Honeymoon Hiking Adventure in New Zealand - 14 Days

Highlights

• Explore Rotorua's bubbling mud pools, steaming geysers, and hot springs
• Connect with Maori culture during an evening of stories, songs, and dance
• Hike the Queen Charlotte Track in the surreal Marlborough Sounds region
• Go whale watching by airplane, then hike the Kaikoura Coastal Track
• Trek the Banks Track past volcanic coastline, native bush, and waterfalls

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Auckland, Free Time, Dinner Cruise

Kia ora! Welcome to New Zealand's North Island! Your adventurous honeymoon begins in Auckland. The country's largest city has been called "City of Sails" thanks to its two busy harbors and more than 500,000 sailboats and yachts. Upon arrival, collect a rental car and go to your hotel for check-in. If you'd like to combat jet lag with an easy hike, consider the short 40-minute trail to the top of Maungawhau / Mount Eden. You'll be rewarded from the summit with panoramic views of Auckland's skyline and waterfront.

Return to the hotel and refresh ahead of tonight. This evening's memorable dining experience occurs on those waters as you cruise around Waitematā Harbour. Watch the city twinkle after the sun dips below the horizon. You'll be treated to a drink and canapés as you set off toward Westhaven Marina, followed by the main course. Finish the evening with a tasty dessert as you sail back to central Auckland's Viaduct Harbour.

Day 2: Drive to Rotorua, Self-Guided Hike & Cruise, Wai Ariki Spa Session

After breakfast, jump behind the wheel and cruise three hours south to Rotorua, New Zealand's famous geothermal city. This is one of the world's most active volcanic regions, with bubbling mud pools, steaming geysers, and natural hot springs. Roll down the window and brace yourself for the strong sulfur smell as you approach! Grab a quick lunch in town, then explore the Waimangu Volcanic Valley. When Mount Tarawera erupted in 1886, it created the world's youngest geothermal area—and it's easy to explore the valley on foot and by boat.

Choose from a handful of easy hikes that will take you past sights such as Echo Crater and Frying Pan Lake, the world's largest hot water spring. For a challenge, the Mount Haszard Hiking Trail starts at Inferno Crater, a beautiful hot lake, and climbs high above the valley floor. End the day with a 90-minute cruise on Lake Rotomahana, followed by an indulgent session at Wai Ariki Spa. Under the guidance of the local iwi (tribe), you'll move from heat to cool, mud to water, and air to steam to maximize the benefits of your two-hour restorative journey.

Day 3: Crater Walk, Te Pa Tu Maori Cultural Experience

Today, it's time to conquer the 3,680-foot-high (1,121 m) Mount Tarawera with a private guided crater hike. This volcanic peak last erupted in 1886, destroying the legendary pink and white terraces and creating the world's youngest geothermal valley of Waimangu. With your local guide's help, you'll explore this remarkable landscape and discover the area's history. 

Then tonight you're invited as a manuhiri (guest) at Te Pā Tū (Tamaki Māori Village). Settle into an enchanting space surrounded by towering tawa trees and a forest-formed amphitheater for a four-hour celebration of Māori history and culture. An opening ceremony kicks off with kai horotai (appetizers). Listen to stories and songs and watch dance performances, then follow your Māori guide by torchlight to your three-course hākari (feast). Select from a table of hāngī dishes (meat, fish, and vegetables) and learn about the traditional Māori cooking method.

Day 4: Drive to Tongariro National Park, Sunset Guided Walk

Today, you'll drive two hours south toward Tongariro National Park. New Zealand's first national park originated after the three volcanic peaks were gifted by Te Heuheu Tukino IV, the paramount chief of the Tuwharetoa people, to the people of New Zealand in 1887. Use your day to hike the two-hour Wha Kapapanui Walk, a forest walk that follows the Whakapapanui River, or the two-hour Soda Springs trail that takes you to a spring originating from a lava flow.

In the evening, you'll enjoy a relaxed guided hike at sunset. Set out with a local guide to explore the spectacular mountain terrain around the Tongariro volcanoes. You'll hike for just over an hour, learning about the local geography, geology, and cultural history, before stopping for a glass of New Zealand bubbly as you watch the sunset. The route will depend on the group's ability, but you'll likely walk the Taranaki Falls loop track or start on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing track and return via Sunset Ridge or Meads Wall.

Day 5: Drive to Ridge Top Farm, Free Time

Enjoy sleeping in this morning. Then, after breakfast, jump behind the wheel and drive two hours south toward Palmerston North. Before you reach the inland city, take the Waituna Tapuae Road on your left toward Ridge Top Farm. This 1,500-acre (607 ha) sheep and beef farm will be your base for the next two nights, so check into your glamping tent and make yourself at home in the countryside. 

Day 6: Hiking at Ridge Top Farm (Day 1)

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After breakfast at your campsite, Ridge Top Farm will deliver you a packed lunch so you can set off on your hike. There's no rush, and you can leave the site by around 11.30 am to make the one-hour trek to Nolan's Hutt for your picnic lunch. Head off northwest from the campsite, up onto the ridge. You'll enjoy spectacular views of Mount Egmont and Mount Ruapehu from up here. You'll then head downhill across the creek, where you'll meander across rolling farmland and see plenty of sheep and cattle.

Day 7: Hiking at Ridge Top Farm (Day 2), Drive to Wellington, Ferry to Picton

Day 8: Queen Charlotte Track Full-Day Hike: Torea Bay to Punga Cove 

Rise bright and early for today's challenging full-day hike that starts with a boat ride. Today, you'll hike part of the Queen Charlotte Track from Torea Bay to Punga Cove. The walk will take around eight hours to cross the 14 miles (22.5 km). You can expect stellar scenery, challenging terrain, and unbeatable panoramic views. Your hike starts at the port with the 8 am boat from Beachcomber Cruises. They'll drop you at Torea Bay for the challenging walk following the ridgeline, weaving in and out of the regenerating forest.

Below, you'll see beautiful bays and picturesque coves, with an undulating coastline stretching far from your reach. Your views will switch from the green waters of Kenepuru Sound to the shimmering blue sea of the Queen Charlotte Sound. As you hike today, look for the flightless weka, an endemic woodhen, and other native New Zealand birds. Finally, you'll reach Punga Cove. You'll meet Beachcomber Cruises just after 4 pm for a ride back to Picton. Make sure you arrive in time for the transfer! If you're early, stop for a drink at Punga Cove's Boatshed Bar.

Day 9: Drive to Kaikoura, Whale Watching Flight, Kaikoura Coast Track (Day 1)

Cross Marlborough's "dry hills" this morning on your 90-minute drive to the spectacular Kaikōura Coast. The road hugs the shore for around 30 miles (50 km) as you cruise between the South Pacific Ocean and the towering Kaikōura Ranges. Kaikōura attracts visitors yearly for its abundant sea life, which thrives in the local icy waters. Unlike other popular sea-watching spots, Kaikōura's whales, seals, and dolphins tend to visit year-round—and today you'll go whale watching by airplane. You'll grasp the true magnitude of the world's largest mammal from the air.

Then, this afternoon, you'll prepare to hike the Kaikōura Track—one of New Zealand's finest private walks. This hidden gem of the South Island covers 16 miles (26 km). Each night, you'll stay in cozy farm cottages, and your luggage will be transferred to the next location for you. Arrive at "The Beach House," where dinner will be served. While you wait, snuggle up with a good book or a glass of wine to see the sun setting on the Kaikōura mountains rising above the Pacific Ocean.

Day 10: Kaikoura Coast Track (Day 2)

Wake up rested and ready to hit the trail! Today, you'll walk 7.5 miles (12 km), which will take 5-7 hours. Start with a two-hour walk along the beach at low tide before turning inland. You'll reach the first lookout with a view over the Banks and Kaikōura peninsulas. Along the hike, you can expect to see local seals on the beach and whales and dolphins offshore. You'll cross small streams, paddocks, and bush and discover splendid specimens of native conifers.

Finally, you'll reach your accommodation for the evening. Here, your hosts, Sally and David, will welcome you with a well-deserved and refreshing glass of homemade lemonade. You've arrived at the busy Handyside family farm, a remote backcountry sheep station. Your accommodation is set in a quiet corner of a paddock. Spend the evening relaxing, enjoying a hot shower, and cooking dinner. 

Day 11: Kaikoura Coast Track (Day 3), Drive to Akaroa

Your day begins with a quick van ride to the start of today's trail, an 8-mile (13 km) trek through bush and beech forest with tree ferns and giant evergreens. It'll take around 4-6 hours to reach your final destination: the beach. Listen to New Zealand's fantastic birdsong along the route, with fantails and bellbirds filling the air. Follow a bush-filled valley to the top of the Hawkswood Range and soak up views of the Kaikōura coastline. Finally, finish up where you started on the first day.

Catch your breath, then make the 3.5-hour drive to Akaroa, New Zealand's only French settlement, which sits at the end of the Banks Peninsula. This evening, you'll prepare for the Banks Track, covering 22 miles (35 km) of spectacular volcanic coastline, native bush, waterfalls, and sandy beaches. It's a diverse trail that has enchanted walkers for over 20 years. A shuttle bus will drop you off at your first cottage in Onuku, where you'll receive a map and a booklet detailing the track's highlights.

Day 12: Banks Track (Day 1)

Today, you'll set off on the Banks Track with a steep uphill walk. The reward is a spectacular view over the outer reaches of the peninsula and the Pacific Ocean. Continue through farmland and tussock, then downhill through lush forest with beautiful waterfalls. Pass through nikau palms and tree ferns before arriving in Flea Bay for lunch. Flea Bay is home to the largest colony of little blue penguins in New Zealand, so you'll see small shelters on the way out of the bay.

Eventually, you'll gain enough elevation to enjoy an interesting panoramic view of Flea Bay with its big cliffs of red-tinged volcanic rock. Afterward, follow the coastline to the seals of the Seal Cave. Then head downhill through the bush to Stony Bay, where you'll spend the night. Today's walk should take around seven hours. You'll find badminton gear and an outdoor bath heated over a woodfire at your accommodation, where you can soak your tired muscles. At dusk, watch endemic yellow-eyed penguins come in from the shore.

Day 13: Banks Track (Day 2), Drive to Christchurch

Towering cliffs, geological wonders, and the big blue sea define the final day of hiking on the Banks Track. This morning, you'll explore the coast from Stony Bay to Otanerito. At Otanerito Bay you can stop for lunch and swim—it's the only sandy beach on the track, so go for a dip! In the afternoon, the trail winds back to Akaroa after climbing up to a saddle. Head up through the Hinewai Reserve, known for its beech tree forest, palm trees, and ferns. You can also take side tracks to reach waterfalls.

From the top of the pass, continue up to Stony Bay Peak at 2,645 feet (806 m), a one-hour return extension offering 360-degree views of Akaroa and its harbor, Otanerito Bay, and the reserve. Finish with a downhill walk into the village. Return to your car and make the 90-minute drive to Christchurch, the "Garden City." The country's second-largest metropolis has experienced a remarkable rebirth after the devastating 2010 and 2011 earthquakes. Today, the urban center is full of modern architecture, vibrant street art, cocktail bars, and gourmet restaurants.

Day 14: Depart Christchurch

It's time to retire those boots—your incredible two-week hiking honeymoon ends today. If you have time before your flight, take a punt ride down the Avon River / Ōtākaro or shop for souvenirs. At the appropriate hour, drive to Christchurch's airport with enough time to return the rental car before departure. Safe travels!

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