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Honeymoon itinerary · by Michael Nees

12-day North & South Island honeymoon itinerary

With this 12 day New Zealand honeymoon itinerary you cover both North and South Island. See key attractions, join exciting tours, experience romantic stays.

Highlights

  • Black Labyrinth caving in Waitomo - explore limestone caves with a wetsuit.
  • Kayak the beautiful Abel Tasman National Park, plus join a guided nature walk.
  • Feeling firsthand, the lush green rainforest while walking the famous Milford Track.
  • Stay in romantic vineyard cottages and stylish boutique lodges with dramatic views.
  • Fill your senses with the romance of this unique and pure land for your special trip.

Day by day

  1. Day 1

    Auckland

    A private driver will meet you at the arrival gate at Auckland Airport for transfer and hotel check in. Explore the America's Cup village and view the from the Sky Tower. Take a boat trip to beautiful Waiheke Island or Devonport village. Visit the shops and cafes of Parnell Village.

    Stay: Rendezvous Heritage Hotel Auckland (opens in a new tab)

  2. Day 2

    Rotorua

    Collect your rental car in the morning then travel to the famous Waitomo caves. This easy drive will take about 3 hours through stunning rolling hill side country. For pure adventure and honeymoon fun, try 'Black Water Rafting' through the caves on a rubber tube! In the afternoon, continue travelling to Rotorua, which will take you another two hours. Yes, it's a full day, but worth every minute!

    Stay: Flemington Lake View B&B

  3. Day 3

    Rotorua

    Rotorua is a region of bubbling mud pools and natural hot springs. Be pampered in a luxurious spa while on honeymoon. Rotorua offers a spiritual journey into Maori culture with village and performance experiences. For outdoor adventures, the Canopy Zipline tour is an amazing experience and wildlife conservation project.

    Stay: Flemington Lake View B&B

  4. Day 4

    Tasman

    Leave your rental car at the airport and take a domestic flight to Nelson. Collect another rental car at the Nelson Airport car park. The Nelson/Tasman region is an aquatic paradise, surrounded by the Tasman Ocean, sandy beaches and three National Parks. Enjoy quality artwork, premium wines and beautiful landscapes. Stay at a romantic vineyard cottage - a real highlight in your honeymoon itinerary!

  5. Day 5

    Tasman

    The beautiful Abel Tasman Coastal walk passes through golden beaches and coastal forests. Take a personalized day trip with Eco Abel Tasman tours or kayak the national park and explore the local wildlife and beach. Another popular option is a guided sea kayaking tour for a half or full day. You can also use an E-bike to make your way back to your vineyard cottage.

    Stay: Kina Beach Cottages (opens in a new tab)

  6. Day 6

    Greymouth

    Drive from the Nelson-Tasman region via the Buller Gorge to the gorgeous West Coast of the South Island. Today you'll be in the Punakaiki region. The Great Coast Road is one of the Top 10 Coastal Drives in the world. Stop at Charleston to go underground rafting. See the famous Pancake Rocks and Blowholes at Punakaiki. Visit the seal colony at Cape Foulwind.

    Stay: Breakers Boutique Accommodation

    • RecommendedPaparoa National Park
    • RecommendedPunakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes
  7. Day 7

    Fox Glacier

    Travel from Punakaiki to Fox or Franz Josef. Enjoy the sight of beautiful native forests, beaches and lagoons. Explore the goldfield walkway at Ross and stop by the shores of Lake Ianthe. Visit the White Heron colony near Whataroa. Buy some New Zealand Pounamu (Jade) in the town of Hokitika. Include a helicopter flight and snow landing on the Franz Josef or Fox Glacier. It's a must do for any honeymoon couple travelling the West Coast.

    Stay: Distinction Fox Glacier Te Weheka Hotel Optio

  8. Day 8

    Queenstown

    Join a helicopter flight onto the glaciers (with landing) in the morning. Alternatively do a 'heli hiking' tour, which takes 3 hours. Thereafter, travel via the 'Gates of Haast' to Queenstown. The drive will take 5.5 hours. From Haast to Jackson Bay, there are empty beaches, lakes and the soaring Southern Alps. Arrive at Queenstown for some serious adventure action!

    Stay: Kinross Cottages (opens in a new tab)

  9. Day 9

    Queenstown

    Queenstown is located on the shore of sparkling Lake Wakatipu. Choose your adventure - bungy jumping, sky diving, jet boating, horse trekking and river rafting. The Dart River Safari tour is the ideal combo and includes a guided walk through an ancient forest, a visit to the LOTR filming locations and a jet-boat ride down the Dart River.

    Stay: Kinross Cottages (opens in a new tab)

  10. Day 10

    Te Anau

    Drive from Queenstown to Te Anau, New Zealand's hiking capital. On the afternoon of your arrival, do the 'LOTR walk' along the Waiau River (on the Kepler Track). Start from 'Rainbow Ridge' swing bridge between Te Anau and Manapouri. The Fiordland region consists of 1.3 million hectares of untouched national heritage park with great outdoor activities. Enjoy the drama of giant waterfalls and enormous fiords.

    Stay: Dusky Ridges (opens in a new tab)

  11. Day 11

    Te Anau

    Milford Sound is full of spectacular natural features. Take a break from driving - explore Milford Sounds by joining a local tour starting from Te Anau. This is a small group tour and begins with a leisurely Nature Boat Cruise to the Tasman Sea to see the magnificent scenery and wildlife. At the end of the cruise, the overland part of the tour begins. Choose from a series of short walks with a nature guide or a 2.5 hour walk on the Routeburn Track to Key Summit.

  12. Day 12

    North Island

    Travel back to Queenstown or via the 'Southern Scenic Route' to Invercargill before flying back to connect with your international flight. Alternatively, you may extend your stay in this region or any other location within New Zealand and relax at the end of your honeymoon in New Zealand.

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