3 Days
Standalone day adventures with the freedom to choose accommodation that best suits your journey.
Three Days Between Land, Air & Water
A well-balanced three-day journey combining hiking, helicopter exploration, and time on the river - bringing together the best of Wānaka and surrounding National Parks in to one seamless, privately guided itinerary.
Built with flexibility in mind, the order of each experience can be adjusted to suit weather and conditions, ensuring every activity is enjoyed at its best.
Walk through some of the region’s most beautiful landscapes, access remote wilderness by private helicopter, and unwind by the river with a relaxed rafting experience.
Together, these elements create a natural flow - balancing movement, scenery, and downtime without ever feeling rushed.
DAY 1
DAY 1 | River Rafting or Kayaking with Private Chef Lunch
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Gentle grade 2 rafting or inflatable kayaking on the Hāwea River
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Calm pools, fun rapids, swim spots, and mountain scenery
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Exclusive riverside dining beneath a Nordic tipi
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Multi-course lunch prepared by a private chef with wine pairings
This relaxing and enjoyable day enables you to engage with the beautiful crystal-clear waters of the Hāwea River in either a raft or inflatable kayaks.
Your private Guide will collect you from your hotel and drive to a private and exclusive river base, where you will change into the appropriate rafting clothing before commencing your journey downstream.
The Hāwea is a grade 2 river with a mix of fun rapids and deep blue/green swimming spots to play in. Swim, paddle and laugh your way downstream.
In the early afternoon your guide will pull into a secluded and exclusive riverside setting, where you can enjoy a private barrel sauna overlooking the river, before a private chef awaits with a beautiful luncheon beneath a giant Nordic tipi. Enjoy some canapes and wine as you change from your raft clothing and take a seat in the cool of the shade beneath your gorgeous private tipi. Your chef will explain the menu and recommended wines, so you can sit back and enjoy a delicious, relaxed lunch punctuated by the gentle sound of the nearby river.
After you are fully satisfied you will be transferred back to your accommodation with wonderful, shared memories.
Departure Time: 10am from your Wanaka accommodation
Time on River: 1-2.5h depending on riverflow.
Gear Included: Wetsuit, splash jacket, helmet, and lifejacket. Towels for sauna and showers.
To Bring: Something to wear under your wetsuit (i.e. swimsuit).
Lunch: Exquisite Gourmet Chef Prepared lunch / Finest Regional Beverages / Food Served In A Gorgeous Nordic Tipi / Exclusive Use Of The River’s Edge Property For The Day.
Notes: From age 4+, Class II Rapids. Perfect family adventure. For every water-based trip with NewZeal, we donate $50NZD to Wai Wānaka for the protection of our local environment.
DAY 2
DAY 2 | Private Wilderness Hiking
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Full-day guided hike in the Southern Lakes
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Selection of forest trails, alpine terrain, ridgelines, or remote Great Walk sections
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Packed lunch in a scenic wilderness location
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A day focused on movement, connection, and immersion in nature
This active day enables you to hike and explore the wilderness areas of your choice with the support and knowledge of a professional private guide.
Trail options include the popular and well-known ‘great hikes’ as well as much less well-known trails. The type of hike and level of challenge is fully customised to meet your specific objectives. You will have a chance to discuss the best options with your private guide before you set off, or through your agent ahead of your day.
You will be collected from your accommodation and travel by comfortable vehicle to the start of your chosen trail. Expect a truly empowering experience as you hike through ancient forests and towering mountains. You will experience river crossings over pure mountain streams. You will also have the opportunity to stop along the way for a pre-prepared substantial and delicious packed lunch in the most beautiful scenic spot, where you can drink in your natural surroundings.
Benefit from exercise-induced, feel-good endorphins and be empowered through spectacular landscapes and nature.
Departure Time: 9am from your Wanaka accommodation
Time on foot: 4-6h depending on fitness and track choice.
Gear Included: Hiking poles
To Bring: Warm layers and a waterproof jacket.
Lunch: Packed lunch wrap/fruit/brownie/crisps
Notes: For every land-based trip with NewZeal, we donate $50NZD to Southern Lakes Sanctuary for the protection of our local environment
DAY 3
DAY 3 | Full-Day Wilderness Helicopter Discovery
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A full day helicopter charter
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Exploration of Fiordland, Mt Aspiring, or Mt Cook and Westland regions
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Multiple remote landings including glaciers, ridgelines, valleys, and alpine lakes
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Short wilderness hikes and alpine trekking
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Water-based experience such as drift-rafting or kayaking.
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Substantial picnic-style lunch in a breathtaking natural setting
Experience an extraordinary full-day helicopter adventure that takes you deep into New Zealand’s most dramatic wilderness regions.
Your private helicopter is simply a tool on this journey, allowing you to step far beyond the beaten path and into places that restore perspective, ignite inspiration, and support genuine wellbeing. Guided by your private NewZeal guide, you’ll enjoy a series of short wilderness hikes, a spectacular glacier landing, and a serene drift-rafting journey on a gentle, remote Fiordland river.
Your private guide fine-tunes the experience in real time- adjusting the timing, route, and activity focus to suit the weather, conditions, and what you most feel like doing. The freedom of a privately chartered helicopter gives you this rare flexibility and luxury.
Midway through the adventure, you’ll pause for a substantial picnic-style lunch served in a breathtaking wilderness setting. A moment to rest while you take in the views, and savour this true New Zealand wilderness adventure.
This experience offers exceptional access, variety, and depth. A rare opportunity to explore some of New Zealand’s most striking wild places in complete comfort, at your own pace, and with a level of freedom that makes the day truly unforgettable.
Departure Time: 8.30am from your Wanaka accommodation
Time with Helicopter: Up to 8 hours
Gear Included: All rafting equipment and hiking poles.
To Bring: Something to wear under your raftgear (i.e. swimsuit). Warm layers and a waterproof jacket.
Lunch: Gourmet picnic style lunch with smoked salmon, salads, bread and a cheeseboard.
Notes: For every helicopter-based trip with NewZeal, we donate $50NZD to whakatipu reforestation trust for the protection & regeneration of our local ecosystem
FROM $10,065 pp
(based on group of 4)