Highlights
- Soar above Fiordland National Park while flying to Milford Sound / Piopiotahi
- Combine relaxation and stargazing while soaking in the Tekapo Springs
- Cruise around floating icebergs on Tasman Lake at Aoraki / Mount Cook
- Sleep in a modern and off-grid glass cabin in native bushland near Akaroa
- Meet the largest Australasian little penguin colony on mainland New Zealand
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Queenstown, TSS Earnslaw Cruise & Barbecue Dinner | Queenstown |
| Day 2 | Fly & Cruise to Milford Sound / Piopiotahi | Queenstown |
| Day 3 | Drive to Lake Tekapo, Scenic Flight, Tekapo Springs StarGazing | Lake Tekapo |
| Day 4 | Self-Guided Mount Cook Hike, Tasman Lake Cruise & Walk | Lake Tekapo |
| Day 5 | Drive to Akaroa, Free Time, Hike to Glass Cabin | Akaroa |
| Day 6 | Dolphin Cruise, Penguin 4WD Evening Tour, Drive to Christchurch | Christchurch |
| Day 7 | Māori Cultural Food Tour, Depart Christchurch |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Queenstown, TSS Earnslaw Cruise & Barbecue Dinner
Kia ora! Welcome to beautiful Queenstown, New Zealand's adventure capital—and a thrilling start to your honeymoon! Set on the shores of Lake Wakatipu in the Southern Alps, this ruggedly beautiful region offers hair-raising thrills, beautiful vineyards, and historic gold-mining towns. On arrival, take a transfer to your accommodation and settle in. The best way to appreciate the Queenstown area's majesty is to ride the Skyline Gondola over 1,400 feet (450 m) to Bob's Peak. At the top, enjoy views out to Coronet Peak and the Remarkables.
Day 2: Fly & Cruise to Milford Sound / Piopiotahi
Any trip to New Zealand should include a visit to the world-famous Milford Sound / Piopiotahi. If you're short on time but ready for the adventure, the fly-cruise-fly option from Queenstown takes you to the heart of the Fiordland region and back in no time. Your 35-minute scenic flight from Queenstown will soar over the rugged backcountry of Central Otago, pristine lakes, lush rainforest, rugged snowcapped mountains, and glacially carved valleys of Milford Sound / Piopiotahi and Fiordland National Park.
Once at the sound, board an intimate and immersive two-hour cruise and relax while taking in Mitre Peak, cascading waterfalls, towering cliffs, and native animals. Passengers often spot seals basking in the sun, dolphins leaping, and sometimes the rare Fiordland crested penguins. Following the cruise, you'll fly back to Queenstown on the same plane, where you'll have free time to enjoy dinner in town.
Day 3: Drive to Lake Tekapo, Scenic Flight, Tekapo Springs StarGazing
After breakfast, grab the keys to a rental car and set off for Lake Tekapo. You'll follow winding roads for three hours until you reach the expansive lake at the base of Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park. Climb the Lindis Pass, one of New Zealand's highest roads, and pass by Ōmarama, the gliding capital of New Zealand. Fans of "The Lord of the Rings" will love Twizel, a film location, and you should stop at Lake Pukaki to see Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park. When you arrive it's time to strap into a small plane for a spectacular scenic flight, known as the Grand Traverse.
You'll fly high above pristine lakes, golden landscapes, remote sheep stations, and river valleys. See New Zealand's highest mountains and largest glaciers, including the snowcapped Aoraki / Mount Cook, the Haupapa / Tasman Glacier, the Franz Josef / Waiau, and Westland Tai Poutini National Park. Later, combine stargazing and relaxation at Tekapo Springs. Learn about the constellations in Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve from a guide, and float on a hammock beneath the stars in a 99°F (37.5°C) hot pool.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 4: Self-Guided Mount Cook Hike, Tasman Lake Cruise & Walk
This morning is yours to relax at your lakeside retreat, or lace up your hiking boots and set out for a walk around Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park. New Zealand's highest peak measures 12,315 feet (3,754 m) and is known by the Māori title Aoraki, which means "Cloud Piercer." But you don't need to conquer that peak! Instead, take it easy with a relaxed hike along the one-hour Tasman Lake Trail or Governor's Bush loop track, or embark on the two-hour Kea Point or Red Tarns tracks.
Day 5: Drive to Akaroa, Free Time, Hike to Glass Cabin
Hit the road after breakfast on the four-hour drive north to Akaroa. Drive through Burkes Pass and the rich farmlands of Geraldine, then cross the vast Canterbury Plains. Close to Christchurch, turn off for the village of Akaroa, New Zealand's only French settlement. When the French expedition arrived here in the early 1800s, the British had already acquired sovereignty over the island through the Treaty of Waitangi. Now Akaroa is a charming 175-year-old harborside village where you can observe one of the smallest dolphins, called Hector Dolphins, go hiking, or taste local wines.
This afternoon, take it slowly with a wander through town. Visit the Akaroa Museum to learn more about settlers' history, art and craft shops, and studios, and enjoy a late lunch (or early dinner) at a waterfront restaurant. Afterward, drive one hour to your remote glass cabin, Pōhue PurePod, for the evening. Your scenic drive ends with a 0.75-mile (1.2 km) uphill hike through native bush to the secluded cabin. Experience solitude with extraordinary views across the tussock grasses and rolling hills down to Port Levy Bay.
Day 6: Dolphin Cruise, Penguin 4WD Evening Tour, Drive to Christchurch
Wake up in the peaceful quiet of your remote glass cabin and enjoy breakfast with a view. When you're ready, jump in the car for the 80-minute drive to Fishermans Bay Garden, a haven in the rugged and dramatic landscape of the Banks Peninsula coastline. Wander winding paths while appreciating the structure and texture of New Zealand native plants combined with diverse non-natives. Then, it's time to board a cruise from Akaroa Harbour to see amazing birdlife and sea mammals, including the world's rarest and smallest dolphin, the friendly Hectors Dolphin.
Your speedy two-hour cruise will take you past fur seals sunbathing on the rocks, little blue penguins, marine salmon, and paua pearl farms. While on board you'll learn about the area's geology, history, ecology, and Māori heritage. Closer to dusk you'll board a 4WD for a scenic drive over the extinct Akaroa volcano to Pōhatu Bay, home of the largest Australasian little penguin colony on mainland New Zealand. Learn about the life of penguins, check nesting sites, and watch penguins socializing on the water from hidden observation spots at sunset.
Finally, make the 90-minute drive to Christchurch, the "Garden City," for a late check-in. 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 new secrets, from modern architecture and vibrant street art to cocktail bars and bustling restaurants.Day 7: Māori Cultural Food Tour, Depart Christchurch
Explore the cultural richness of Christchurch while savoring the city's diverse culinary offerings. This two-hour inner-city walking tour, punctuated with gourmet tasting stops, is an ideal way to explore the heart of Christchurch while connecting with its Māori traditions. You'll experience firsthand how Māori people share kai (food), which fosters communal bonding and cultural enrichment. Each stop reveals true Kiwi flavors and inspiring stories of modern-day Christchurch.
After, it's time to say farewell to New Zealand and reflect on your brilliant honeymoon across the South Island. When the time is right, drive to the airport with enough time to return your rental car before your departing flight. Safe travels!
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