A Privately Guided New Zealand Honeymoon

A Privately Guided New Zealand Honeymoon Itinerary

Your Private Driver/Guide

When you touch down in New Zealand you will be met at the airport by Your Private Driver/Guide. 

Our guides have been with us for a long time and are seasoned professionals. Our aim is to give ‘you’ our guests a memorable experience of New Zealand and its stunning scenery. With years of experience in tourism in New Zealand, we guarantee that you will receive a first-class service!

The best part about our guides is that they are local and chances are they have their go-to destinations that only locals know about. Whether it’s a hole-in-the-wall restaurant, a favourite local pub, or a fantastic attraction that most tourists overlook, our guides can help recommend authentic experiences that you may not discover on your own.

Private New Zealand Guide

1

Welcome to Auckland!

‘Haere Mai’ and welcome to your New Zealand Honeymoon.

Welcome to Auckland, situated amongst a cluster of extinct volcanic cones, next to a large harbour that bustles with life, both on water and on land. The Auckland isthmus straddles a slim piece of land with a coastline facing both the Pacific Ocean and, on the wild West Coast, the Tasman Sea.

Your private guide will collect you from the airport and check in to your hotel. Freshen up before spending the remainder of the day exploring the ‘City of Sails’. Stroll the walkways of the Viaduct, peruse the boutique shops of the central city or visit the Sky Tower, the Southern Hemisphere’s tallest building, for fantastic views of the harbour and beyond.

Some suggested activities and outings.

Explore Waiheke Island    Island Kayaking Adventure    America’s Cup Sailing
Auckland's Sky TowerRelax on the BeachRangitoto Island Cruise & Walk
West Coast Wine TourWhale and Dolphin SafariMuriwai Surf Beach


Accommodation: Auckland - 1 night

Auckland City
Hotel de Brett is situated in downtown Auckland and is considered a very unique luxury boutique hotel. Set in Auckland’s hip High Street, the fashion district, the iconic building has been reinterpreted into a 25 room luxury boutique hotel with each room designed with eclectic furniture, New Zealand Art and photography. The décor is a celebration of contemporary New Zealand art and design, with hints of the hotel’s art deco past.
Hotel De Bretts Auckland City

2-3

Coromandel Peninsula

Across the waters of the Hauraki Gulf and to the east of Auckland lies the stunning Coromandel Peninsula. Rich in cultural history and surrounded by 400km of truly magical coastline, the Coromandel is home to some of New Zealand's best beaches. The region is also one of the most popular travel destinations in the North Island for both kiwis and visitors alike. The pristine bays and offshore Islands are a mecca for lovers of sand and sea - fishing, surfing, diving and kayaking are all well catered for and inland, the Coromandel Ranges offer amazing hikes and panoramic views.

Venture into the enchanting Kauri forests for a humbling encounter with some of New Zealand's oldest and largest trees, including the majestic Cookson's Kauri. Cathedral Cove is simply unforgettable and would make a fabulous place to go for a romantic picnic - Perfect on a New Zealand Honeymoon. You can even dig your own private hot pool at Hot Water Beach.

Approximate Distance: 170 km | 105 miles  Total Driving Time: 2 hours 15 mins

Accommodation: Pauanui - 2 nights

Sunset at a beach.

Ideally located at beautiful Pauanui Beach, nestled in the slopes of Mount Pauanui, the Grand Mercure Puka Park Resort is the perfect spot to enjoy the surrounding scenery and indulge in luxury. The on-site restaurant delivers high-quality local cuisine and stunning views that, next to the outdoor swimming pool, sauna, gym and tennis court, ensures a relaxing and tranquil experience. If you made enough pictures of the stunning view, the resort also offers bikes for hire which can be used to explore the beautiful surroundings. There is also an 18-hole golf course and wonderful fishing close by.

Grand Mercure Puka Park

4

Geothermal Rotorua

Today travel to the heartland of New Zealand’s North Island, Rotorua is host to some of the world’s most incredible geothermal forces. Visit Te Puia's 70 hectare park in the beautiful Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley is right in the heart of the action. Restless forces boil to the surface in the enchanting, superheated mud pools and hot springs and geysers gush hot steam and water in spectacular fashion.

Some alternative excursions in and around Rotorua are:

See Geysers & Boiling Mud    Polynesian Hot Springs  Whirinaki Forest Walk
Thermally Active GolfBiking the Mighty ForestsFlight to Volcanic Island
Museum of Art & HistoryEvening Cultural Experience   White Water Rafting



Continue south of Lake Taupo through to National Park, the home of the Tongariro Crossing!

Approximate Distance: 372 km | 232 miles  Total Driving Time: 4 hours

Accommodation: National Park - 2 nights

The thermal wonderland in Rotorua.
Accommodation:
Located in the Tongariro National Park, The Park Hotel Ruapehu offers affordable accommodation in a stunning alpine setting. Guests are provided with free parking and 500MB of free WiFi. The Ruapehu Park Hotel is at the foot of a large ski field and volcano at Mt Ruapehu. It is surrounded by two other famous mountains Ngauruhoe and Tongariro.
The Park Hotel Ruapehu

5

Guided Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Considered the best day hike in New Zealand, the Tongariro Crossing is an epic journey past emerald lakes and through alien-like volcanic landscapes. Vast craters, twisted lava formations, lush forest and crystal-clear mountain streams makes up a uniquely diverse landscape best explored on foot. The environment here is so unique that it was chosen as the filming location for Mordor in the Lord of the Rings Trilogy, and more recently as Hidden Bay, the entrance to Lonely Mountain in The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug.

This 19-kilometre (12-mile) hike traverses the Tongariro National Park, New Zealand’s first national park and a World Heritage Site. Gifted to the people of New Zealand by the Tuwharetoa tribes in 1887, the national park incorporates the three volcanoes of Ruapehu, Tongariro and Ngauruhoe and covers 78,651 ha.

The Tongariro Alpine Crossing.

6

Wellington - the Cool Little Capital

It is a clear 4-hour drive down to Wellington, the last part of the journey hugs quite a rugged coastline with views out to Kapiti Island. Wellington is another of our Harbour Cities situated at the southernmost tip of the North Island. The Wellington vibe is creative and eclectic - the nation's politicians and parliament rub shoulders with street performers all set around a lively cafe culture.

Some suggested activities and outings

National Museum - Te Papa    Visit Cuba StreetWeta Workshop Tour
Zealandia Wildlife Reserve 

Wellington Cable Car   

Carter Observatory 


Approximate Distance: 316 km | 196 miles  Total Driving Time: 4 hours 

Accommodation: Wellington - 1 night

Wellington Waterfront.
Accommodation:
QT Wellington offers a fusion of luxurious art, technology, and indulgence. It boasts an eclectic collection of New Zealand art and features a fitness centre and an indoor heated swimming pool. Each of the rooms at QT Wellington includes abstract lines and playful patterns. Surrounded by urban hills, the rooms include satellite TV, a private bathroom with hairdryer, and ironing facilities. Some rooms feature harbour views.
QT Wellington

7

Inter-Island Cruise Into Marlborough

This morning, board the Interisland Ferry for your morning cruise across the Cook Strait. This challenging stretch of water connects the Tasman Sea to the Southern Pacific Ocean, you will enter the South Island island through the picturesque Marlborough Sounds. From the port town of Picton you will travel through the Whangamoa saddle to the abundant Tasman District.

Approximate Distance: 154 km | 96 miles  Total Driving Time: 2 hours 20 mins

Accommodation: Kaiteriteri - 1 night

The Interislander Ferry.
Accommodation:
Kimi Ora is a 10-minute drive from Abel Tasman National Park. All rooms offer a kitchen or a kitchenette. They feature a dining and lounge area with a satellite flat-screen TV and a DVD player. Some rooms boast a spa bath or air-conditioning. Enjoy a swim in the heated indoor or outdoor pools, or warm up in the hot tubs, steam room or saunas. The games room features a billiards and table tennis table. You can make use of free guest bicycles and mountain bike hire, to explore the famous Kaiteriteri Mountain Bike Park.
Kimi Ora

8

Two Day Gourmet Camping and Kayaking - Abel Tasman

Kayak the coastline from beautiful Totaranui in the North down to Anchorage. Spacious and spectacular; the northern section is seldom visited by others. Completely immerse yourself in the natural wonders of the Abel Tasman National Park. Experience it all from paddling with seals, relaxing on numerous beaches, exploring lagoons, islands and Maori Pa (village) sites to learning about local history and lore. It's a relaxing, content rich and memorable two day experience which is fully catered.

*Only operates November to March (with April on request) 

Abel Tasman National Park.

Sorry due to the isolated nature of the Abel Tasman you have to experience an evening with no 'Mod Con's' - we doubt you will be able to have any internet connection. Bark Bay is another golden beach in the Abel Tasman National Park and has a beautiful tidal estuary which you can walk along. Bark was stripped from trees to be used in a Nelson tannery last century, hence the origin of the name of the bay (the bark has grown back)

Abel Tasman Camping Adventure

9

From Marahau back to Kaiteriteri

Today you will wake up on an isolated beautiful beach - a perfect New Zealand Honeymoon. At the end of day two, return by scenic Aqua Taxi to Marahau. It is short drive back to your accommodation near the small hamlet of Riwaka.

Riwaka is a township 6 km north of Motueka. The Riwaka River valley, like the area around Motueka, is home to many orchards, and most of New Zealand's hops are grown around here. ... A road leads up the valley to the Riwaka resurgence, where a branch of the river emerges from a spring at the base of Tākaka hill. Enjoy a fresh fruit icecream on the Main Road of Riwaka - or stop in at Ginger Dynamite for a delicious pie and super strength coffee.

Kaiteriteri
Accommodation:
Kimi Ora is a 10-minute drive from Abel Tasman National Park. All rooms offer a kitchen or a kitchenette. They feature a dining and lounge area with a satellite flat-screen TV and a DVD player. Some rooms boast a spa bath or air-conditioning. Enjoy a swim in the heated indoor or outdoor pools, or warm up in the hot tubs, steam room or saunas. The games room features a billiards and table tennis table. You can make use of free guest bicycles and mountain bike hire, to explore the famous Kaiteriteri Mountain Bike Park.
Kimi Ora

10

Kaikoura ‘Serengeti of the Sea'

Today you will head through Marlborough the winemaking capital of New Zealand, continuing south the vines will keep you company as you reach the headlands of the East Coast. Nestled between soaring mountains and the Pacific Ocean, Kaikoura is known as New Zealand’s ‘Serengeti of the Sea’. The natural wonders here are breath taking. Fur seals lounge on the rugged coastline and, just offshore, whales and dolphins thrive in an ocean that teems with life.

Suggested Wildlife Encounters in Kaikoura

Whale Watching Cruise     Swim with the Seals
Whale Watching Flight    Dusky Dolphin Viewing 
Kayaking with Fur SealsPelagic Bird Watching 

 

Approximate Distance: 305 km | 189 miles  Total Driving Time: 4 hours

Accommodation: Kaikoura - 1 night

Sperm Whale Kaikoura.
Accommodation:
Situated in a peaceful rural setting among groves of Manuka trees and at the foot of the Seward Kaikoura mountain ranges, Manakau Lodge offers luxurious guest rooms with free Wi-Fi, continental or cooked breakfast and free use of an iPad. Guests enjoy panoramic ocean and mountain views and each room features a private patio.
Manakau Lodge

11

Travel to Lake Tekapo

Tekapo is one of three significant, neighboring lakes that border the Mackenzie Valley in New Zealand's South Island. Golden tussock grass carpets the surrounding hillside and roll away into the distance where the Southern Alps frame the horizon. The charming 'Church of the Good Shepherd' sits alone on Lake Tekapo's shores and the views to our highest mountain, Mt Cook, are remarkable.

Approximate Distance: 400 km | 249 miles  Total Driving Time: 5 hours 

Accommodation: Lake Tekapo - 1 night

Lake Tekapo.

Peppers Bluewater Lake Tekapo is the perfect place to explore the Lake, Mount Cook and the Mackenzie District. Surrounded by the breath-taking beauty of the Southern Alps, you’ll have access to numerous activities in the area such as kayaking, horse riding, trout fishing and enjoying the clear night skies. Peppers Bluewater hotel rooms are beautifully appointed with a range of options for couples and groups. 


12

Tasman Glacier by Boat and Queenstown

This morning head into the stunning Mount Cook National Park and join the unique Tasman Glacier Adventure. It is a guided experience to get you alongside an iceberg! Transfer by bus to the beautiful Tasman Valley for a short walk before boarding a MAC boat to explore the Tasman Glacier Terminal Lake. This tour is 4 hours duration with plenty of time left to travel via the Lindis Pass and Gibbston Valley to Queenstown.

We've all heard the endless hype about it being the adventure capital of the world, and there are certainly enough crazy activities here to challenge the strongest, but Queenstown offers much more besides. 

Approximate Distance: 260 km | 162 miles  Total Driving Time: 3 hours 50 mins

Accommodation: Queenstown - 2 nights

Tasman Glacier Adventure.

Your European styled boutique hotel is awaiting you in Queenstown, situated in a quiet yet central location with an easy 3 minute walk to local shops and restaurants. Take in the stunning views of the town, lakes and mountains as you enjoy a delicious cooked or continental breakfast on your private outdoor patio. In the winter months cuddle up with an open fire as you take in the gorgeous alpine backdrop. 

Browns Boutique Hotel - Queenstown

13

Scenic Flight & Cruise Dramatic Milford Sound

Today, board a twin engine aircraft for your scenic 35 minute flight to Milford Sound. During your flight there are panoramic views of the spectacular alpine scenery including the glaciers, rivers, lakes and rainforest of Fiordland National Park.  On reaching Milford Sound, enjoy a full length Cruise of the fiord in modern, purpose built vessels. The vessels offer excellent viewing of waterfalls, rainforest, mountains and wildlife with large windows, spacious decks and comfortable lounges. At the completion of your cruise, return to Queenstown by plane.  Transfers are provided to and from your accommodation to Queenstown airport.

Milford Sound Cruise

14

Homeward Bound

Enjoy a final leisurely breakfast, before an afternoon departure from Queenstown Airport, connecting with your flight home.

Haere rā and Bon Voyage!

We know you will love your New Zealand Honeymoon and our promise is to make your travels through New Zealand as hassle-free and hospitable as possible - ensuring that today you leave with a memory card full of photos, and huge smiles on your faces when recalling your time in New Zealand! Have a great homeward journey, farewell and hope to see you again soon in Aotearoa, New Zealand. 

Ready to find out more? Talk to us here in New Zealand about the 'New Zealand Honeymoon'  - We Guarantee it will be the Holiday of a Lifetime! 

Farewell New Zealand.

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What Tracy says about this tour: Privacy, excellent service and no crowds are a priority when we plan your privately guided honeymoon in New Zealand. We have partnered with luxury lodges who exceed expectations with jaw dropping settings, fine dining and 'wow' moments. We can scale this itinerary to be as active or laid back as you require. Your friends and family will be excited to hear all about your trip to paradise in New Zealand.
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