15-Day Africa & Oceania Scenic Route: Morocco & New Zealand in January
Embark on a cross-continental odyssey that defies geography, linking the rugged 'Western' peaks of North Africa with the pristine glacial landscapes of Oceania. This 15-day itinerary is designed for the discerning traveler who seeks the thrill of the Atlas Mountains and the serenity of the New Zealand fjords, all while cocooned in five-star luxury and exclusive private transport.
From the bustling souks of Marrakech to the silent majesty of Milford Sound, you will experience world-class dining, helicopter transfers, and stays at some of the planet's most prestigious resorts. Whether you are sipping mint tea in a restored riad or tasting Pinot Noir in Central Otago, every moment is curated for maximum impact and comfort.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Marrakech, Morocco - Arrival & Imperial Splendor
Luxury Arrival at RAK
Arrive at Marrakech Menara Airport and breeze through customs with a dedicated VIP fast-track service. Your private chauffeur awaits to take you to your palace hotel.
Lunch at Le Jardin
Dine in a lush garden oasis within the Medina, enjoying organic Moroccan salads and tender lamb tagine under the shade of orange trees.
Private Medina Tour
Explore the hidden gems of the souks with a master historian, visiting artisan workshops and the stunning Ben Youssef Madrasa.
Dinner at La Mamounia
Experience the pinnacle of Moroccan gastronomy at 'Le Marocain,' located within the world's most famous hotel grounds.
Day 2: Marrakech, Morocco - Art & Gardens
Jardin Majorelle Early Access
Beat the crowds with a private morning entry to Yves Saint Laurent’s iconic cobalt-blue gardens and the adjacent Berber Museum.
Rooftop Dining
Enjoy a light lunch with views of the Koutoubia Mosque at a trendy rooftop terrace in the Gueliz district.
Traditional Hammam Ritual
Indulge in a 2-hour luxury spa treatment featuring black soap, rhassoul clay, and pure Argan oil at Royal Mansour.
Jemaa el-Fnaa from Above
Watch the sunset over the main square with a cocktail at a high-end lounge, observing the transformation of the city’s heart.
Day 3: Atlas Mountains, Morocco - Scenic Alpine Retreat
Drive to High Atlas
Depart Marrakech in a luxury 4x4, climbing into the snow-capped Atlas Mountains where the air is crisp and the vistas are vast.
Lunch at Kasbah Tamadot
Enjoy a spectacular meal at Sir Richard Branson's retreat, overlooking the valley of Asni and Mount Toubkal.
Berber Village Walk
Join a local guide for a moderate hike through the terraced fields and ancient stone villages of the Imlil Valley.
Stargazing & Fireside Dinner
Savor a traditional mountain dinner by the fireplace, followed by a guided stargazing session in the clear mountain air.
Day 4: Ouarzazate, Morocco - The Gateway to the Sahara
Tizi n'Tichka Pass
Travel through the highest mountain pass in North Africa, offering dramatic switchbacks and panoramic views of the red-rock desert.
Ait Ben Haddou Exploration
Visit the UNESCO-listed ksar (fortified city), famous as the filming location for Gladiator and Game of Thrones.
Atlas Film Studios
Take a private tour of one of the world's largest film studios, exploring sets ranging from ancient Egypt to Jerusalem.
Overnight in a Skoura Palm Grove
Relax in a boutique eco-lodge set within thousands of palm trees, enjoying a farm-to-table Moroccan feast.
Day 5: Merzouga, Morocco - Dunes & Desert Luxury
Road of a Thousand Kasbahs
Traverse the Dades Valley, stopping to admire the towering limestone cliffs of the Todra Gorge.
Arrival at Erg Chebbi
Switch your 4x4 for a camel caravan or a luxury ATV to reach your high-end desert camp nestled among 150m-high sand dunes.
Sunset over the Sahara
Climb the highest dune for a sunset that paints the sand in shades of violet and gold.
Gnaoua Music Performance
Dine under the stars while listening to the hypnotic rhythms of local Gnaoua musicians around a roaring campfire.
Day 6: Merzouga to Fez, Morocco - The Long Scenic North
Sunrise Over Sand
Witness the desert wake up before starting the scenic drive north through the Ziz Valley and its vast date plantations.
The Cedar Forests of Ifrane
Stop in 'Little Switzerland' to see the Barbary macaques in the cedar forests of the Middle Atlas.
Arrival in Fez
Check into a restored 18th-century palace in the heart of the world’s largest car-free urban area.
Fassi Gastronomy
Dine on 'Pastilla,' a savory-sweet pigeon pie, at a high-end restaurant hidden behind an unmarked door.
Day 7: Fez, Morocco - The Intellectual Heart
Al-Qarawiyyin University
Visit the world's oldest continuously operating university and marvel at the intricate zellij tilework of the nearby mausoleums.
The Chouara Tannery
View the iconic leather vats from a private balcony, learning about the 1,000-year-old dyeing process.
Pottery & Mosaic Workshop
Visit a master artisan to see how the famous blue pottery of Fez is crafted by hand.
Farewell Dinner
A final Moroccan feast featuring slow-cooked lamb and artisanal couscous at a private home-turned-restaurant.
Day 8: Casablanca to Queenstown - The Great Transit
Transfer to Casablanca
A fast private transfer to CMN airport for the start of your long-haul journey to Oceania.
International Flight
Board your business/first-class flight. This is the main travel day connecting Africa to New Zealand via a hub like Doha or Sydney.
In-Flight Comfort
Enjoy premium dining and a lie-flat bed to minimize jet lag before arriving in the Southern Hemisphere.
Rest in Transit
Utilize the luxury lounges in your hub city for a shower and nap between legs.
Day 9: Queenstown, New Zealand - Arrival in the Southern Alps
Lakeside Arrival
Land in Queenstown. The view of the Remarkables mountain range from the runway is one of the world's best.
Lake Wakatipu Stroll
A gentle walk along the crystal-clear lake to stretch your legs after the long flight.
The Bathhouse Dining
Dine at an iconic Victorian bathhouse on the water's edge, specializing in local seafood and Otago wines.
Luxury Lodge Check-in
Settle into your suite at a boutique lodge with panoramic mountain views.
Day 10: Milford Sound, New Zealand - Fjordland Majesty
Helicopter to Milford
Skip the 4-hour drive. Take a private helicopter over the Southern Alps, landing on a glacier before descending into the fjord.
Private Fjord Cruise
Board a luxury vessel for a tour of Milford Sound, passing under waterfalls and spotting seals and dolphins.
Alpine Picnic
Enjoy a gourmet hamper picnic at a remote mountain landing site accessible only by air.
Dinner in Queenstown
A sophisticated 7-course tasting menu featuring New Zealand wagyu and local produce.
Day 11: Queenstown, New Zealand - Wine & Adrenaline
Gibbston Valley Wine Tour
Visit the 'Valley of the Vines' for a private tasting of world-renowned Pinot Noir at Amisfield or Peregrine.
Long Lunch at Amisfield
Dine at the multi-award-winning bistro, where the menu is dictated by the season's harvest.
Shotover Jet
Experience the thrill of a high-speed jet boat ride through the narrow Shotover River canyons.
Relaxation at Onsen Hot Pools
Soak in a private cedar-lined hot tub overlooking the Shotover River under the moonlight.
Day 12: Mount Cook (Aoraki), New Zealand - The Great Peak
Drive to Mount Cook
A scenic drive past the turquoise waters of Lake Pukaki to the foot of New Zealand's highest mountain.
Lunch with a View
Dine at the Panorama Room with floor-to-ceiling windows facing the peak of Aoraki.
Tasman Glacier Hike
Take a short flight to the Tasman Glacier for a guided walk on the ancient blue ice.
Big Sky Stargazing
Discover the secrets of the Southern Cross in one of the world's few Gold-rated International Dark Sky Reserves.
Day 13: Lake Tekapo, New Zealand - Glacial Lakes
Church of the Good Shepherd
Visit this iconic stone church on the shores of Lake Tekapo, framed by the Southern Alps.
Mount John Observatory
Drive to the summit for 360-degree views of the Mackenzie Basin and a coffee at the Astro Cafe.
Tekapo Springs
Relax in the glacial-fed hot pools or try the luxury day spa for a deep-tissue massage.
Salmon Tasting Dinner
Sample fresh Alpine Salmon, raised in the nearby glacial canals, prepared by expert chefs.
Day 14: Christchurch, New Zealand - The Garden City
Drive to Christchurch
Travel through the Canterbury Plains, stopping at artisanal bakeries in small rural towns along the way.
Punting on the Avon
Enjoy a classic Christchurch experience—a private punting tour down the serene Avon River.
Botanical Gardens Tour
Explore one of the world's most impressive collections of exotic and indigenous flora with a private gardener.
Grand Finale Dinner
Celebrate the end of your epic journey at a high-end restaurant in the revitalized Riverside Market district.
Day 15: Christchurch, New Zealand - Departure
Last Minute Curated Shopping
Visit the boutique stores in the Arts Centre for high-quality New Zealand pounamu (greenstone) or merino wool.
Farewell Lunch
A light lunch at a chic city cafe before heading to the airport.
Transfer to CHC
Your private transfer takes you to Christchurch International Airport for your flight home.
Homeward Bound
Relax in the lounge one last time, reflecting on a journey that spanned two worlds.
Best Time to Visit Africa & Oceania
This itinerary is specifically designed for January. In Morocco, this is the 'Low Season' for heat but the 'Peak Season' for those seeking snowy mountain vistas and cool, manageable city temperatures (Highs of 18°C, Lows of 6°C). In New Zealand, January is the height of Summer, offering the best weather for alpine hiking and helicopter tours. This 'dual-season' approach allows you to experience the crisp, cozy luxury of a Moroccan winter and the vibrant, sun-drenched beauty of the New Zealand summer in one trip.
Visas & Border Crossings
Traveling between Morocco and New Zealand requires careful documentation. Most Western citizens (USA, UK, EU, Canada) can enter Morocco visa-free for up to 90 days. For New Zealand, you must apply for an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) online before your flight. Since you are crossing between major international hubs (like Dubai, Doha, or Sydney), ensure your passport has at least six months' validity and at least four blank pages. Always keep digital copies of your luxury bookings, as customs officers may request proof of accommodation.
Getting Around Africa & Oceania
The vast distance between Western Africa and Oceania necessitates high-end air travel. We recommend booking a single ticket through a major alliance (like OneWorld) to ensure luggage is checked through and connections are protected. Within Morocco, avoid trains for this scenic route; instead, utilize private 4x4 SUVs with professional drivers to navigate the Atlas passes. In New Zealand, while the roads are excellent, the use of private helicopters for fjord access and high-end car rentals (like Audi or Range Rover) is the only way to maintain the 'Luxury Escape' standard of this itinerary.
