The New Zealand Honeymoon for Nature Lovers Itinerary

When you touch down in New Zealand your detailed documentation pack will be hand-delivered by one of our trusted representatives. You'll find everything you need in one handy place: your personalised itinerary, clear instructions and maps, and reservation details for your accommodation and activities.

24 Hour Assistance: We’re just a free phone call away if you encounter any issues while you're on the road - at any time of day or night. Don’t waste your precious vacation time stressing - First Light Travel are here to help you quickly when every second counts.

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‘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 coastline facing both the Pacific Ocean, and, on the wild West Coast, the Tasman Sea. After your transfer to Auckland city centre, check in to your hotel and 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.

Accommodation Auckland - 1 night

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 kms | 105 miles  Total Driving Time: 2 hours 15 mins

Accommodation Hahei - 2 nights

Today travel to the heartland of New Zealand’s North Island, Rotorua is host to some of the world’s most incredible geothermal forces. Today see the farming ventures that New Zealand's economy was synonymous with - the wooly sheep - 13 species are viewable here!  Then 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:

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

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

Accommodation National Park - 2 nights

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.

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 southern most tip of the North Island. The Wellington vibe is creative and ecclectic - the nations politicians and parliament rub shoulders with street performers all set around a lively cafe culture.

Some suggested activities and outings

Approximate Distance: 316 kms | 196 miles  Total Driving Time: 4 hours 
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Accommodation Wellington - 1 night

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 kms | 96 miles  Total Driving Time: 2 hours 20 mins

Accommodation Motueka - 1 night

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) 

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.

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

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

Accommodation Kaikoura - 1 night

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 kms | 249 miles  Total Driving Time: 5 hours 

Accommodation Lake Tekapo - 1 night

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 kms | 162 miles  Total Driving Time: 3 hours 50 mins

Accommodation Queenstown - 2 nights

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.

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!