Ultimate New Zealand Winter Honeymoon - 14 Days

Highlights

• See Auckland and its islands from above with a scenic island-hopping flight
• Soak in geothermal mud and acidic sulfur waters at Hell's Gate in Rotorua
• Fly over the Canterbury Plains, near Christchurch, in a hot-air balloon
• Stay a night in Tekapo Springs and combine stargazing and relaxation
• Explore the incredible Milford Sound / Piopiotahi by light plane and boat

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Auckland, Dinner at Ahi Restaurant

Kia ora! Welcome to Auckland, New Zealand's country's largest city and the starting point of your honeymoon. Situated between the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea, Auckland has something for everyone and attracts both city-lovers and adventure-seekers. With two bustling harbors and more than 500,000 sailboats and yachts, it's easy to see why Auckland is nicknamed the "City of Sails." On arrival, collect a rental car and drive to your hotel in the city.

The afternoon is yours to get to know Auckland at your pace. Drop by the nearby Wynyard Quarter for a feast of local seafood at the Fish Market, or travel up the iconic Sky Tower, the tallest human-made structure in New Zealand at 1,076 feet (328 m). Refresh ahead of this evening's taste of seasonal New Zealand cuisine at Ahi, a chic restaurant that honors passionate local suppliers and growers. You'll taste a handful of ever-changing dishes paired with wine, each telling an authentic food story of Aotearoa (the Māori name for New Zealand).

Day 2: Full-Day Fly & Cruise to Great Barrier & Waiheke Islands

Spend today seeing Auckland and its surroundings from above with a scenic island-hopping flight. You'll glide above the picturesque Hauraki Gulf, soaking up coastal landscapes and a rich diversity of marine life within the 3 million acres (1.2 million ha) of islands and bay. Land on the magnificent Great Barrier Island, where a private guide will take you on a three-hour tour, revealing the island's distinct ecosystem, natural beauty, and diverse landscapes.

You'll then cross the scenic Coromandel to get to Waiheke Island. Known as Auckland's "Island of Wine," Waiheke is home to over 30 wineries, and you'll head to the highest on the island for a premium wine tasting and a three-course meal with a view. Sit back and savor each dish while soaking up the vistas of the Rangitoto volcano and the scenery of downtown Auckland. Finally, you'll be dropped at the Matiatia Ferry Terminal for a leisurely cruise back to the mainland. 

Day 3: All Blacks Rugby Experience, Weta Workshop, Drive to Rotorua

This morning, you'll dive into New Zealand's beloved national sport and see what it takes to be an All Black. Experience the emotion of game day and learn about some of rugby's most famous players and matches with state-of-the-art displays. After, enter 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'll explore the creative process of filmmaking with a 90-minute tour.

Then, it's time to say farewell to Auckland and drive three hours south to Rotorua, New Zealand's 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! Start at the otherworldly Hell's Gate to soak in geothermal mud and acidic sulfur waters. Feel the healing properties that local Māori have used for over 800 years as warm mud opens and clears your pores.

Day 4: Mountain Jade Workshop, Visit Wai Ariki Spa

This morning, you'll have the rare opportunity to meet New Zealand jade artists in their studio. Gain an in-depth introduction to pounamu—the art of carving jade—with a private visit covering jade's rich history and cultural significance. Watch the carving process, select your piece, and learn how to string your honeymoon keepsake into a necklace. After, relax with 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 5: Visit Wai-O-Tapu, Waimangu Valley Self-Guided Walk & Boat Cruise

Start your day exploring Rotorua's famous geysers, bubbling mud holes, steaming vents, and sulfurous pools at Wai-O-Tapu. Choose between 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 huge heights. 

Day 6: Fly to Christchurch, Tramway Dinner Experience

Head to the airport this morning to drop off your rental car and catch a two-hour flight to the South Island, landing in Christchurch. Collect another rental car at the airport and drive to your luxurious hotel for the night. You can visit picturesque Hagley Park and the River Avon within minutes from its central location.

After settling in, head out for a stroll to get your bearings in this walkable city. After a remarkable rebirth from the devastating 2010 and 2011 earthquakes, the urban center is full of new secrets, from modern architecture and vibrant street art to cocktail bars and bustling restaurants. Later in the evening, board a historic colonial-style dining tram for a four-course dinner. As you roll along the inner city tram loop, you'll enjoy a movable feast while spotting the city's main landmarks.

Day 7: Hot-Air Balloon Flight, Drive to Hanmer Springs 

Rise before dawn for a special experience today. Before sunrise, your hot-air balloon will float up into the sky above the countryside of Christchurch. This time of day is when the weather is calmest, and the morning light turns the Canterbury Plains and Southern Alps into a canvas of texture and color. After a peaceful hour drifting across the landscape, you'll return to terra firma for a light breakfast with chilled champagne, orange juice, seasonal fruit, and muffins.

From there, return to the hotel to collect your bags then hit the road two hours north to Hamner Springs. You'll find the spa town under white snow in winter, fall foliage in autumn, and vibrant greens in the summer. This is a place to switch off and relax, so check into your accommodation and choose how to spend the afternoon. Tomorrow will be a full day of spa fun, so this afternoon, you could go hiking in Hanmer Forest Park to see the magnificent wood carvings by artist Andrew Lyons or rafting in the Waiau Rapids.

Day 8: Full-Day Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa Experience

Hamner Springs lives up to its name as a destination famous for its natural thermal pools. Spend much of today at Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa, an extensive thermal complex surrounded by mountain scenery and lush gardens. You'll have access to 22 outdoor pools with mineral, sulfur, and freshwater options. There's also a water park with thrilling slides and water games.

Take your time exploring the pools. The warm waters soothe any tired muscles and melt away stress. You can also upgrade your day with luxurious spa treatments, beauty services, and relaxing massages. You can also treat yourselves to a private thermal pool, sauna, or steam room experience. After, return to your accommodation for a relaxing dinner.

Day 9: Drive to Geraldine, Mesopotamia High Country Station 4WD Tour

This morning, after breakfast, jump in the car for the 3.5-hour drive south from Hanmer Springs to Geraldine. On the way you'll skirt the edge of Christchurch, arriving in Geraldine, a creative and artsy country town on the Waihi River, for lunch. This afternoon, you'll explore the heart of New Zealand's Southern Alps on a small group 4WD tour. Start with a journey up the glacially carved Rangitata Valley with a guide until you reach the historic Mesopotamia sheep station.

As you travel the long road to Mesopotamia, you'll pass other remote stations and learn about the area's rich history and natural features. Once at the station, visit the school, the shearer's quarters, the grave of Edward Sinclair, and the Te Araroa Trail. Your 4WD will follow station tracks and trails through the deer park. Then, it's time for a picnic, drinks, and free time. You can hike or enjoy the vastness of this valley, the Rangitata River, and panoramas of glaciers and snowfields.

Day 10: Drive to Lake Tekapo, Scenic Flight, Stargazing Experience

Enjoy a sleep-in this morning, then hit the road for Lake Tekapo, the first of the large Southern Lakes. From Geraldine, it's only a one-hour drive, so before you know it, you'll be admiring New Zealand's highest large lake at an altitude of 2,330 feet (710 m). The bright turquoise color comes from fine rock particles suspended in the glacier-fed waters. When you arrive, it's time to strap into a small plane for a spectacular scenic flight known as the Grand Traverse.

You'll glide above pristine lakes, golden tussock lands, braided river systems, remote sheep stations, and glacial valleys. Watch for the snowcapped Aoraki / Mount Cook, the Haupapa / Tasman Glacier, and the Franz Josef / Waiau Glacier in Westland Tai Poutini National Park. In the evening you'll go stargazing at Tekapo Springs. Learn about the constellations in Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve from a guide, and relax in an outdoor hot pool at 99°F (37.5°C).

Day 11: Drive to Queenstown, TSS Earnslaw Cruise & Barbecue Dinner

From Lake Tekapo, it's a three-hour drive to Queenstown, New Zealand's adventure capital. Follow the shoreline of Lake Pukaki into the Mackenzie Country. Pass high plains over the Lindis Pass. Then, follow the Kawarau River into Queenstown. Set on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, this beautiful region offers hair-raising thrills, vineyards, and historic gold-mining towns. If time allows, ride the Skyline Gondola above the city to drink in panoramic views of Coronet Peak and the Remarkables mountain range, then take the downhill luge track back to town.

This evening, you'll cruise across Lake Wakatipu. The historic TSS Earnslaw steamship will take you to the lakeside gardens of Walter Peak High Country Farm for a gourmet dinner by the water. Soak up the beautiful scenery at the lakeside homestead and watch chefs prepare a seasonal bounty of succulent meats cooked on the outdoor rotisserie and a selection of delicious vegetables and salads. Enjoy desserts, New Zealand cheese, and an entertaining farm demonstration before the return cruise, where you can enjoy a singalong from the ship's pianist.

Day 12: Full-Day Fly & Cruise to Milford Sound / Piopiotahi

Any trip to New Zealand should include visiting 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 with views of clear 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. After, return to Queenstown in the same plane.

Day 13: Skippers Canyon 4WD Tour, Evening Onsen Session

Dive into the surrounding landscapes today with a private 4WD trip along Skippers Road, one of the most adventurous roads in the world. Your driver will take you on a route allowing views of the Shotover River, where you'll soak up awe-inspiring scenery above the gorge. Once known as the "richest river in the world," you can still find the precious metal there today. As you journey through the canyon, your private guide will stop by historic sites from the region's gold rush past.

Spend the final evening of your New Zealand honeymoon gazing at the night sky while immersed in a Japanese hot pool called an onsen. Located on a cliffside, each private pool overlooks the magnificent Shotover River Canyon. Unwind and soak up Queenstown's spectacular scenery as your mind and body surrender to the deep warmth and gentle massage of the private pools. 

Day 14: Depart Queenstown

Sadly, your epic two-week winter honeymoon exploring New Zealand's South Island ends today. If you have time before your flight, take a brisk walk around the lake or shop for cool souvenirs in town. At the appropriate hour, drive to Queenstown's airport with enough time to return the rental car before departure. Safe travels!

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