Two Week Active New Zealand Honeymoon Itinerary

‘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 - 2 nights

Board a large comfortable high-speed cat and cruise the sparkling waters of the beautiful Waitemata Harbour, learn about Aucklands best-loved landmarks with a full commentary from the knowledgeable guides. Stopover and explore the classic volcanic cone shape island that is Rangitoto. Experience the islands unique volcanic terrain firsthand. This island is predator -free and provides a sanctuary for our native bird life. Walk to the islands highest point for fantastic views of the surrounding gulf. You can get a small taste of its volcanic terrain.

Impressive is the word best used to describe Lake Taupo; after all, it is the biggest volcanic crater in the World! Lake Taupo is set amidst clean, green countryside, spectacular mountain scenery, beautiful native bush and some of the largest pine forests in the Southern Hemisphere. Taupo offers many leisure activities including exploring the lake by boat for scenery or fishing; view the mighty Huka Falls or visit local geothermal sites with natural hot pools and springs, steaming craters and boiling mud pools.

Approximate Distance: 270 kms | 167 miles  Total Driving Time: 3 hours 30 mins

Accommodation Taupo - 3 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.

Tongariro River White Water Rafting - Grade 3. Combine more than 50 boulder-strewn fun filled rapids, a backdrop of native beech forest, towering volcanic cliffs, an amazing buffet lunch, and an amazing full day white water rafting with a seasoning of local history and a nature experience garnish. This is a day to remember. While drifting between rapids you may glimpse the rare, native blue duck "Whio" and rainbow trout in the deep clear pools. Enjoy hot chocolate and chocolate snacks on river and finish up your trip with a hot dog (vegetarian options are also available) and beer or soda.

 

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.

This evening experience Zealandia by night - when New Zealand's rarest nocturnal animals come out to play   Nowhere else in New Zealand can you experience many of New Zealand's rarest birds, insects and reptiles living freely in their natural environment.

The Karori Sanctuary is protected by a unique 8.6 km predator-proof fence specially designed to exclude non-native mammals such as hedgehogs and possums. Explore the unique, award-winning conservation safe-haven and be part of our incredible '500-year vision'; to restore a corner of mainland New Zealand as closely as possible to the way it was 'the day before humans arrived'.

Some suggested activities and outings

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

Nelson - City of Sunshine. A haven for artisans seeking a lifestyle amid a landscape of mountains, valleys, unspoilt shores and National Parks, including the beautiful Abel Tasman National Park. The idyllic climate has enabled a winery, art and orchard trail to explore by car or relaxing bike ride.

Collect your new rental vehicle on arrival and drive approximately 1 hour to Kaiteriteri - which is an excellent starting point for the Abel Tasman National Park - which is small on size but big on beauty! Abel Tasman has golden beaches that border the translucent turquoise sea, and sandy estuaries fringed by natural forests. The walking tracks here, both in land and coastal, are world famous for their outstanding beauty.

Approximate Distance: 51 kms | 32 miles  Total Driving Time: 55 mins

Accommodation Kaiteriteri - 2 nights

Beaches, Bays & Seals Kayak & Walk - Abel Tasman National Park

Experience guided kayaking in the Heart of the Park with Vista Cruise into Torrent Bay, then kayak to explore some of the most scenic parts of the coast. Your guide designs each day to make the most of tides and weather conditions. This can include Cleopatra's Pool, seals on Pinnacle Island and kayak sailing. Unguided walk 2 hours around the Torrent Bay inlet to Anchorage Beach to catch the return scenic cruise to Kaiteriteri.

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 30 mins

Accommodation Kaikoura - 1 night

The early start is well worth it today for the best chance at meeting some of the local wildlife that calls this area home. We’ll don flattering(!) wetsuits to swim with a pod of dolphins in their natural environment. Of course, this is dependent on whether the dolphins cooperate, but they usually do! The tour is an educational experience that is designed not to interfere with the natural behaviour, routines or habitat of the dolphins. There are strict regulations in place to protect and respect the dolphins and to keep you safe in the water. Our boats are well-equipped with swimming/snorkelling platforms. Small Dusky dolphins are well-known for their aerobatic feats and interactive behaviour. Whether you opt to get in the water or watch from the boat, it’s a joyful experience for all. Many of our guests have told us this is one of the highlights of their New Zealand adventure tour.

Following your encounter drive to Christchurch.

Approximate Distance: 165 kms | 100 miles  Total Driving Time: 2 hours 20 mins

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.

This evening take part in the  ultimate in stellar relaxation, Tekapo Star Gazing is the only guided hot pools and star gazing experience in New Zealand. The tour operates from the renowned facilities of Tekapo Springs, combining the stunning Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve with soul-warming hot pools. A two hour experience, the first half of this guided indoor / outdoor tour introduces you to Tekapo's amazing night skies with a unique combination of astronomy and storytelling.

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

Accommodation Lake Tekapo - 1 night

Travel via the Lindis Pass and Gibbston Valley to Queenstown and on to Glenorchy. 

Situated an hour away from Queenstown, Kinloch Wilderness Retreat stands as a haven of nature. Embark on a journey along the renowned Glenorchy road, leading to Routeburn and Kinloch—a tiny village nestled by Lake Whakatipu's edge. Enveloped by beech forest, it rests beside the Dart River and lakefront, offering an exceptional drive through the wonders of nature.

Approximate Distance: 302 kms | 162 miles  Total Driving Time: 3 hours 50 mins

Accommodation Glenorchy - 2 nights

Dart River Funyak and Jetboat Safari - Includes Picnic Lunch  Today an amazing full day journey deep into the heart of the world-renowned Mt Aspiring National Park  awaits you. Combine an hour of high-speed wilderness jet boating with unique Funyak inflatable canoes  for a fun way to explore the Dart River as well as hidden side streams, rock pools and dramatic chasms.  Enjoy the peace and tranquility of this stunning area at your own pace as you float downstream on  sparkling water, then enjoy a wilderness picnic lunch before heading past 'Paradise' and on to Glenorchy.  Highly informative guides add the personal touch, talking about the area's history, the Greenstone trail  and Maori legends 

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!