NEW ZEALAND LAUNCHES LUXURY WILDERNESS EXPERIENCES AHEAD OF SUMMER TRAVEL

For Australians seeking a summer escape that goes beyond the ordinary, New Zealand has just raised the bar.

Two of the country’s most breathtaking regions, Franz Josef Glacier and Fiordland, are now offering once-in-a-lifetime overnight luxury wilderness experiences that combine raw natural beauty with refined luxury.

Ngāi Tahu Tourism, one of Aotearoa’s largest tourism operators, has launched a Glacier Overnighter in Franz Josef and the Waitai Lodge Fiordland Escape in the Hollyford Valley.

Both are designed for travellers who want their adventure paired with comfort, exclusivity and unforgettable scenery.

A NIGHT ON THE ICE

Camping usually conjures images of tents, torches and chilly nights. But in Franz Josef, it now means something entirely different: a private helicopter ride to Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere (Franz Josef Glacier), a guided trek across the sculpted ice, and an overnight stay in a high-altitude alpine camp built to withstand the elements.

Guests will share a hearty meal beneath the stars and wake to a sunrise spilling light over Aoraki / Mt Cook.

The experience finishes with a return helicopter transfer and time to refresh at the five-star Te Waonui Forest Retreat. For those looking to ring in the new year spectacularly, select departures over the festive season allow travellers to welcome 2026 at 1,500 metres above sea level.

WILDERNESS MEETS LUXURY IN FIORDLAND

At the opposite end of the South Island, the Hollyford Valley has introduced the Waitai Lodge Fiordland Escape – a retreat that can only be reached by helicopter. Set within the untouched landscapes of Fiordland National Park, the lodge offers seclusion without sacrificing indulgence.

Think chef-prepared meals, private rooms, woodfired hot tubs beneath star-studded skies, and days spent exploring by jetboat or hiking alongside expert guides. It’s a rare chance to slow down, reconnect with nature and experience a part of the world that remains largely inaccessible to most travellers.

IMMERSIVE AND AUTHENTIC

“These are some of the most unique and remote travel experiences available in New Zealand,” said Jolanda Cave, General Manager of Ngāi Tahu Tourism.

“For many of our guests – particularly those visiting from Australia – it’s a chance to do something genuinely different. Whether you’re watching the sun rise over a glacier or dining by candlelight on the edge of the sea, these moments stay with people long after they return home.

“We’ve worked closely with our team, guides, and mana whenua (people of the land) to develop experiences that reflect these landscapes – and we’re proud to be sharing them with manuhiri (guests) from across the Tasman and beyond.”

That cultural dimension, shaped in consultation with local iwi, is designed to add depth to each stay, offering more than just scenery. It’s an invitation to engage with Aotearoa’s stories and traditions while immersed in landscapes that feel both timeless and untamed.

WHY NEW ZEALAND NOW

The timing couldn’t be better. According to Ngāi Tahu Tourism, more than 12 million Australians travelled internationally in the past year, with a 47% rise in demand for nature-based escapes.

The surge reflects a broader shift towards experiences that feel grounding, authentic and memorable – and both of these offerings deliver on that promise.

The Hollyford Wilderness Experience has already been recognised in the 2025 Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards for the second consecutive year, placing it among the top 10% of listings worldwide.

With demand expected to soar over the Christmas and New Year period, and limited capacity across both adventures, early bookings are strongly advised.

For those planning their next incredible journey, the choice is simple: wake on the edge of a glacier, or sink into a hot tub deep in the heart of Fiordland. Either way, this summer New Zealand is offering Australians the chance to trade routine for the extraordinary.