Work with Michael

Honeymoon itinerary · by Michael Nees

16-day active New Zealand honeymoon itinerary

On the 16 days active NZ honeymoon, you'll get to stay longer at each location by using domestic flights. Go Black water rafting, kayak in the Abel Tasman and explore the famous Milford Track. Fly over giant glaciers and land on the snow!

Highlights

  • Go Black Labyrinth caving in the famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves.
  • Zip-line between ancient trees near Rotorua . Learn about a conservation project.
  • Experience the Maori culture in Rotorua and hear their ancient stories and wisdoms.
  • Meet the rare Yellow-eyed Penguins on the Otago Peninsula near Dunedin.
  • Kayaking and Half-day hiking in the beautiful Abel Tasman National Park.
  • Day excursion to Milford Sound. Walking the famous Milford Track and cruise the fjord.
  • Take a jet boat ride down one of New Zealand's pristine locations - the Dart River.
  • Helicopter flight over giant glaciers and guided heli-hike walk on the ice.

Day by day

  1. Day 1

    Auckland

    Look out for your private driver at the arrival gate at Auckland Airport and transfer to your hotel check in. Explore the America's Cup village and get panoramic city views from the Sky Tower. Take a boat trip to beautiful Waiheke Island or the Devonport village. Visit the shops and cafes of Parnell Village.

    Stay: Legacy Airedale Hotel Auckland (opens in a new tab)

  2. Day 2

    Whangamata

    This morning, collect your rental car from the Auckland city depot and start your honeymoon adventure. Drive to the eastern coast on the Coromandel Peninsula (3 hours on the direct route). If you prefer to get off the main highway, take the exit at Botanical Gardens and travel via Kawakawa Bay - very scenic drive. The Coromandel has beautiful golden beaches and bush walks. The Hahei Beach area has a famous hot water beach - at low tide, soak in a natural thermal spring.

  3. Day 3

    Whangamata

    Explore the romantic beaches to the north, including Hahei, Cathedral Cove and Cooks Beach. In the morning join a guided, half day sea kayaking tour from Hahei Beach. In the afternoon, take a walk along Cathedral Cove or stroll into Te Pare Reserve on the eastern side of Hahei Beach.

    Stay: Brenton Lodge (opens in a new tab)

  4. Day 4

    Rotorua

    This morning, drive from the Coromandels to the famous Waitomo caves (about hours). For active adventure on your honeymoon, go blackwater rafting through the caves on a rubber tube or abseil through the darkness! The adventurous 'Black Water Rafting' is included in your travel package. However, if you select the Ruakuri Cave tour, you won't need a wet suit. In the afternoon, continue on to Rotorua, a stunning 2.5 hours drive through the rolling hills of the central North Island.

    Stay: R

  5. Day 5

    Rotorua

    Rotorua is a region of bubbling mud pools and natural hot springs. Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of a geothermal park and be pampered in a luxurious spa. Rotorua offers a spiritual journey into Maori culture with village and performance experiences. We have scheduled a Maori hangi evening for your NZ honeymoon experience.

    Stay: Regent of Rotorua (opens in a new tab)

  6. Day 6

    Otago Peninsula

    Take a domestic flight into the deep South to at Dunedin, which save lots of time on your honeymoon. Pick-up a new rental car and make your way into town or onto the Otago Peninsula. This area is famous for its wildlife - specifically the Royal Albatross and the Yellow Eyed Penguin. Another key feature of Dunedin is its local Scottish heritage.

  7. Day 7

    Otago Peninsula

    The Royal Albatross Centre is the only place in the world on the mainland where you can view Northern Royal Albatross in their natural habitat. Be aware the Albatross colony is closed between 15 Sept and 25 Nov. You'll find incredible wildlife virtually n the doorstep of Dunedin city. See the world's rarest penguins, fur seals and sea lions. If you wish to explore the peninsula by yourself, do the 'Tunnel Beach Walk' then the 'Sandfly Bay' beach walk.

  8. Day 8

    Te Anau

    Drive through the Southland region from Dunedin to Te Anau, New Zealand's hiking capital. We recommend driving part of the 'Southern Scenic' route between Invercargill, Riverton and Tuatapere. On arrival, do the LOTR walk' along the Waiau River (on the Kepler Track), starting from 'Rainbow Ridge' swing bridge between Te Anau and Manapouri. The Fiordland region consists of 1.3 million hectares of untouched national heritage park.

    Stay: Dusky Ridges (opens in a new tab)

  9. Day 9

    Te Anau

    Milford Sound is a breathtaking fusion of spectacular natural features (2.5 hours one-way). Avoid the 5-hour drive from Te Anau to Milford and join a local tour into Milford Sounds. With a maximum of 11 people, you'll travel in comfort. Included in the tour, is a leisurely Nature Boat Cruise to the Tasman Sea to see the magnificent scenery and wildlife. You may also wish to include the guided Milford Day Track, a very special honeymoon experience.

    Stay: Dusky Ridges (opens in a new tab)

  10. Day 10

    Queenstown

    Today you have a short drive 2 hour drive to Queenstown. You'll have plenty of time to explore the Otago region from this afternoon. Or simply relax and enjoy Queenstown village during your NZ honeymoon.

    Stay: Hidden Lodge Queenstown (opens in a new tab)

  11. Day 11

    Queenstown

    Drive from Queenstown along the shore of sparkling Lake Wakatipu to Glenorchy. This very scenic drive will take about 50 min, but do plan some time for photo stops. The Dart River Safari tour is the ideal combo - it 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: Hidden Lodge Queenstown (opens in a new tab)

  12. Day 12

    Fox Glacier

    Travel from Queenstown via the 'Gates of Haast' for Franz Josef Glacier Village (5.5 hours). From Haast to Jackson Bay there are empty beaches and lakes plus the soaring backdrop of the Southern Alps. The West Coast region is one of the least populated in New Zealand with only a few small villages along the way to the Fox and Franz Josef Glacier townships.

  13. Day 13

    Greymouth

    A helicopter flight with snow landing on the Franz Josef or Fox Glacier is a very memorable experience. Thereafter continue travelling north. Along the way, admire the beauty of native forests, beaches and lagoons, explore the goldfield walkway at Ross and stop by the shores of Lake Ianthe. A visit to the White Heron colony near Whataroa is also an option. The town of Hokitika is famous for New Zealand Pounamu (Jade).

    Stay: Breakers Boutique Accommodation

  14. Day 14

    Tasman

    Travel to the Nelson-Tasman region via the Buller Gorge to the gorgeous West Coast of the South Island. The Great Coast Road is one of the Top 10 Coastal Drives in the world. See the famous Pancake Rocks and Blowholes at Punakaiki. Visit the seal colony at Cape Foulwind. The Nelson/Tasman region is a warm aquatic paradise. This area is surrounded by the Tasman Ocean, sandy beaches and three National Parks. Enjoy quality artwork, premium wines and beautiful landscapes.

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

  15. Day 15

    Tasman

    The beautiful Abel Tasman Coastal walk passes through golden beaches and coastal forests. It's the perfect New Zealand honeymoon destination to finish your trip at. Take a personalized day trip with Abel Tasman Charters or use a water taxi to the coastal walk. Another popular option is a guided sea kayaking tour for a half or full day. If you haven't done sea kayaking before, take the half day trip and either walk or water taxi back.

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

  16. Day 16

    Otago Peninsula

    Drop-off your rental car at Nelson airport and take a domestic flight to Auckland. Continue your honeymoon journey or connect with your international flight.

Some links earn Virtual Journeys a small commission, at no extra cost to you.

Found one that's close?

I can adjust it for your dates, pace and budget.

Book a call with Michael

More honeymoon routes

See them all