New Zealand's North Island Honeymoon Highlights - 14 days

Day 2: All Blacks Rugby Experience, Wētā Workshop, Drive to Coromandel

This morning, you'll dive into New Zealand's beloved national sport as you see what it takes to be an All Black. This is your chance to learn stories behind some of rugby's most famous players and historical moments. Your guide will take you through state-of-the-art displays combining sound, images, interactive technology, and activities. You'll not only learn about the country's passion for rugby but will experience the All Blacks haka (ceremonial war dances) and tackle interactive zones.

From there, experience a world where the lines between fantasy and reality are blurred. Best known for their work on the "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy, the Wētā Workshop is a five-time Academy Award-winning film effects company, and you can explore their creative process of horror, sci-fi, and fantasy filmmaking with a 90-minute tour. Then, it's time to collect a rental car and say farewell to Auckland. You'll travel south along the Seabird Coast, taking around three hours to reach the Coromandel Peninsula. You'll arrive in time to catch a sunset along the specular coastline. 

Day 6: Visit Wai-O-Tapu, Orakei Korako Tour, Drive to Taupo

After breakfast, set out to explore even more of Rotorua's famous geysers, bubbling mud holes, steaming vents, and sulfurous pools at Wai-O-Tapu, a place sculptured by thousands of years of volcanic activity. Choose between a range of short walks showcasing the distinctive landscapes and volcanic activity, including the famous Mud Pool. Learn about the Lady Knox Geyser with a guide, then watch it erupt to heights of 33 to 65 feet (10 to 20 m). Next, you'll explore the hidden valley of Orakei-Korako Geyserland & Thermal Park. 

You'll see up to 23 active natural geysers, boiling hot springs, and mud pools here. You can also take a bush walk through native flora and fauna and see the Silica Terraces. Afterward, drive to Taupō through the heart of the Central North Island volcanic plateau. Taupō sits at the edge of Lake Taupō, New Zealand's largest lake, and a volcanic caldera formed by a massive eruption 25,600 years ago. This is the North Island's capital of outdoor activities—you can go bungee jumping, jet boating, take helicopter flights, or skydive. 

Day 9: Gannet Safaris, Free Time

After breakfast, take a scenic drive from Napier to Te Awanga to see the world's largest gannet colony at Cape Kidnappers. Here, a private guide will take you on a special bird-watching safari, traveling by 4WD across riverbeds, broad rolling pastures, native bush, and steep gullies. Along the way, you'll pause at a spectacular clifftop to look across Hawke's Bay and all the way across to the Mahia Peninsula.

Finally, you'll reach the world's largest mainland gannet colony, where you'll be able to get within a few feet of these remarkable birds. Stretch your legs and enjoy the views from your perch on the cliff's edge at 330 feet (100 m) above the ocean! The rest of the day is yours to relax and enjoy this beautiful and wild area of New Zealand.

Day 10: Drive to Tongariro National Park, Two-Hour Guided Sunset Walk

After driving all the way to the North Island's east coast, today you'll turn around and head three hours west toward Tongariro National Park, south of Taupō. New Zealand's first national park was created after the three sleeping volcanic peaks were gifted by Te Heuheu Tukino IV, paramount chief of the Tuwharetoa people, to the people of New Zealand in 1887. Tomorrow, you'll tackle the national park's most famous day hike, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, a challenging full-day hike that explores distinct landscapes and geothermal phenomena.

Today, you'll enjoy a much shorter, more relaxed guided hike at sunset. Sport your hiking gear and set out with a local hiking guide to explore the dramatic terrain that falls 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 11: Hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Lace up your hiking boots this morning for a full-day hike on the famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing. The crossing spans the length of Mount Tongariro at 12 miles (19.4 km) and takes you through a stunning and diverse alpine landscape showcasing dramatic volcanic features. Park your car at the end of the trail at Ketetahi and board a shuttle bus that will drop you at the trailhead in the Mangatepopo Valley, located at 3,640 feet (1,100 m).

You can expect the Tongariro Alpine Crossing to take 7-8 hours and the landscape to change constantly, with towering volcanic peaks and pristine crater lakes. You'll encounter vibrant emerald lakes, ancient lava flows, and steam vents that create a surreal and otherworldly atmosphere. The hike's highlight is the challenging but rewarding climb up to the Red Crater at 6,187 feet (1,886 m), where you can soak in panoramic vistas of the surrounding volcanic terrain. Be sure to bring water, a hat, sunscreen, and proper hiking boots for this trek.

Day 12: Drive to Martinborough, Half-Day Wine Tour

After a luxurious breakfast at the lodge, jump back in the car for a four-hour journey south to Martinborough. This pretty little village in the Wairarapa Region is made for wine lovers, with almost 35 wineries dotted around the city center. It's famous for its pinot noir, but its crisp whites are just as excellent. Check into your accommodation to drop your bags and refresh, then meet your private guide for a wine-filled afternoon.

Together, you'll drive to renowned vineyards such as Te Kairangi Wines, Tirohana Estate, Cabbage Tree Vineyard, and Martinborough Vineyard. Taste plenty of delicious pinot noir and other wines, and learn about the development of the region, its people, and its characters with the help of your knowledgeable local guide. Afterward, you'll return to your lodge, where you can spend the evening with the in-house sommelier, enjoy a game of tennis or croquet on the sweeping lawns, and sit down to a gourmet farm-to-table dinner.

Day 13: Drive to Wellington, Zealandia Wildlife Sanctuary

On the penultimate day of your North Island honeymoon, squeeze in an adventure on the journey south to Wellington. New Zealand's capital. It'll double the drive time to 2.5 hours, but you'll take a scenic detour to Cape Palliser, a dramatic headland with sweeping views of the sea. The grand old lighthouse has stood on these cliffs since 1897, and you can climb the 253 steps for some of the area's best vistas. Say hello to the local fur seal colony (keep a respectful distance), then go see the Putangirua Pinnacles, a series of otherworldly rock formations formed by erosion.

After exploring this filming location from "The Lord of the Rings," continue to Wellington and enjoy some free time. After dark, venture to Zealandia, a wildlife eco-sanctuary and forest just 10 minutes from the city. Kiwi birds, Tuatara reptiles, and Maud Island frogs come alive at night. With a guide and a flashlight, come eye-to-eye with more than 100 nocturnal species exploring the more than 500-acre (225 ha) area.

Day 14: Depart Wellington

Your epic two-week honeymoon exploring New Zealand's North Island comes to an end today. If you have time before your flight, ride the cable car to the Wellington Botanic Garden and the Carter Observatory for a vantage point with excellent views of the city and harbor, or visit the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa to learn more about the country's natural history.