2 Weeks in New Zealand - 5 Honeymoon Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: New Zealand Honeymoon Road Trip: North & South Islands

Get behind the wheel for a spectacular road trip through volcanic landscapes, lush countryside, mountains, gorges, and more on this ultimate highlights honeymoon adventure. Perfect for couples traveling to New Zealand for the first time, you'll journey between must-sees, including Auckland, Rotorua, Queenstown, and Lake Tekapo, while also ticking off a range of bucket-list-worthy activities. Laze in hot pools under the brilliant night sky, soar above the Southern Alps in a small plane, and delight in a romantic sunset walk in Tongariro National Park.

Welcome to your New Zealand honeymoon! After a rejuvenating one-night stay in Auckland, featuring dinner at the acclaimed Ahi restaurant, you'll begin your five-day road trip across the North Island. Your first destination is Rotorua, where you'll indulge in ultimate relaxation at Wai Ariki Spa and tuck into a three-course Māori feast at Te Pā Tū. Over the following three days, continue south, pausing for an overnight in the charming lakeside town of Taupō and for a hike through Tongariro National Park's volcanic landscapes. Then, from Wellington, board a flight bound for the South Island's beloved Queenstown.

Don't fall in love with Queenstown yet, though, as upon arrival, you'll collect another car and hit the road to Te Anau—your jumping-off point for a fabulous Doubtful Sound cruise. Afterward, return to Queenstown and experience the beauty of the region while cruising Lake Wakatipu, zipping along Skippers Road in a 4WD, and enjoying a romantic evening in an onsen hot pool. Then, continue to Lake Tekapo and take in the grandeur of the Southern Alps from the seat of a small plane and with a paddle in hand. Later, conquer the final leg of your road trip to Christchurch, where you'll bid farewell. Learn more

Itinerary #2: New Zealand's South Island Active Honeymoon

Kayak, cruise, hike, jetboat, and cycle your way through the South Island's pristine wilderness on this action-packed honeymoon. Ideal for adventure-loving couples, each day gets you exploring deep in remarkable landscapes—from the wildlife-filled bays of Akaroa to the drowned valleys of Milford Sound / Piopiotahi. With a rental car on hand, enjoy the freedom of the open road and cherish quality time together amid nature's wonders.

Start your enchanting New Zealand honeymoon in Christchurch, enjoying a romantic dinner tram ride and a round trip on the TranzAlpine Scenic Train, offering stunning vistas. Then, with a rental car collected, drive east to the French-influenced coastal town of Akaroa and spend two days cruising, kayaking, and off-roading in search of dolphins, blue penguins, and more. Next up is Lake Tekapo, and throughout your stay, you'll get well acquainted with the Southern Alps thanks to an extraordinary scenic flight and 4WD backcountry tour. Afterward, continue to Wānaka and hand the reins to a local guide for a winery tour.

Week two of your grand getaway kicks off with a self-guided tour of Lake Wānaka's Mou Waho Island; then, you're off to Clyde for an Otago Central Rail Trail cycling adventure. Your following two days feature the dramatic landscapes of Fiordland National Park. While based in the charming town of Te Anau, you'll jet boat along the turquoise waters of the Upper Waiau River and cruise Milford Sound / Piopiotahi. Lastly, make your way to Queenstown to indulge in a romantic dinner on a scenic high-country farm and explore the beautiful waterways of Mount Aspiring National Park before catching your departing flight. Learn more

Itinerary #3: New Zealand's North Island Honeymoon Highlights

Expertly crafted to highlight the North Island's volcanic landscapes and pristine coastlines, this well-rounded honeymoon trip promises a unique blend of romance, adventure, and scenic drives. Over two weeks, make your way from Auckland through the North Island's geothermal and lake-dotted interior to the vibrant capital city of Wellington. Along the way, a mix of hiking, wine tours, and wildlife safaris make this itinerary perfect for couples seeking both adrenaline-inducing and laid-back excursions.

Upon arriving in Auckland, celebrate the start of your honeymoon with dinner at the acclaimed Ahi restaurant, followed by visits to an All Blacks experience and Wētā Workshop, a film effects company best known for its work on "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy. Next, escape to the rugged Coromandel Peninsula, exploring by glass-bottom boat and soaking in a self-dug, geothermally heated mineral pool. More fascinating adventures await in Rotorua, including a walk amid the bubbling mud pits of Hell's Gate and at Wai-O-Tapu. Additionally, stroll through the majestic Redwood Forest before continuing to Taupō to embark on a thrilling Tongariro River whitewater rafting expedition.

Your road trip continues to Napier, and after spending your first day cruising around its Art Deco Quarter, detour to Cape Kidnappers for a memorable bird-watching safari. Then, don your trail shoes for amazing hikes in Tongariro National Park, including the Taranaki Falls loop and the magnificent Tongariro Alpine Crossing. Weary legs will appreciate a scenic drive to Martinborough, especially as upon your arrival, a guide awaits to whisk you out on a winery-hopping tour. Afterward, wrap up your honeymoon in Wellington, admiring native birdlife at Zealandia and strolling beautiful gardens. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Ultimate New Zealand Winter Honeymoon

Discover the incredible beauty of New Zealand's winter landscapes on this snowy honeymoon adventure. Between bucket-list-worthy experiences, including a sunrise hot-air balloon ride, a scenic flight over the Southern Alps, and a Milford Sound / Piopiotahi cruise, you'll cuddle up in bubbling hot springs selected for their picturesque settings. Additionally, a visit to the serene Great Barrier Island and a relaxing afternoon on a high country farm make this an ideal escape for honeymooners seeking both adventure and seclusion.

You might be arriving in Auckland in winter, but thanks to the North Island's temperate climate, you'll be plenty comfortable while sipping your way through Waiheke Island's finest wineries. Then, in Rotorua, craft something special for your significant other at a jade carving workshop before immersing yourselves in its geothermal landscapes through visits to Wai-O-Tapu sulfurous pools and the Waimangu Volcanic Valley. Afterward, fly to Christchurch, where you'll kick off the South Island portion of your journey. First up, you'll thrill to a sunrise hot-air balloon flight, followed by a rejuvenating retreat at Hanmer Springs.

After soaking to your heart's content in Hanmer Springs, continue to the Mesopotamia High Country Station for an exciting 4WD journey. Nearby awaits the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo, looking extra photo-worthy with the surrounding mountains blanketed in snow, which you'll take in from onboard a scenic flight. Then, shrug off the cold during a unique stargazing and hot pool experience before setting your sights on Queenstown. With a three-day stay here, you'll have plenty of time to venture to Milford Sound / Piopiotahi, explore Skippers Road, and unwind in an onsen until the time arrives to bid farewell. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Honeymoon Hiking Adventure in New Zealand

Completely immerse yourselves in New Zealand's dramatic landscapes and mesmerizing countryside on this hiking-forward honeymoon. Perfect for newlyweds eager to get off the beaten path in dramatic fashion, you'll dedicate three days to Kaikōura's renowned coastal track, spend two days hiking and camping at Ridge Top Farm, and trek the length of the 22-mile (35 km) Banks Track. And that's not to mention the day hikes you'll conquer together in Tongariro National Park and the Marlborough Sounds.

While your adventure begins with a leisurely day in Auckland, cruising Waitematā Harbour, you'll soon be hitting the road to Rotorua to tick off the first of many hikes. Start with a trek in Waimangu Volcanic Valley, then conquer the trail to Mount Tarawera's crater before continuing to Tongariro National Park. An overnight here allows you to learn about the local geography from a hiking guide, and the following day's journey to Ridge Top Farm introduces you to the charm of rural New Zealand—especially considering you'll be staying in a tranquil campsite with prime access to lesser-trodden hiking trails.

The second half of your adventures features the unspoiled coastlines of the South Island's north, starting with the extraordinary Marlborough Sounds. While using Picton as your base, explore the beautiful bays found along the Queen Charlotte Track. Then, continue south to Kaikōura, where a three-day walk on the Kaikōura Track awaits, complete with luggage transfers and stays in cozy farm cottages. Afterward, enjoy a quick refresh, as soon, you'll tackle a two-day on-foot journey along the volcanic coastline and sandy beaches of the Banks Track before wrapping up your trip in Christchurch. Learn more

More Great 2-Week New Zealand Itineraries

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