Luxury Vacations in South Island of New Zealand with United Airlines

Kiran is Chief Strategy Officer at ANZCRO, Australia & New Zealand’s leading destination management company with 30 years of experience and a team of 90 across offices in both countries. ANZCRO specialises in meticulous customisation, designing itineraries based on each client’s profile, interests and travel goals. ANZCRO’s core competitive advantage is its extensive product range, with over 40,000 contracted products from nearly 5,000 suppliers across Australia and New Zealand. These include accommodation across all styles, transfers, guided tours, activities, attractions, walking and cycling experiences, rail, ferries, car and campervan rentals, and internal flights. The reservations team delivers fast, personalised quotes and itineraries within 1–2 business days. ANZCRO is a member of USTOA, ASTA, IATA, ATEC and NZTEC, and was named Best Reservations Team at the 2025 Australian National Travel Industry Awards. ANZCRO also received Five Magellan Gold Awards for digital innovation and advisor resources in 2024 & 2025.

I have worked with South Pacific Helicopters for four years, starting as Office Manager and stepping into the Marketing Manager role in 2023. My passion lies in creating extraordinary experiences and building strong partnerships that showcase the very best of Kaikōura. Kaikōura is a destination like no other, where the Pacific Ocean meets snow-capped mountains. Visitors come for its dramatic landscapes, abundant marine life, and the warmth of its people. It’s a place where luxury and adventure blend seamlessly. Aerial whale watching is at the heart of what we do, offering guests the rare opportunity to witness these majestic giants from the air, whether by helicopter or with Wings Over Whales, our fixed-wing aircraft experience. But our offerings go far beyond that. We create bespoke itineraries featuring scenic flights, private landings, adventure activities, and indulgent fine dining. Our central location makes us the ideal choice for cross-country charters. We will go anywhere in New Zealand. At South Pacific Helicopters, our mission is simple, to transform every experience into something truly unforgettable.

Originally built in 1895, Otahuna Lodge is one of New Zealand's most celebrated luxury properties. The property holds a Category 1 Listing from New Zealand’s National Historic Places Trust, is acclaimed as the best example of Queen Anne architecture in Australasia and its 30-acre grounds have been recognized as a "New Zealand Garden of National Significance." Situated at the base of the Banks Peninsula, Otahuna Lodge is only 25 minutes’ drive from the city centre of Christchurch, making it the ideal base from which to explore Canterbury. Wineries, private gardens, championship golf, world-class fishing and even the world’s rarest dolphins are all just a short drive – or helicopter ride – from the front door. The Lodge opened in 2007 following an extensive renovation and is a Relais & Châteaux, Virtuoso and American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts member property. Callum has spent over three decades within the luxury lodge sector within New Zealand and the United State. He heads up a team of over 30 dedicated hospitality professionals who a regularly recognised for gracious approach to hospitality. Most recently being awarded two Michelin Keys.

Flockhill is an alpine escape positioned on a 36,000-acre working sheep station in the heart of the Southern Alps. The property features seven two-bedroom Villas and a premier four-bedroom Homestead, designed to immerse guests in dramatic landscapes without compromise on comfort or style. Beyond its architecture, Flockhill offers a rich tapestry of experiences: from guided horse treks, fly fishing, and caving, to ATV adventures and scenic helicopter excursions that showcase the best of the high country. At the heart of the lodge is Sugarloaf, the property’s restaurant, where seasonal menus highlight ingredients harvested directly from the lodge garden, paired with New Zealand’s finest wines for a truly unforgettable dining experience. Valerie, Flockhill’s Sales and Marketing Manager, has been part of the Flockhill team since the build began. Her experience spans sales, marketing, and guest services- playing an integral role in shaping the brand, supporting operations, and opening the lodge. For the past two years, she has lived onsite, working closely with a dedicated team to deliver the Flockhill vision each day for guests, while sharing the story of the property with partners and travellers around the world.

Averil Patterson, Lodge Manager for The Lindis and Mt Isthmus, brings extensive experience across New Zealand’s luxury tourism and hospitality landscape. Averil joined us in 2024 and now lives onsite at The Lindis, having relocated from Hawke’s Bay. She is recognised for her calm leadership style and genuine care for the guest experience. Averil is presenting on The Lindis Lodge and Mt Isthmus Villa, two hero properties within The Lindis Group. The Lindis is an eight-room lodge in the Ahuriri Valley where contemporary architecture meets high-country landscapes. The lodge offers privacy, warm kiwi hospitality, contemporary New Zealand cuisine, immersive experiences, and a deep connection to the land. In 2025, The Lindis was awarded Two Michelin Keys and named Good Food Awards Luxury Lodge Chefs of the Year.
Mt Isthmus is a sole-use, four-bedroom private villa on the shores of Lake Hāwea, just outside Wānaka, fully hosted by The Lindis team — a place where striking architecture, luxury, and nature converge in perfect harmony. The Lindis Group also includes Paroa Bay Estate and Sage Restaurant in the Bay of Islands, and Clos Ostler wines in the Waitaki Valley.

Take your clients to the skies with Heliworks Queenstown, one of New Zealand’s leading helicopter operators for premium, experience-rich helicopter journeys. With exclusive landing access, a modern fleet, and exceptional local expertise, we create the kinds of signature moments that elevate an itinerary from memorable to truly extraordinary. We specialise in showcasing the South Island’s most iconic and remote landscapes. From the dramatic fiords of Fiordland to glacier-carved valleys, alpine peaks, and the pristine backcountry surrounding Queenstown and Glenorchy. As the only operator with landing rights in the spectacular Earnslaw Burn, we offer travel agents a unique opportunity to deliver rare and highly sought-after experiences for their clients. Whether your travellers are seeking a scenic flight, a private charter, a bespoke proposal or elopement, or a multi-stop adventure built entirely around their interests, every journey can be customised to suit style, pace, and occasion. Our team works closely with agents to ensure seamless planning, clear communication, and exceptional delivery on the day. With a reputation for safety, professionalism, and world-class hospitality, Heliworks Queenstown is the trusted partner for travellers looking to experience the very best of New Zealand from above.

Kelly Miller is the Business Development Manager (North America) for ANZCRO DMC, playing a key role in driving sales and partnerships across the U.S. and Canadian travel markets. In this role, Kelly connects North American travel advisors with ANZCRO’s expansive portfolio of Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific travel products and expert support, helping advisors design tailored itineraries and sell unique experiences. As part of the ANZCRO team — a long-established DMC with deep destination knowledge and thousands of products — Kelly focuses on empowering North American Advisors with destination insights, marketing tools and seamless booking solutions to grow their business.