1 Week in New Zealand - 5 Honeymoon Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: New Zealand Honeymoon Road Trip in the South Island

This weeklong getaway offers a perfect blend of adventure, romance, and natural beauty, making it ideal for couples experiencing New Zealand for the first time. Scenic flights and cruises provide ample time to enjoy each other's company amid sensational landscapes, while personalized hikes add a touch of fitness. Topped off with a night in a glass cabin and a serene stargazing experience, this well-rounded honeymoon provides all sorts of once-in-a-lifetime experiences. 

Welcome to New Zealand! Your honeymoon begins in Queenstown, where a scenic cruise on Lake Wakatipu and a gourmet dinner set the tone for the adventures ahead. Speaking of, you're next off to remote Milford Sound / Piopiotahi for a spectacular cruise, and thanks to a return scenic flight, you'll have time in the evening to explore Queenstown together. The following morning, collect a rental car and conquer a thrilling road trip to the charming town of Lake Tekapo. Here, drop your bags before embarking on a thrilling flight over the surrounding peaks, then unwind while stargazing at Tekapo Springs.

After three full days of exciting excursions, the choice is yours—spend the morning lazing at your lakeside retreat or conquer a nearby hike, both followed by a cruise on the iceberg-dotted Tasman Lake. Your next destination, reachable by a four-hour drive north, is the French-influenced town of Akaroa, where the afternoon is yours to explore at your leisure. Later, retreat to Pōhue PurePod for a romantic night in a glass cabin and wake refreshed for a delightful hike and boat ride. Then, continue to Christchurch and squeeze in a Māori cultural food tour before catching your onward flight. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Honeymoon Road Trip Escape to New Zealand's North Island

Perfect for couples ready to dive into the friendly and creative spirit of New Zealand, this honeymoon road trip explores three distinctive North Island regions. Start in Auckland, where you'll delve into the legacy of the All Blacks and explore the magic of filmmaking. Then, enjoy a romantic stay in the Coromandel featuring leisurely coastal walks before ending your journey in Rotorua with rejuvenating spa sessions and immersive Māori cultural experiences.

Upon landing in Auckland, the afternoon is yours to admire city and sea views from the Sky Tower or escape to Mount Eden for a nature walk. That evening, don your finest for a romantic dinner at Ahi, then split the following morning between an All Blacks rugby experience and a visit to a film effects company best known for their work on "The Lord of the Rings." Afterward, collect your rental car and hit the road to the Coromandel Peninsula, where you'll spend two days savoring its rugged yet peaceful coastlines. Kick things off with a glass bottom boat tour before heading to Hot Water Beach to laze in your private and self-dug mineral pool.

While in the Coromandel Peninsula, you'll also spend quality time as you please, perhaps sunbathing at Mercury Bay or conquering a coastal hike together. Then, on the morning of Day 5, jump back behind the wheel for a three-hour drive to the geothermal-rich town of Rotorua. An early arrival ensures you have plenty of time to soak in the healing waters of Hell's Gate and embrace the city's Māori culture at Te Aronui a Rua. Additionally, get hands-on during a jade necklace-making workshop and glide over otherworldly landscapes in a floatplane before prepping for your departing flight. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Winter Honeymoon in New Zealand: North & South Island

New Zealand's dramatic landscapes are even more striking dusted in snow, and this winter honeymoon gets you and your significant other exploring amid them. Perfect for those looking to experience both islands while also packing in the activities, you can look forward to action-packed stays in Auckland, Rotorua, and Queenstown. Savor once-in-a-lifetime moments together, from walking lantern-lit trails alongside giant redwoods and cruising under hundreds of waterfalls in Milford Sound / Piopiotahi to jetboating through daring canyons.

Auckland, New Zealand's largest city, serves as the starting point for your honeymoon, and with a free afternoon to roam hand in hand, topped with dinner at the chic Ahi, you'll be well settled in and ready for the adventures ahead. With a rental car collected, hit the road to Rotorua, where you'll spend the following two days experiencing its geothermal wonders. Treat yourselves to an indulgent session at Wai Ariki Spa, walk amid bubbling mud pools at Hell's Gate, and see kiwi chicks at the National Hatchery. Then, round off your stay with a romantic evening walk amid the enchanting Redwood Forest.

The second leg of your journey brings you to the Southern Alps town of Queenstown, where a stunning cruise across Lake Wakatipu reveals the breathtaking beauty of the region. The next day, a thrilling 4WD journey down the narrow Skippers Road, followed by a jetboat ride through Shotover River Canyon, gets you even closer to the dramatic landscapes. Then, treat yourself to a fabulous dinner at Botswana Butchery, ensuring you're well-rested for your final day. Before catching your flight home, zip to Milford Sound / Piopiotahi in a scenic plane and relax under the stars at Onsen Hot Pools. Learn more

Itinerary #4: New Zealand's Ultimate Food, Wine & Culture Honeymoon

Expertly crafted to highlight North Island's fantastic wineries and welcoming cities, this romantic escape promises a memorable blend of comfort, adventure, and world-class cuisine. Together, road trip from Auckland to Wellington, stopping en route to experience the geothermal wonders of Rotorua and the spectacular coastal vineyards of Hawke's Bay. For couples seeking full rejuvenation, this itinerary offers decadent spa sessions, fine dining, and special cultural experiences, all set against New Zealand's finest landscapes.

Straight after arriving in Auckland, any lingering jet lag will quickly vanish as you sip wine amid Waiheke Island's vineyards and tuck into the chic Ahi restaurant for dinner. The next day, collect a rental car and cruise south to the geothermal city of Rotorua, stopping en route for a guided tour of the famous Hobbiton Movie Set. Then, dedicate the evening to an enriching cultural experience at Te Pā Tū and the following morning to the nuances of jade carving as taught by a local artist. Afterward, explore the volcanic landscapes of Mount Tarawera and treat yourselves to a restorative evening at Wai Ariki Spa.

Back behind the wheel, a scenic drive brings you to the coastal city of Napier. Spend your first night cruising through the city's historic Art Deco Quarter in a 1930s vintage car, then hop on two wheels for a self-guided wineries cycling tour. You'll kick off the next day with a 4WD bird-watching safari before continuing to your final destination—Wellington. Here, the evening is yours to explore independently, with options including riding the historic Wellington Cable Car, strolling fragrant botanic gardens, and celebrating the end of your romantic adventure over dinner at a cozy restaurant. Learn more

Itinerary #5: New Zealand's South Island Coastal Honeymoon

Immerse yourself in the pristine beauty and abundant wildlife of the South Island's north on this weeklong honeymoon adventure. Perfect for couples seeking remote landscapes, you'll enjoy two nights in a luxury lodge deep in Marlborough Sound, explore the untouched Kaikōura coastline, and wander between the golden sands of Abel Tasman National Park. With trains and water taxis guiding you between destinations, and wine tastings and unique dining experiences arranged, you're free to savor each other's company.

A little city with a big, welcoming personality, Christchurch is the perfect place to get familiar with the beauty and culture of New Zealand. Wander through the rejuvenated city center at your leisure, and take a historic tram ride for a scenic dinner experience afterward. The following morning, board another train, this one bound for the lush coastal town of Kaikōura, where you'll spend two days wildlife watching. Take to the skies to see whales, paddle in search of seals and octopus, and cruise along a beach frequented by Hector's dolphins before attending a delightful cooking class at Hapuku Kitchen.

On your final morning in Kaikōura, enjoy a hike along coastal clifftops and through native forests, then continue north by train to Picton. Although picturesque, Picton isn't your final destination; from there, take a water taxi to a secluded luxury lodge deep in Queen Charlotte Sound. Spend the entire next day on the water, gliding between hidden coves in an official mailboat and savoring fresh seafood onboard a lavish catamaran. Lastly, sip wine in the world-famous Marlborough region and conclude your trip in Nelson with a delightful day exploring Abel Tasman National Park's marine reserve by boat, water taxi, or on foot. Learn more

More Great 1-Week New Zealand Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to New Zealand? Check out these other one-week New Zealand itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.

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