New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has finally revealed the news we’ve all been waiting for – the start date for quarantine-free travel to New Zealand for Australians.
From 11:59pm on Sunday April 18, the “Travel Bubble” between Australia and New Zealand will open, meaning anyone can travel between the two countries without having to undergo quarantine on either side.
“The bubble will give our economic recovery a boost and represents a world-leading arrangement of safely opening up international travel while continuing to pursue a strategy of elimination and keeping the virus out.” Ms Arden said during her announcement.
In light of this incredibly exciting news, we are sharing some of our favourite luxury lodges and cruises to help you soak up the stunning landscapes and experiences on offer in the Land of the Long White Cloud.
Where will you explore first? Reach out today on enquiries@jigsawtravel.com.au and start planning your Trans-Tasman escape!
Discover more travel inspiration on our social media @jigsawtravel on Instagram and Jigsaw Travel Facebook.
Our favourite New Zealand luxury lodges & escapes
EAGLES NEST LODGE, BAY OF ISLANDS
Beautiful villas, set on a stunning 75-acre estate at the top of the North Island, Eagles Nest is a world class retreat overlooking the spectacular Bay of Islands and designed in an eclectic, international, contemporary style.
Within easy walking distance of the historic village of Russell, the estate offers five multi-award-winning luxury villas, four of which offer their own private heated infinity edge lap pools.
All guests are welcomed with a complimentary bottle of Louis Roederer Champagne as they settle into this spectacular property. During your stay, the talented team of resident chefs prepare cuisine featuring regional delicacies in true Pacific style matched with New Zealand wines.
Personal concierge service is offered throughout your stay, including meals – from casual barbeques to degustation feasts, complimentary return chauffeur driven transfers, spa services, personal chef services and activity arrangements specifically catered to your interests and desires.
Eagles Nest is a great base to explore the spectacular Bay of Islands area. With over 140 islands to explore, all water-based experiences are catered for: world-class big game and sports fishing year-round, spectacular sailing and scenic cruising, swimming with the dolphins, secluded island hiking, jet skiing, kayaking, and deep-sea diving with two major wrecks to dive. Other land-based experiences include scenic horse riding and world class golfing at Kauri Cliffs. Superb local wineries provide an excellent wine trail, or head further north by car or helicopter to take in the famous 90-mile beach, Waipoua forest and spectacular Cape Reinga.
EICHARDT’S PRIVATE HOTEL, QUEENSTOWN
With a premium position on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, Eichardt’s Private Hotel is a Queenstown icon comprising individually designed and luxurious occupancies. Home to seven indulgent Suites, four comfortably appointed Apartments, The Residence and The Penthouse, Eichardt’s is the only luxury lodge in central Queenstown and provides guests an exceptional hotel experience and ideal base from which to explore the beauty and adventure of Queenstown.
Once a humble woolshed during the gold rush era, the historic building is situated at the heart of Queenstown’s café and restaurant precinct, with some of the finest international shopping labels an easy stroll away. Eichardt’s Private Hotel reflects contemporary, provincial elegance — its modern features in perfect harmony with distinctive antiques and luxurious furnishings. The opulent suites invite guests to soak up a sense of quiet before exploring one of the world’s truly remarkable locations.
Queenstown is a natural playground providing the perfect backdrop for a range of activities all year round. World-renowned for its adventure, Queenstown is home to a huge choice of activities to get the blood pumping, as well as world-class skiing and snowboarding from June to October, and an exceptional dining scene as well. Our dedicated concierge team can arrange everything for you to ensure you have the most memorable visit to Queenstown.
HAPUKU LODGE & TREEHOUSES, KAIKOURA
Located in one of New Zealand’s most spectacular locations, Hapuku Lodge is a 5-star Eco-Retreat just a few km’s north of the eco-marine town of Kaikoura on the South Island. Nestled 30 feet in the air, the tree houses sit amongst a native Kanuka Grove underneath the majestic Kaikoura Mountains.
A contemporary country lodge, Hapuku Lodge & Tree Houses is composed of five luxury tree houses set 10 metres above the ground in the canopy of native Kanuka. An additional four luxury lodge suites and the Olive House suite provide additional accommodation. Beautiful, hand crafted furniture, tailor-made beds and mattresses, European style bathrooms and rain drop showerheads offers stylish, romantic and relaxing accommodation.
Big yawning windows open onto spectacular views of the Kaikoura ranges and surf-washed, Pacific coastline. Each house, clad in native wood and copper shingles sits unobtrusively within the natural beauty of the environment. The idyllic setting adds to the allure, with the wild deer wandering on the resident farm, olive groves and a vineyard.
TE ARAI LODGE
Te Arai Lodge is an eco-friendly oasis offering boutique luxury and warm hospitality, only 1 hour 15 minutes north of the Auckland harbour bridge. Surrounded by over 20 acres of ancient podocarp forest and native bush, Te Arai Lodge sits on an elevated ridge with panoramic views across the rolling hills of the Brynderwyn Ranges out to the stunning beaches and surrounding islands of the Mangawhai coast.
A north-facing terrace framed by purpleheart timber beams extends along the entire frontage of the property with an open fireplace being an ideal place to watch the sun set with a glass of wine. A 20 meter long heated pool sits directly below the terrace, complemented by a cedar hot tub set into the edge of the bush.
A covered portico leads guests in through the double entry doors into “The Great Room” featuring a limestone central open fireplace surrounded by opulent seating. A grand dining area features a solid elm table where guests can gather for a shared dining experience of meals created using fresh organic produce from the property together with other local ingredients. Alternatively, you can elect to have private dining in or outside your room, or in a selection of other dining locations on the property.
A full bar is available for pre-dinner drinks and a range of NZ and international wines are offered on the wine list menu.
A generous yoga studio and gym with full length mirrors flows out onto the pool decking together with an infrared sauna, indoor and outdoor shower, bathroom facilities and a mini bar / hot beverage kitchenette.
SILVERSEA’S CLOSE TO HOME NEW ZEALAND VOYAGE – DEPARTING JANUARY 3, 2022
Rediscover New Zealand in ultimate luxury aboard Silversea’s Silver Muse small ship voyage. Departing 3 Jan 2022, spend 16 days sailing from Auckland, down New Zealand’s east coast stopping for immersive shore excursions in Tauranga, Kaikoura, Akaroa, Stewart Island and more. Take in the breath-taking Doubtful and Milford Sounds before heading across to Australia with excursions in Hobart and Melbourne, before arriving in Sydney.
The all-inclusive experience includes personalized butler service for every spacious and elegantly appointed suite, beverages, on board entertainment and enrichment programs, eight on board restaurants and 24 hour in-suite dining, Wi-Fi, transfers and complimentary transportations into town in most ports.
Enjoy exclusive benefits when booking with Jigsaw Travel including $USD150 shipboard credit per person and a private welcome reception and onboard Virtuoso host
Vista Suite fares start from AUD$10,350 per person
Book by May 31 to save an additional 10%
