out to Manupirua Hot Pools, the locals secret spot.

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Our team will throw on a huge BBQ with local lamb and directly sourced fare to celebrate a big days riding.

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Rainbow Mountain + Kaituna River Experience

• Day Three: Overnight Evergreen Lodge, Rotorua.

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A very short drive south this morning brings us to “Kerosene Creek”, where the Rainbow Mountain ride begins. We’ll start out with a 40 minute climb to the summit of Rainbow Mountain.

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From the summit, the views out to Lake Taupo and North to Rotorua and the surrounding forests are breathtaking. Then it’s time for the steep, tight, technical descent through the forest on winding single track, all the way back down to Kerosene Creek. The beauty of this run is that we can do it all over again and double the fun! There’s a chance to soak in the natural hot springs after the ride, then we’ll head back to Rotorua.

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The afternoon is a gravity fueled whitewater descent on the Kaituna river – home to the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world. This gorge is spectacular, epic rapids, stunning native ferns and the ultimate training ground for New Zealand’s best kayakers. Your guide, Sam Sutton, is a 4 times world champion.

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Heli-Biking Kaimanawas Descent

• Day Four: Overnight at Evergreen Lodge, Rotorua.

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A big day awaits! Get ready for the ultimate descent through incredible backcountry terrain. We’ll drive south this morning, past lake Taupo - the largest lake in New Zealand.

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The Kaimanawa Descent is a 14.5 mile downhill mountain biking trail, packed with flow, loam and a hint of tech - all midst the backdrop of the 3 peaks of our iconic Central Plateau. We’ll begin with a helicopter flight from a heli base on the shores of Lakes Taupo to the trail head on the Patutu Tops (5490 feet). The first 10 miles will see you descend through Kaimanawa alpine tussock country, taking in the spectacular views of the entire Central Plateau and the towering volcanic peaks of the Tongariro National Park. The final 5 miles twists and turns through New Zealand native mountain beech forest, to finish back with big grins.

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We’ll head back to Rotorua to celebrate with a casual dining experience in Rotorua famous Eat Street and reflect on our last day in the North Island.

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Journey to the South. Mt Crichton

• Day Five: Overnight at Private Residence, Queenstown

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We’ll take a short flight to the South Island this morning. Despite the huge geographical diversity of New Zealand, we’re fortunate to only need totravel short distances to experience vastly different and beautiful terrain.

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After landing in Queenstown, we’ll drive along the shores of Lake Wakatipu to Mt Crichton. We'll embark on a hike – a local secret walking through gorgeous beech forest. Part of this loop walk passes Sam Summers' Hut - providing a fascinating glimpse of life as a gold prospector. This area was mined off and on between the 1860s and the 1930s.

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We’ll settle into our accommodation in Queenstown, prepare for the multi-day adventure ahead of us, before heading out to a award winning local restaurant.

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HULBERT HOUSE, Queenstown

Hulbert House holds a distinguished reputation as one of New Zealand's most elegant boutique lodges. Situated in a tranquil setting, distanced from the hustle and bustle of Queenstown, yet conveniently only a 5-minute walk away, our beautifully restored lodge presents opulent suites draped in Victorian elegance.

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Immerse yourself in panoramic vistas that unfurl from the mountains to the lake while our award-winning team support you to explore the captivating Queenstown region.

The hours before dinner become a highlight with pre-dinner drinks and delectable canapés served in the iconic Palm Lounge. Elevate your dining experience with reservations at Queenstown's renowned restaurants, such as Rata or The Bunker, curated by their team.

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The historic Hurbert House, is a premium private lodging experience in the heart of Queenstown.

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Backcountry Paddling Adventure

• Day Six: Overnight at Remote Field Camp.

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This morning we’ll head to Queenstown airport and board a charter plane into wilderness area beyond the Wakatipu Basin. This is a truly spectacular flight - BIG mountains, deep canyons and alpine grasslands are on full display and we head into the high country.

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After landing in an alpine meadow just beyond the Shotover River, we’ll begin a hike up to our remote camp for the evening. Not a human being in sight, and a place where very few people have explored. There aren’t many places like this left on earth!

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We’ll enjoy a gourmet wilderness meal, and chill under the stars before resting up for the following day ahead.

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IMPECCIBLE CUISINE

No adventure is complete without good food. Your New Zealand journey will bring together a mix of private chefs, ocean to plate and wilderness cuisine experiences.

Enjoy impeccable award winning cuisine high in the mountains, on the shores of the pristine alpine lakes, or after a sunset cocktail relaxing at your lodge.

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New Zealand is renown for fresh delicacies, wild, organically sourced produce and exception quality. Make no mistake, the food here is to die for!

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Backcountry Packrafting Adventure

• Day Seven: Overnight at McLeods Bluff Field Camp.

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Wake up to a morning coffee and hearty breakfast at camp. After breaking camp, we’ll walk a short distance with our packrafts on our backs and put on the Shotover River. Our experts will brief you and prepare you for the whitewater ahead. Before setting off on the crystal clear waters of the source of this iconic river.

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There are some exciting rapids in this section of the river, along with spectacular canyons and gin-clear water. Around every corner is an exciting or deep gorge where only a handful of watercraft have ever been.

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After a day of navigating the river, we’ll arrive at Mcleods Bluff - our camp for the evening. We’ll have fresh fare waiting for us to be prepared by our team, along with local brews. A well deserved meal awaits, along with a good night's rest.

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Paddle the Shotover River

• Day Eight: Overnight at Private Residence, Queenstown.

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Our final day on the river awaits us today. This is THE classic section that kayakers from around the world have cut their teeth on. With countless play waves and the biggest wave trains of the whole river. The EliteLyfe team started their kayaking days on this section of river and keep coming back for the fun factor, not to mention big gorge walls that surround us.

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Skippers Canyon was one of Central Otago’s largest gold-mining sites during the 1860s, and much of that history is still visible today in the dams, rudimentary sluices, and ruins left behind — not to mention the Skippers Road we’re driving on that runs along the canyon walls for 16 miles. This drive out is as exciting as our time on the river!

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We’ll arrive back in Queenstown in time for down time and a chance to celebrate an amazing wilderness adventure.

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Wild Fiordland Charter and Diving Experience

• Day Nine - Eleven: Overnight at MV Tutoko, Dusky Sound.

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You'll board a helicopter this morning and head across the Southern Alps into Fiordland - arguably New Zealand's most spectacular wilderness zone, and home to deep fiords, incredible granite peaks and untouched forest.

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Our helicopter will take us deep into Dusky Sound, where our own vessel awaits - the MV Tutoko. This spacious boat is home for the next few nights and is our launching pad for diving, kayaking and fishing. Without any other humans in sight for the coming days, get ready see and capture the largest crayfish (rock lobster) you’ll ever see, and the best spearfishing on the planet.

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There’s ample chance to hike, sea kayak and explore areas of the Sound, while enjoying gourmet seafood that you’ve caught personally, and expertly prepared by our crew.

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REMOTE CHARTER, Fiordland

Landing aboard a remote charter ship , located in the heart of New Zealand’s Fiordland National Park is an experience of a lifetime. Flying into Fiordland maximizes your playtime aboard your private charter boat. Away from the hustle and bustle of city life, this is the perfect place to disconnect.

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Featuring ample space for up to 12 passengers, in 5 ensuite cabins. Hot Tub, heli pad and plenty of storage space. The top deck holds the wheel house and separate seating area as well as another viewing deck and of course the hot tub to warm up after long snorkelling, hunting and kayaking missions .. or simply to better enjoy your wines.

The hours before dinner become a highlight with the team returning for the days adventure. Relax on the deck, the chef prepares the daily fare — typically comprising of the sea food sourced from your dive.

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The Private Charter Experience, is the most unique way to enjoy the heart of New Zealand’s most remote region — Fiordland.

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Queenstown Explore and Experience

• Day Eleven: Overnight at Private residence, Queenstown.

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After a final morning of diving, you'll board a helicopter and return to Queenstown where there’s time to rest up and celebrate an epic time in the very best of New Zealand’s wilderness.

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If you’re still full of energy, there are plenty of things on offer in the pristine lakeside tourist town. Our team will make sure to recommend our favorite local activities, before we head out to a local award winning restaurant to celebrate an incredible adventure!

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DEPART NEW ZEALAND

• Day Twelve

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Today is your last day of your New Zealand adventure. We hope you’ve enjoyed your kiwi experience - taking in the pristine wilderness, abundant wildlife and warm hospitality. We’ll take a final flight to Auckland where you’ll depart New Zealand and take with you memories that will last a lifetime.

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EliteLyfe provides tailored transportation solutions, including helicopter, private jet, or chauffeur-driven luxury vehicles.

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KEY INFORMATION

Airports & Transfers

Major international airports in New Zealand include Auckland and Christchurch, with private international facilities also available in Queenstown, Rotorua, Wellington, and Dunedin. For the itinerary mentioned, Auckland is the most suitable entry point for commercial flights.

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Equipment

Given the specific requirements of this adventure package, we will supply an updated gear list. Should you need equipment locally, we have access to a selection of high-quality suppliers to ensure you are well-equipped and comfortable for your journey.

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Inclusions

The package includes all ground transportation and shuttles, guiding and hosting, park entrance fees, accommodation, and meals including snacks as outlined in the itinerary, along with specialist guiding and equipment as required. Please note, some exclusions apply, including travel insurance, personal outdoor gear, upgrades, and international flights.

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Climate and Weather

Weather in New Zealand varies, featuring cold winters and dry, hot summers. While the summer months (November to April) are typically warm and dry, weather conditions can change rapidly. It is important to prepare for a wide range of conditions regardless of your travel dates.

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