Departing daily, the Scenic Cruise’s catamaran leaves from Taupo Boat Harbor for a tour of the lake’s best vantage points. You’ll enjoy cruising in comfort and style aboard a launch that offers fabulous views from both the top and bottom internal decks, and there are large outdoor decks to enjoy close-up views of the Maori Rock Carvings. Also included is a clay bird shooting off the boat and fly-fishing for brown and rainbow trout.

Join your guide John Panoho for a deep inside look into the history and culture of the Taupo region. Follow the paths of ancient ancestors through stunning landscapes as you explore the region. The tribal homelands of Ngati Tuwharetoa are full of historical landmarks – the legendary mountains of Tongariro National Park and Mt Tauhara, and the soul-stirring home of the Ka Mate haka on the shores of Lake Rotoaira. This is a true cultural experience not to be missed. 

Lifting off by helicopter from lakeside, you will enjoy panoramic views over the northern shores of Lake Taupo, towards the majestic volcanic mountains of the World Heritage designated Tongariro National Park. Form here your pilot will identify the southern most point of the famous ‘Pathway of Fire’, then head north via the mighty Huka Falls into the geothermal valley of Wai-OTapu, and onto Mt. Tarawera summit. Your destination is the ever-steaming White Island, out in the waters of the Bay of Plenty.

A helicopter flight deep into the mountains will uncover some of the most legendary and challenging fly fishing in the world. Your fishing guide will pick you up in a private twin-engine helicopter and provide you with top-quality rods, reels, waders and flys. These are trophy waters where huge trout cautiously cruise in deep clear pools. We recommend the heli fishing as it provides easy access to many of New Zealand's most famous mountain rivers and more remote streams only a short flight away. The flight itself is the ultimate exhilarating experience.

Since the Art Deco Trust began showing the city’s Art Deco treasures to tourists in 1985, thousands of people each year have experienced Napier’s fascinating heritage and have been captivated by the dramatic story of this city’s rebirth in the vibrant 1930s. In February 1931, Napier was levelled by earthquake and fire but was rebuilt in the depths of the Great Depression in just two years.  Nowhere else in the world can you see such a concentration of buildings in the styles of the 1930s: Art Deco, Spanish Mission and Stripped Classical. Whatever you choose, you’ll hear the story of the earthquake that devastated Napier in 1931 and be introduced to the Art Deco style and hear stories of the characters involved in rebuilding this city.

Just 30 minutes’ drive from Wellington CBD is Boomrock Lodge, a 3000-acre farm perched on a cliff, 750ft above sea level. This stunning cliff-top location boasts spectacular views over the Cook Strait towards Mana, Kapiti and the South Island. Boomrock comprises three venues, The Lodge, The Track and The Bunkers. While there guests can enjoy stunning views and light-hearted activities, or opt for the adrenalin junkies’ dream – a variety of challenges and thrilling experiences including the chance to fly a helicopter, drive around a private car-testing circuit, or a 4WD all terrain park.

Enjoy a unique and diverse day-long wine tour of Martinborough - meeting both local identities and experiencing the culture of the region, with vineyard and winery tours, informative wine tasting and delicious cuisine, plus a visit to a local olive oil producer.

The boat is a nicely maintained motorized catamaran that has a zodiac in tow and is equipped with kayaks. This day trip leaves at 10:00- 10:30 am (timing up to you) and returns about 4:15 and includes a stop to listen to the bellbird colony on Adele island, Split Apple Rock, kayaking around Tonga Island and it’s seal colony, a 45-minute walk to a spectacular headlands for photo opps, and exploration of golden sanded beaches in the zodiac. Lunch on board. You can also tailor this trip to your liking (i.e. more walking, kayaking, etc.)

Helicopter to Awaroa in the Abel Tasman National Park. After your spectacular flyover the park, land at Awaroa where your kayak and kayak guide will meet you for 2 hours of guided kayaking. Local wildlife, such as seals and blue penguins, are regularly encountered. After a picnic lunch, return to Split Apple Retreat by helicopter.

Abel Tasman National Park is situated near the top of the South Island, and is accessible by walking, cruising or kayak. The sheltered bays of the Park are perfect for sailing and sea kayaking, also offering opportunities to see the seals and dolphins who regularly play in these coastal waters. If you prefer to explore by land, the Abel Tasman Coast Track follows the coastline through native bush, over limestone cliffs and along golden beaches.

Tracking west into the heart of the Kahurangi, you will land at a remote alpine location where you can enjoy the overwhelming surrounds of New Zealand’s second largest National Park. From the mountains we descend further west to Westhaven Inlet and track the rugged and remotely beautiful and wild north-west coastline for a landing on the beach where you can explore sand dunes and eroded rock formations. Here you will sit back, relax and enjoy a gourmet picnic lunch and glass of local wine. After lunch you lift off to explore Farewell Spit and Golden Bay before the final landing at Awaroa Bay in the Abel Tasman National Park. A short bush walk through aged Manuka forest takes you up close to the pristine waters and golden sand beaches that make the Abel Tasman world famous.

“Rotomairewhenua” - Blue Lake is a small lake located in Nelson Lakes National Park, in the northern reaches of New Zealand’s Southern Alps. Sacred to local Māori, it has the clearest natural fresh water in the world. This flight takes you south into the Nelson Lakes where you enjoy spectacular views of Lake Rotoiti, Lake Rotoroa and Blue Lake, before a mountain landing on the National Park boundary. Please note that Blue Lake is a protected wilderness area which we are only permitted to overfly. 

Perfected over the years, the Milford Ultimate is Over the Top’s trip of a lifetime. Leaving Queenstown, we fly west over the high country peaks of Queenstown, towards the ‘Main Divide’ of the Southern Alps and into the World Heritage listed Fiordland National Park. The scenery unfolds dramatically with vast U-shaped glacier carved valleys rich with primeval beech forests. The Milford Ultimate includes four landings, each at diverse and pristine locations where you can sip the pure waters of an alpine lake; take in the majestic Milford Sound; stroll along uninhabited wild yet beautiful west coast beaches, see the blue ice on glaciers high in the Alps and the fiords coastal rain forests. At each landing site, the helicopter will shut down for you to enjoy the quiet sound of the mountains. Perhaps a curious Kea, New Zealand’s native parrot, will drop in to say hello. No two Ultimate trips are the same. This trip includes a gourmet picnic hamper of delightful cheeses, cold meats, breads, salads and fruit. Sip champagne and a selection of non-alcoholic beverages at a location far from where others may travel.

Central Otago is one of the leading wine regions of the world, established in Gibbston by Sir Alan Brady in 1981. Pinot Noir became the variety of choice in this cool climate at 45 south. The quality of the wine is a testament to the passion and hard work. You will be looked after from start to finish. A pickup from your accommodation in one of our luxury vehicles. All bookings and tastings are arranged with flexible times to ensure that you are not rushed throughout the day. If you like a vineyard then we can stay and enjoy more time. We have access behind the cellar door at most wineries allowing private tasting, one-on-ones with owners, managers and winemakers.

Lunch options are available at selected wineries. 

Depart your Bay of Islands accommodation property or central Paihia for your 30 minute (approx) helicopter flight across to Omapere where you will be met by your Footprints Waipoua guide. Footprints is operated by local Maori on Northlands rugged West Coast. Let Kupe’s (NZ’s first discoverer) descendants take you on a guided walk of the largest kauri forest in the world and introduce you to their relationship with Mother Nature, both spiritually and culturally. A highlight of your experience with Footprints will be an introduction to Tane Mahuta – God of the Forest. (Forest Tour duration approx. 1.5 hours). From Omapere you continue to the Cape Reinga region via Northlands spectacular West Coast and of course the famous Ninety Mile Beach. Kauri Cliffs will prepare a snack pack lunch prior to your departure.