Private Wilderness Adventures
Walk the glaciers of Mt Aspiring yourself. Explore Fiordland National Park by kayak or paddle board. Enjoy breakfast on the edge of the Matukituki River in the Southern Lakes.
Whatever the adventure, NewZeal® will take you there.
Authentic experiential travel for families and small groups of individuals in these regions is our forte.
Years of engaging with these lands have shown us the power they have to create lasting transformation. The itineraries we build are as bespoke as each individual we take on them.
When you discover pristine wilderness environments and take part in thrilling multi-sport adventures, you create unforgettable memories. More than that, you connect intimately with your loved ones and discover new personal depths.
Our Private Travel is offered in 4 investment categories: Active, Adventure, Discovery and Exploration.
Browse below to understand what each has to offer.
If you want to know more about our Private Travel experiences, or have any questions, we'd love to hear from you.
Our Experience Categories
Our four experience categories are the backbone of what we offer at NewZeal. The categories start smaller and grow in terms of immersion and experiential offering- Although, all of them are uniquely epic!
Active Experiences
...Jolt you to life
Active experiences are crafted to super-charge you with awe and adrenalin by cramming in a full-day’s exploration of some of the Southern Lakes’ most special habitats. Taking place in locations easily accessible from your hotel by 4x4, they max the time you have to engage in activities, while soaking up your surroundings and each other. 4x4 transfer to accessible, exceptional Southern Lake habitats. Perfectly suited for families and small groups. Fully-hosted by a professional private guide. Activities tailored to be exhilarating, yet achievable. Delicious lunches showcasing New Zealand’s finest cuisines, and regional wines, craft beers and fresh juices.
Adventure Experiences
...Yell out to your wild side
They build on the profile of Active experiences by whisking you to wilderness environments well away from major tourist areas, often via short direct helicopter transfers. This thrilling journey to lesser-known spots of breathtaking beauty is a true highlight. Helicopter transfer to lesser-known South Island areas. Perfectly suited for families and small groups. Fully-hosted by a professional private guide. Activities tailored to be exhilarating, yet achievable. Delicious lunches showcasing New Zealand’s finest cuisines, and regional wines, craft beers and fresh juices.
Discovery Experiences
...Dive you deep into nature
Our helicopter is yours for the day, transporting you to and between inaccessible secret island venues, where a menu of high-octane activities awaits. These itineraries Helicopter transfer to lesser-known South Island areas. Perfectly suited for families and small groups. Fully-hosted by a professional private guide. Activities tailored to be exhilarating, yet achievable. Delicious lunches showcasing New Zealand’s finest cuisines, and regional wines, craft beers and fresh juices.
Exploration Experiences
...Re-frame your perspective
NewZeal® has secured access permissions unmatched on the South Island to define these as the pinnacle of immersive travel. Together, we explore remote wilderness areas of outstanding character by helicopter that permit only a few visitors a year. Challenge your spirit and your senses as never before. Exclusive helicopter safari into the South Island’s most untouched landscapes. Perfectly suited for families and small groups. Fully-hosted by a professional private guide, from arrival to departure. Activities tailored to be exhilarating, yet achievable. Delicious lunches showcasing New Zealand’s finest cuisines, and regional wines, craft beers and fresh juices. Set up in advance by a specialist team, for your maximum comfort and enjoyment.
What We Do: Adventure Activities
Hiking & Trekking
...Experience true wilderness
Hiking in the South Island wilderness of New Zealand is an unforgettable adventure that allows you to immerse yourself in the stunning natural beauty of the region. With the assistance of a professional private guide, you have the opportunity to explore wilderness areas of your choice, tailoring the experience to meet your specific objectives. Whether you prefer the popular and well-known "great hikes" or the hidden gems of lesser-known trails, the type of hike and level of challenge is fully customised to your preferences. Your private guide will discuss the best options with you, ensuring you embark on a trail that suits your interests and abilities. Upon arrival at the start of your chosen trail, you will be transported in a luxurious 4x4 vehicle, adding an element of comfort and convenience to your adventure. Equipped with any necessary gear, you begin your hike, venturing through ancient forests, surrounded by majestic mountains. The journey includes refreshing river crossings over pure mountain streams, immersing you in the pristine natural environment. As you make your way along the trail, you have the opportunity to learn bush and survival skills from your knowledgeable guide. This empowering experience not only allows you to connect with nature but also provides a sense of accomplishment as you navigate through breathtaking landscapes. The physical activity of hiking releases feel-good endorphins, enhancing your well-being and leaving you invigorated by the natural wonders of the South Island wilderness.
Rafting & Kayaking
...Fun and tranquillity in equal measure
Exploring the South Island, New Zealand wilderness through kayaking, and rafting is an exhilarating way to experience the stunning natural landscapes of the region. With the assistance of experienced guides, you can embark on unforgettable adventures in remote river systems and be immersed in the breathtaking beauty of the Southern Lakes. Rafting and kayaking offers a unique and empowering experience. Traveling in a luxury 4WD vehicle or helicopter to your destination, you'll pass by picturesque lakes, beautiful rivers, and even catch glimpses of glaciers and snow-capped mountains. As you journey down the river, you'll be surrounded by towering glaciated mountains, snow-capped peaks, and lush beech forests, all from the comfort of your pack raft. It's a day filled with empowerment, fun, and engagement, leaving you with lifelong memories. For those seeking a different kind of adventure, rafting offers a variety of experiences suited to different preferences. Families can enjoy splashing and playful interactions on family adventures, while couples can indulge in romantic trips where the guide takes care of the paddling, allowing them to relax with champagne and exquisite snacks. Thrill-seekers, on the other hand, can get their adrenaline pumping as they navigate exhilarating white water rapids. The rivers accessible from Queenstown or Wanaka provide the perfect backdrop for these thrilling rafting experiences, ensuring an unforgettable and action-packed day. Regardless of which water-based adventure you choose in the South New Zealand wilderness, whether it's pack-rafting, inflatable kayaking, or rafting, you can expect to return home invigorated, inspired, and filled with the memories of the awe-inspiring landscapes and thrilling experiences that await you in this remarkable region.
Heli-Accessed Wilderness Adventure
...Remote and picturesque
Experience the extraordinary by stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) in the remote lakes and tarns of New Zealand's South Island. Access untouched rivers; summit the most remote snow-capped peaks, and explore the vastness of some of the world largest glaciers. Accessed by helicopter, you'll be transported to secluded locations of untouched beauty. Glide across serene waters or explore untouched wilderness, surrounded by majestic mountains and pristine landscapes. The remote setting ensures an undisturbed encounter with nature, offering a tranquil and intimate experience. Immerse yourself in the solitude and appreciate the unique wildlife that thrives in these remote habitats. These pristine locations guarantee unforgettable memories of breathtaking landscapes and a profound connection with the untouched wilderness.