We looked for luxury services, so you don't have to.
We've run out of milk, darling. I'll have to pop to the shops. Can you send the limo round?
If you want to pick up some milk from the dairy and you're not bringing the butler with you, then what is known as a town car will cost you
around $120 to $200 for the first hour hired. Marvel Rides have an MR Escalade - the sort of chunky limousine gangsta rappers appear to enjoy - at your disposal. But if you need to take a few people on a longer excursion of some kind, then a larger stretch limousine - Regal Limousines boast an in-car entertainment system and room for more than 10 passengers - will cost around $500 an hour and upwards.
Actually, I think I'll stay here. Let's get the butler to run down to the shops.
Unfortunately a genuine butler service is hard to find in New Zealand so if you want a proper, modern butler you may need to get one flown in from Australia. Australian Butler Services run special courses in butlering before dispatching their trainees. A butler's salary can start at around $50,000 per annum, this company says.
If that sounds like a bit much then you may prefer Hire-a-Hubby, Green Acres or Meticulous Maids.
And while the butler's out fetching the milk, I'm going to get a quick mani-pedi and massage. Alright, darling?
Dozens of beauty therapists are only too happy to beat a pretty path to your own front door. Costs vary but they tend to go from around $50 for a pedicure plus any travel costs. They'll also wax and spray tan you into submission, as well as provide facials and hair and makeup. Beauty On Demand, Mobile Beauty and BeautyPatrol are just three of the above.
It is also possible to get a hair stylist to swing by and sort out your crowning glory. While the folks at Stephen Marr salons in Auckland say their top stylists are mostly called out to special functions, they would send a professional to your place to give you a trim if you were happy to pay them the same fees: house calls usually start from $200 an hour.
The baby's crying and I'm having my nails filed. Will you see to it, please?
If the nanny doesn't respond you could turn to what are now known as the "baby whisperers". Former Karitane nurse Dorothy Waide has worked for some of Hollywood's biggest names, including Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta Jones, and she will soothe your offspring too, for around $60 an hour - or $600 for 24-hour support. Another newborn advisor, Sharlene Poole, who appears regularly on Good Morning and has worked around the world, will also come to your place to help your children sleep for around $80 per hour. Should it be your fur children causing trouble, then there are various mobile pet grooming services ready to race to your aid. A shampoo and groom for your pedigree beastie will cost from anywhere between $35 and $50. You can also take your barking beauties to a dog spa for a variety of special treatments - these include It's a Dog's Life, Nose to Tail and Star Dogs where the luckiest puppies get facials ($12), pedicures ($14) and perfumed baths ($17).
Lovely, I think I've just got enough time for a quick sesh with Domingo before my precious arrives back from the groomer.
These days there are plenty of personal trainers who will get you panting in the privacy of your own home. Some will offer you the first session as a free trial, others will charge more as they thoroughly assess your fitness during their first visit. After this, sessions can cost anything from around $60 an hour to $150 an hour.
Sound too hard? You can even get a dance lesson at home. Viva Latino charges from $70 an hour for private lessons in their studio, more at other locations.
I fancy a spot of shopping. I must have some new diamonds and a ball gown for tonight!
A personal shopper will cost you from $100 an hour. At Signature Style a shopping package can be tailored to a client's desires. It may even be possible to go backstage in fashion, so to speak, to meet the designers and see their workrooms.
I think I might have blown the housekeeping budget on this necklace, sweetie. And now I'm fretting about it.
If you're worried someone might try to snatch your glad rags or kidnap your poodle from the superyacht, you might like to hire a bodyguard. One sturdy security person to keep you and your goodies safe will cost you around $1000 a day, say the friendly guys at Moratti and Associates. Oh, and remember, having a well-built bodyguard shadowing you is far more of a status symbol than new diamond earrings.
The limo's broken down and the chauffeur's drunk again. How shall we get there now?
Several helicopter charter companies operating in and around Auckland will take you wherever you want to go. A trip from Auckland Airport into town for example takes around 12 minutes and costs around $1000. Most of the helicopter companies also offer special package deals should you want to do more than just get the kids to school on time.
And there's nothing like a bit of sea air to revive your spirits after finding the chauffeur drunk. So you could also take your own sailing yacht or motor yacht out for a spin. Auckland has plenty of options for chartering a boat, with smaller launches and yachts costing anything from around $3000 a day (many also have half-day rates) from the likes of Pacific Charters and a fancy superyacht like the "luxury expedition vessel" Big Fish from 37 South for around a quarter of a million dollars a week.
Oh well, never mind. The wine merchant just dropped by with a crate.
Get a hand-picked selection of fancy wine delivered directly to your glass. The Fine Wine Delivery Company will bring a dozen bottles to your door from around $60 - these have been pre-selected by their resident experts. And if you're running out of room in the cellars at home, then they also have temperature controlled cellar space to rent you.
Want to share your oenological knowledge with a select handful of friends and neighbours? Caro's Wine Merchants will organise a wine tasting in your own home (or in your office or on their own premises, if you prefer). Costs will depend on what kind of wine and how many people tasting.
In luxury land, it's called "provisioning" because it's all about keeping the pantry stocked with the tastiest of delights. Forget the supermarket's internet delivery service. Just pay your friendly neighbourhood gourmet store to "provision" you. Sabato, where they specialise in imported edibles from southern Europe, boast of their provisioning of holiday homes and super yachts. Tastes from Around New Zealand take a homegrown approach - they'll fill your larder with the best from around the country. This can cost from around $600 for a week's supplies for six to eight people.
Amuse me. Entertain me. I'm bored.
If you're putting on a little shindig, it may be possible to hire some of New Zealand's most popular musicians to serenade your guests. Local chart-topping groups often play corporate gigs, and would drag their drum kit and guitars to your place too, for the right pay. Many bands have booking agents - you'll often find these on the band's website. You'll be paying between $5000 and $10,000 for your own personal concert.
