New Zealand is also known as Aotearoa – which translates to “land of the long white cloud” (in the Maori language of the indigenous people). That name exudes the beauty of this country and the pride of its people.
Understanding the pristine and magical values of New Zealand, Bentley will organize a unique experience trip in 2023 from October 16 to 21 for a small group of special customers who have created countless different achievements after challenging but very successful years on their own career path. A tailor-made journey quiet enough to blend with nature, majestic enough to feel the vast universe and comfortable enough for the mind and body to be peaceful, happy and healthy.
New Zealand is also known as Aotearoa – which translates to “land of the long white cloud”
Six magical days. Five memorable nights. An extraordinary journey, a Bentley signature. Experience heritage, culture and holistic wellness on the road in the land of the white clouds. Pass rugged mountains, fascinating glaciers to golden beaches and secluded bays.
Day 1
Upon arrival at Christchurch Airport, you will be greeted and met by our Bentley Events team, then driven to the luxurious accommodation of the historic Otahuna Lodge for the night.
Here, admire the grand Queen Anne structures dating back to the 19th century. After checking in, your private guide and a member of the Otahuna Lodge gardening team will introduce and show you around the 115-year-old, 30-acre reserve, which includes the Dutch Garden, the Great Lawn and the Woodland Forest. Learn about the lodge’s rich history and the processes involved in maintaining and nurturing the gardens – you may even catch a glimpse of the chefs roaming the grounds and preparing the evening’s menu. After dark, join the Otahuna chef for a cooking demonstration and learn about the philosophy behind the famous food and wine while enjoying unique creations made with the freshest New Zealand produce and seasonal organic ingredients grown in the kitchen garden.
Luxurious accommodation at the long-standing Otahuna Lodge resort
After dark, join Otahuna's head chef for a cooking demonstration and learn about the philosophy behind the famous food and wine here.
Day 2
The journey south to the Ahuriri Valley begins in a fleet of specially selected Bentleys, each one of which you will have the opportunity to drive and experience. Take in the scenic drive across the plains and then head into the mountains across the vast Canterbury Plateau, New Zealand’s largest agricultural region.
The trip takes you to Mackenzie Country, where you can take in the majestic views of the Southern Alps, with its steep, towering cliffs and the blue waters of Lake Tekapo. Here, you can choose to take a short detour to the Church of the Good Shepherd, a historic lakeside landmark, for panoramic mountain views. You will then drive to The Lindis Lodge, your luxurious base for the next two days. That night, head out into the starry night sky, searching for unique celestial objects and imagining the vast cosmic landscapes of a magical stargazing experience in the heart of the South Island. Your guide will even teach you some basic photography techniques so you can capture your own stargazing photos for a truly memorable night.
That night, head out into the starry night sky, spot unique celestial bodies, and imagine the vastness of the cosmos from a magical stargazing experience in the heart of the South Island.
Day 3
On day 3, you drive a tailor-made itinerary. Wake up and get moving with morning yoga at an inspiring location in the Ahuriri Valley. Then, you have a choice of activities to enjoy throughout the day. Study the unique flora and fauna of the area with an eco-guide, or explore the winding villages on horseback or mountain bike. Or embark on a scenic hike to explore 49,000 hectares of wetlands, forest, bushland and surrounding mountain villages; or choose to relax at the spa. Whichever route you choose, it’s sure to be a special day in the Ahuriri Valley.
Whichever route you choose, make sure to spend a special day in the Ahuriri Valley.
Day 4
On the morning of Day 4, drive along the scenic Lindis Pass and Crown Range (New Zealand’s highest road) to the river. Then, arrive at the base camp, meet up and join your fellow hikers for a relaxed platter lunch, prepared using environmentally conscious ingredients sourced in and around the four coasts of the South Island. After fuelling up, continue on to Glenorchy and check into Blanket Bay, one of the world’s most beautiful mountain retreats overlooking the stunning Lake Wakatipu and the Humboldt Mountains.
Drive along the many natural attractions of Lindis Pass and Crown Range (New Zealand's highest road) to the river.
Day 5
On the morning of day 5, your private helicopter will pick you up and fly west over Queenstown's highest peaks towards the 'boundary' of the Southern Alps and the world heritage-listed Fiordland National Park.
This exclusive excursion to the 8th natural wonder of the world, Milford Sound, will include four landing points, each different, diverse and pristine, where you can sip the pure waters of an alpine lake; visit the majestic natural wonder of Milford Sound, considered the crown jewel of New Zealand; and stroll along the wild yet incredibly beautiful beaches of the West Coast - where you will meet a local who dives for live crayfish to enjoy for lunch.
Your private helicopter will pick you up and fly west over Queenstown's highest peaks towards the 'boundary' of the Southern Alps and world heritage-listed Fiordland National Park.
Take your time to explore and photograph this magical place. At each landing, the helicopter will shut down to let you enjoy the quiet sounds of the mountains and forests. Maybe Kea, the curious native New Zealand parrot, will stop by to say hello – no two excursions are quite the same.
Your final landing point takes you to a historic gold miner’s whisky bar, accessible only by helicopter. Here, you can relive the gold rush days of the 1860s and enjoy alfresco Highland cuisine prepared by your personal chef – including South Island favourites like lamb and whitebait served with canapés. You can also choose to try archery, clay target and knife throwing. End your fifth day with a glass of wine and a dinner to reflect on your memories with the group after visiting the natural wonders and then enjoying a sumptuous meal at Blanket Bay Resort.
Take time to explore and photograph this magical place.
Day 6
On your final morning, enjoy a leisurely breakfast, relax with new friends and take in the idyllic scenery of the land of white clouds one last time. Take time to reflect on the unique experiences and lifelong memories you have enjoyed along the way. Your private driver will take you to Queenstown airport to see you off before your flight home.
Take time to reflect on the unique experiences and lifelong memories you have enjoyed along this journey.
Mr. Phan Manh Ha, Director of Bentley Ho Chi Minh said: "We want to share with our customers and fans of the Bentley brand an extraordinary journey of discovery, providing access to private, classy and exclusive experiences that only Bentley can provide. Bentley has worked closely with like-minded partners around the globe who share a passion for sustainable luxury from the fields of cuisine, design, architecture and healthcare. This, combined with the experience of driving the latest Bentley cars, will bring a unique journey that is only once in a lifetime, providing the opportunity to connect you with like-minded souls - an experience that money alone cannot buy."
