Some travel experiences are so magical they fall into a class of their own. Where luxury is found in every element of a lovingly crafted itinerary, and where each day is filled with rare opportunities to unlock the best kept secrets of the country you are exploring. We bring this style of travel to life with our Classe collection – a suite of luxury tours that have been designed to reaffirm that every minute of your travel time is precious. From the most exquisite accommodation, to exclusive experiences that will take your breath away, our Classe range will impress and enthrall.
We are delighted to introduce New Zealand as our latest Classe destination, a country with terrain so beautiful it borders on otherworldly. From mountain panoramas that have inspired many a screensaver, through to glaciers, lakes, forests and fjords, New Zealand has been blessed with a phenomenal topography that will have your jaw dropping in wonder around every corner.
If you can drag your eyes away from the impressive horizon, you will find the rich and fascinating ancient culture of New Zealand’s Indigenous Maori people, who have inhabited this land for over 1000 years. Their beliefs, customs and language form an integral part of New Zealand life. Add to that the dynamic and varied cities, unique wildlife and friendly locals, and you have a country that is a dream come true for the curious traveller. Here is a glimpse of what to expect on our New Zealand tours.
Rare Opportunities
The most enthralling way to learn about Aotearoa (the Maori name for New Zealand), is from its Indigenous people, the Maori, who have a long and intriguing history, and a strong spiritual link with the water, earth and sky. We provide rare and exclusive opportunities to connect with this compelling culture including visiting the sacred Maori site of Te K?ripitanga o Tama-nui-te-Ra – the place where the stars and the sun emerge from the waters of the great Lake of Kiwa. Your guides are members of the local Waimarama Tribe and we have been granted rare permission to enter and have the privilege of experiencing this spiritual place, and sharing food with the tribe members at the end of the visit, as a custom. In the South on Stewart Island, we have the exclusive experience of learning about native and endemic flora, fauna and wildlife from Ulva, a direct descendant of the first Maori people of Stewart Island who is deeply knowledgeable and passionate about this special place.
Enchanting Explorations
There is a beautiful quote often attributed to poet Mary Angelou that says, “Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away”. Our itineraries have been crafted with this in mind. Imagine kayaking through century old canyons at night, your path illuminated by thousands of glow worms that sparkle like Christmas lights as you float silently downstream. Or feeling the adrenaline-fuelled awe of being given a bird’s eye view from your helicopter of the hidden lakes and beech forests that aren’t accessible any other way.
Meals to Remember
If the way to a person’s heart is through their stomach, then prepare to fall madly in love with New Zealand. Whether it be an exciting tasting menu at an award-winning restaurant, a gourmet picnic platter, or 5-course degustation dinner paired with wine, we take every opportunity to showcase the fresh local produce of the regions visited. In Kawakawa Bay, a morning hike will be rewarded with a sumptuous barbeque lunch including local wine, and a chance to try your hand at trout fishing. In the beautiful Hawkes Bay, you can learn to shuck your own oysters as you spend the day cycling between olive groves, orchards, and farmlands sampling cheese and wine. Of course, if cycling is not quite your style, we have you covered, with private transportation between venues and extra time to sit back and relax.
Exquisite Accommodation
After an exciting day of exploring, is there anything that feels quite as good as arriving at your accommodation to find it is a little slice of heaven? We know how a stunningly designed property can elevate your travel experience to the next level, and have handpicked our properties for their style, charm and luxe touches. Whether it be a luxurious cottage nestled in the vineyards, an opulent lake front estate, a beautifully appointed villa in the countryside, or a sumptuous river retreat, the accommodation on your journey will compliment it’s beautiful surroundings, and provide a stay that will be an experience in itself.
What are you waiting for? Make this experience yours and join our small group tours to New Zealand to explore this natural wonder in pure classe!
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This category of tours involves light trekking, walking, cycling, rafting or kayaking for a few hours each day with a small amount of inclines and declines. You will require a reasonable level of fitness and good health to participate. It is important to note that due to the nature of some of our trips, they may take place in remote areas (with basic facilities) and can involve long travelling days on various modes of transport.
Suggested preparation : At least 3 months prior to departure, it is recommended that you undertake aerobic exercise (this may include jogging, cycling or fast walking) for 30 minutes, three times a week. It is also advised to walk on variable terrain and in variable weather conditions. For a cycling adventure, road cycling twice a week is recommended and for adventures which involve paddling and kayaking, it is important to gain confidence and rhythm rather than speed prior to departure.
This category of tours involve trekking, kayaking and cycling for period of 6 to 8 hours a day at a fairly consistent pace. Ideal for people looking to slightly increase the heart rate. For our moderately rated tours, you must have a good level of fitness and also be in good health. It is also important to be prepared for variable weather conditions. Altitude may also come into play. This category of tours may involve visiting remote areas where facilities can be quite basic. Accommodation may also involve camping, homestays or basic accommodation where facilities may not be considered of western standards. To enjoy this style of travel, it is suggested for travellers to have a reasonable level of fitness and health, a positive attitude, as well as a fairly active lifestyle. An open mind is also required.
Suggested preparation: At least 3 months prior to departure, it is recommended that you undertake 45mins – 1 hour of aerobic exercise, three to four times a week. Some potential exercises that could be beneficial include hill walking with a backpack on over variable terrain and weather conditions, as well as running and cycling dependent on the activity you plan on undertaking.
This category of tours involves trekking, kayaking, cycling or other adventure activities in remote areas for up to 8 to 10 hours a day. It is important to note that with the remoteness of some regions comes a variety of other challenges such as variable weather conditions, accommodation as well as facilities. You must have an excellent level of fitness and good health to be able to partake in this category of tour. You must have confidence in your own ability and be in good physical condition. Includes extended periods of endurance.
Suggested preparation: At least 3 to 4 months of strenuous exercise, four times a week. When preparing for treks it would be beneficial to participate in hill walks with a weighted day pack (approximately 5-8 kg) once a week for aerobic fitness and strengthening of leg muscles. It is also important to do this on variable terrain to prepare for challenging adventures. When preparing for cycling adventures, regular bike riding (at least 4 to 5 times a week for 1-4 hours is essential). It is also important to cycle on uneven surfaces or even participate in other aerobic exercises such as running or swimming to build up strength and stamina. Altitude may also be a factor in these tours.
This category of tour often involves extreme trekking, cycling or other extreme adventure activities. It is important to expect remote and poorly defined tracks and to be prepared for variable weather conditions for 10 to 12 hours per day (may sometimes be more depending on weather and altitude). These adventures are suitable for travellers who have prior experience in strenuous travel and activities, are extremely fit and have excellent health. It is also important to note that some of the terrain on these adventures will involve trekking in snow, at high attitude levels and may require technical equipment.
Suggested preparation: It is important to note that physical fitness should be an ongoing activity, commencing around 5-6 months prior to departure, or even before if you have no prior fitness. Exercise should focus on building maximum endurance and stamina. Four to five hard sessions of 40-60 mins per week should be completed and can include exercises such as going to the gym, running, swimming or cycling to focus on building aerobic stamina. It could also be beneficial to prepare by hiking on rough terrain, in extreme weather conditions or partake in altitude training.
Our Signature Tours are the cornerstone of the Crooked Compass journey: meticulously designed small-group itineraries that balance authenticity, comfort, and ease. These are destinations where travel can be complex—from navigating evolving logistics to reaching places far from the usual tourist path—yet our expertise ensures your experience feels smooth, effortless, and deeply rewarding.
From the moment you arrive, every detail is handled with care. You’re welcomed personally on arrival and met for a private transfer to your accommodation, where you’ll join the rest of your group. Your guide will walk you through an orientation, helping you understand the rhythm of the journey ahead and settling you in with clear, practical insights from the very start.
Accommodation is selected for both comfort and character, reflecting the richness of its locality through thoughtful design, creative ingenuity, and a genuine sense of place. Whether it’s a boutique property, a sustainable lodge or a homestay, each choice is made to connect you meaningfully with the destination.
Cultural integration sits at the heart of our approach. Every itinerary is crafted with respect for local communities, aligning sensitively with their values and protecting the authenticity of their culture. Through this, travellers experience a deeper connection —stories shared firsthand, traditions encountered in their true context, and moments that shift perspectives long after returning home.
With a maximum of 12 travellers and our most trusted local partners, you explore with confidence, guided by teams who combine deep regional knowledge with an intuitive understanding of Western traveller expectations. Through the powerful medium of storytelling, our journeys inspire personal reflection and spark genuine emotion, turning travel into something transformative.
For travellers seeking even more flexibility or personalisation, our Tours By Design journeys are crafted with the same care — mindfully designed around your interests for a more tailored experience.
Why travellers love our Signature Tours:
More about our Tour Styles.
Our Founders Tours are rare, one-of-a-kind journeys personally hosted by Crooked Compass founder, Lisa Pagotto. Designed for the traveller who seeks more than just adventure, these exclusive small-group expeditions uncover places few have ever seen – experiences not featured in our regular collection, chosen for their depth, beauty, and story.
Each itinerary is hand-crafted by Lisa to offer meaningful connection and unique access built through years of trust and collaboration with local communities. Travelling alongside her gives you an unparalleled perspective into the world of ethical exploration – from the behind-the-scenes partnerships that shape our journeys, to the human stories that inspire them.
With an intimate group size and seamless support from our expert team, a Founders Tour is less a trip, and more a masterclass in discovery.
Why travellers love Founders Tours:
More about our Tour Styles.
Set sail on a rare journey across remote islands, wild coastlines, and untouched ecosystems aboard a small, luxury expedition vessel. Travelling by sea unlocks access to places few travellers ever reach – from isolated villages and pristine reefs to dramatic landscapes that can’t be accessed by land – while each evening, you return to the comfort of your beautifully appointed cabin.
These voyages blend adventure with refinement. Expert-led excursions bring you face-to-face with raw nature and vibrant cultures, while exceptional onboard dining, service, and comfort allow time to unwind and reflect.
To complete your experience, Crooked Compass can seamlessly craft pre- or post-cruise land extensions, ensuring your journey flows effortlessly from sea to shore.
Why travellers love our Expedition Cruises:
More about out Tour Styles.
Our Tours by Design experiences are private journeys curated exclusively for you by the Crooked Compass team. Whether you’re drawn to one of our existing itineraries, wish to adapt a small-group tour for private travel, or want to design something entirely new, we’ll craft a journey that reflects your pace, passions, and sense of discovery.
Why pay for inclusions that don’t fit? With Tours by Design, every detail is intentional – from the destinations and experiences to your style of travel and choice of accommodation. Each itinerary is hand-built through our deep local partnerships and expertise, ensuring authenticity, comfort, and connection in every moment.
Why travellers love Tours by Design:
More about our Tour Styles.
Our Partner Tours are carefully chosen group journeys operated by our long-standing, in-country partners — experts who share our values of authenticity, cultural respect, and meaningful connection. These departures, averaging between 17 and 22 travellers, are designed and delivered by our partners, while Crooked Compass manages your booking and provides full support from start to finish.
Enjoy the reassurance of booking through an Australian-based company, delivering our same personalised service and attention to detail you expect from Crooked Compass. We take care of the logistics, so you can focus on what matters most – the journey itself.
Why travellers love our Partner Tours:
More about our Tour Styles.
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