Art and Culture in New Zealand
Seek out artistic inspiration and uncover the Maori heritage on a journey of cultural immersion that takes you to some of New Zealand's most magnificent regions.
Trip Highlights
- Experience a fascinating Maori culture tour
- Enjoy a tour of Hawke's Bay's finest wineries
- Discover Napier, the Art Deco capital of the world
- A guided tour of Te Papa, New Zealand's National Museum
- Explore Queenstown on a wine and arts tour
- Discover the architectural and artistic legacy of Christchurch
Bespoke trips with Jacada
We design one-of-a-kind journeys incorporating luxury in all its forms. Our bespoke trips include:
- Luxury accommodation throughout
- Privately guided tours
- Private transfers
- Meticulously selected experiences
- Expertise and support from your Jacada Concierge
Itinerary in detail
Every Jacada trip is tailored to your personal preferences and interests. Below you’ll find a sample itinerary to inspire your own custom-designed journey.
Days 1–2
Overnight in Auckland
New Zealand’s largest cosmopolitan centre is a lively mix of culture, cuisine, music and art with ample green spaces and easily accessible beaches. It is the modern melting pot of the Pacific with influences from Asia, the Pacific islands and Europe along with traditional Maori culture. A fresh and vibrant city, Auckland boasts some of the best restaurants in the country, and the harbour, which underwent a revamp before hosting the Rugby World Cup in 2011, is now a wonderful place to soak up the buzz of this exciting city.
Where you could stay
Make it mine
Maori legend
Art and heritage
Auckland Maori culture tour
Experience the Maori side of Tamaki Makaurau (Auckland) on this enlightening private tour. Discover a landscape rich with Maori myths and legends, a place steeped in the history, both ancient and modern. Visit the region’s important Maori landmarks and monuments, practice some Maori kawa (protocols) and tikanga (culture), learn about some of the rangatira Maori (Maori leaders) who have shaped the nation’s history, as well as seeing some spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea, black and golden sand beaches, subtropical rainforest and native Kauri trees.
Introduction to New Zealand art and heritage
Enjoy a private half-day tour of Auckland, with its a vibrant arts scene and interesting history. It’s a great introduction to the NZ contemporary art scene as well as the colonial history of Auckland.
Days 2–5
Discover Rotorua
Steaming mud pools, erupting geysers and Maori traditions all make Rotorua and Taupo a special area to visit and one that is distinctively unique to the rest of New Zealand. Explore geothermal parks before heading into nearby native forests for hiking or mountain biking the numerous world-class trails. Lake Taupo is actually a volcano crater, the lake’s deep blue waters draw visitors with its idyllic swimming holes, reputable fishing and adventure sports. On a clear day the views stretch out over the glassy water to the snowcapped volcanoes of Tongariro National Park in the distance.
Make it mine
Weavers and warriors
Maori marae
Discover Maori culture
Mount Titiraupenga, long known by Maori to be the centre of the North Island, is home to a sacred area of mature native bush filled with 600-year-old Totara trees. You’ll receive a traditional Maori welcome in this mystical and totally private setting and gain an insight into their culture, meeting weavers, warriors, and carvers. The main warrior is the master carver for the local Ngati Tuwharetoa tribe. In Maori tribes, the carver is second only to the chief as the carver is the guardian of the stories and traditions, which he keeps alive in his work.
Nature and Maori cultural experience
Enjoy a scenic drive from Rotorua to Whakatane on the east coast. Board a boat to visit Moutohorā (Whale Island), a dormant volcano and a wildlife sanctuary, providing refuge for endangered birds and several species of plants. You will also visit a beautifully carved Maori marae (meeting house) where you will meet some of the people of Ngati Awa. Listen to stories of their ancestors and be enthralled as the carvings and legends are brought to life.
Days 5–7
Golden Hawke's Bay
The North Island’s wine country is one of New Zealand’s warmest, driest regions with golden colours stretching across arid plains. The scene here is made up of vineyards and orchards laden with fruit, fertile farmlands that sweep to the perfect waves on the coast and laidback seaside settlements.
Where you could stay
Art deco Napier and Hawkes Bay wineries tour
Napier was levelled by an earthquake in 1931 and the town’s centre was rebuilt in the glamorous Art Deco style, and today it appears as something of a microcosm of the time. Explore the township’s wonderful 1930s architecture aboard a classic 1938 Packard automobile, as well as having the opportunity to meet one of these talented artists in their studio and visit the factory of world famous designer David Trubridge. Next up is another excellent vineyard, Craggy Range, for wine tasting and lunch. Later, you’ll drive up to the summit of Te Mata Peak for stunning vistas out to Hastings and the Heretaunga Plains, Napier, Cape Kidnappers and the sea beyond before continuing on via the quaint township of Havelock North and the city of Hastings.
Days 7–10
Charming Wellington
Nestled on rolling green hills that spill down to a charming harbour, New Zealand’s capital is an epicentre of culture and creativity – renowned for its arts, gastronomy, heritage and bohemian character.
Where you could stay
Make it mine
Back in time
Lights, camera, action!
Te Papa guided tour
The Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, also known simply as Te Papa, is New Zealand’s innovative and interactive national museum. Spend some time on a tour with a host who will help you to experience New Zealand’s unique history in the Maori exhibition spaces of the museum, learning about the nation’s past by exploring the stories and objects of the Maori people. Behind the scenes you will be privileged to engage with Maori taonga (treasures) close up and you will be provided with the opportunity to interact with the expert collections staff
Weta Studios tour
A must for any film lover, this tour allows you to get up close to the props, weapons, armour and vehicles crafted for The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, District 9, King Kong, The Chronicles of Narnia and more. You’ll also enjoy a three-course meal at CoCo at the Roxy and dine among incredible artworks, movie memorabilia and sculptures.
Days 10–13
Creative Christchurch
Known as the garden city of New Zealand, Christchurch invites you to discover historic architecture, art galleries, parks and landscaped gardens, and the Avon River that meanders through its centre. Flanked by impressive mountain ranges on one side and the South Pacific Ocean on the other, there are endless activities awaiting adventure seekers beyond the city centre. Hike, cycle, kayak and ski, or take to the numerous rivers of the Canterbury region for fly-fishing, jet boating and river rafting.
New Zealand art and architecture
Discover the architectural and artistic legacy of Christchurch, home to some of New Zealand’s leading creatives. Founded in the 1850’s, Christchurch was built on Victorian architectural ideals. The modern city continues this tradition with excellent examples of New Zealand architecture from the 19th century through to the present day. Your private guide will also introduce the work of leading Christchurch creatives, artisans and art collectors. This private half-day experience includes transfers and finishes back at your hotel in the central city.
Days 13–15
Cosmopolitan Queenstown
From the towering alpine ranges that envelop Queenstown, to its laidback lakeside sister Wanaka and the incredible Milford Sound, this is easily one of the most spectacular regions of the country. Seek out one of the endless thrills on offer here from skiing, white water rafting, canyon swinging, jet boating, mountain biking and bungy jumping, or slow down to the cosmopolitan pace of life in Queenstown and cool Wanaka and you’ll discover its flourishing arts scene, excellent vineyards, fine dining and quiet lakeside shores where you can take in the incredible scenery. And, of course, Milford Sound with its spectacular 1692m-high Mitre Peak (Rahotu in Maori) is unmissable.
Where you could stay
Queenstown wine and arts tour
After being collected from your accommodation, you will begin your wine and arts tour of Queenstown with a visit to historic Arrowtown, an atmospheric old town that was once the heart of the 1860s Otago gold rush. You’ll then head over New Zealand’s highest main road to the quirky Cardrona Hotel, established in 1863 and recognised as one of New Zealand’s oldest hotels. Your next stop sees you head to Rippon where you’ll experience some exclusive wine tasting. Along the way, you’ll have numerous opportunities to stop and photograph your remarkable surroundings.
After a lunch stop, you’ll continue your journey through the Cromwell Basin, an area famed for its summer fruits, great wine, local art galleries and wonderful mountain views. While here, you’ll be taken to three art galleries, all specially selected to match your tastes.
Ellie has done a fabulous job listening to our interests, needs, wants and desires in customizing our Australia/Tasmania/New Zealand itinerary. She has put together a spectacular trip for us. I would highly recommend Ellie and Jacada for your travel needs.
Why book with Jacada
Personalised design
We’ll plan your trip around your personal interests, tastes and preferences, providing honest advice based on first-hand knowledge.
Authentic experiences
Our expert guides and brilliant Concierges are hand-picked for their ability to bring your destination to life with care and passion.
Positive Impact
We seek out unforgettable experiences that benefit both local communities and the environment.
