South Island Luxury Honeymoon Itinerary

As your flight descends into Nelson, get a stunning introduction to New Zealand's sunshine capital as you admire the glittering waters, forests and bays from the plane windows.

You'll collect your car and travel to the midway point 35 minutes from both Nelson and the Abel Tasman. Enjoy the tranquility of the Mapua region where the waterways sparkle and provide an everchanging vista as the tides ebb and flow. Nearby Mapua wharf is a popular dining destination and the arts and crafts and rural landscapes are idyllic. You'll be staying at The Residence which is positioned right on the tip of the historic Bronte Peninsula, offering total seclusion and privacy. 

Accommodation: Abel Tasman - 3 Nights

Whether you're craving adventure or looking to unwind today, Abel Tasman has a wealth of options...

One of New Zealand's most celebrated Great Walks is right at your doorstep. The 60km Abel Tasman Coast Track undulates through lush forests, rocky headlands and golden bays. With regular water taxi services you can easily hike a small section of the track and relax on the journey home. To get your adrenalin going, it's a beautiful setting to try that once-in-a-lifetime skydive. Or jump, slide, abseil, float and zipline your way downstream on an unforgettable canyoning adventure.

Kayaking the Abel Tasman or sailing trips are another great way to explore the bays, and you may even find a few native seals joining you along the way!

Of course, another great option is to do nothing at all. Why not curl up together on a secluded beach, surrounded by beauty and birdsong, and leave the outside world behind...

Spend another day in the Park at your leisure, or why not venture further afield and explore the Nelson region?

Nelson itself is a creative town with many galleries and artisan stores. The jeweller who created the One Ring for the Lord of the Rings movies is based here, and you can even buy your own identical replica. At the edge of town you can climb Botanical Hill to reach the geographical centre of New Zealand. It's also a great lookout point. Recover your energy with one of Nelson's outstanding craft beers at a local brewery.

For the perfect end to a fun-filled day, find your perfect beach spot and take in a glorious sunset over the water.
 

Expect incredible wine, fresh seafood, culinary delights and gorgeous views as you meander along one of the world's greatest wine trails.

The "Golden Mile" trail, outside the city of Blenheim, is easy to explore with or without a bike. As well as nine cellar door tasting stops, the route takes in an art gallery, the famous Renwick "pie shop" and even a picnic spot. Sample world-renowned Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Cuvee, along with local salmon, cheeses, honey, fudge & olive oil as you explore the various stops.

When you have tasted as many Marlborough delicacies as you can manage, you will take a jaw-dropping coastal drive to the marine playground of Kaikoura.

Approximate Distance: 305 kms | 190 miles  Total Driving Time: 4 hours 40 mins

Accommodation: Kaikoura - 1 Night

Do you prefer mountain or ocean views? No need to choose, because Kaikoura is spectacularly blessed with both. Kaikoura's most famous residents are the many whales and dolphins who feast on the abundant seafood in the waters here. Sperm whales visit year-round in search of giant squid, while the mighty humpback is a regular visitor in June and July.

This morning brings you closer to these magnificent creatures on a Whale Watching Cruise. Enjoy spotting them as they surface, spouting seawater from their blowholes before diving below in search of tasty giant squid.

Grab some local seafood for lunch before driving to Christchurch the largest city of the South Island. Christchurch has been transformed and rejuvenated following the devasting 2010 earthquake. Tonight enjoy a meal out in one of the fashionable dining precincts such as the Salt District.

Approximate Distance: 180 kms | 110 miles  Total Driving Time: 2 hours 40 mins

Accommodation: Christchurch - 1 Night

This morning will take you across the Canterbury Plains - keep an eye out to the Southern Alps on your right which form the spine of the South Island. As you explore Oamaru you will step back in time today with a stroll through Oamaru's Victorian Precinct. The splendid nineteenth-century whitestone buildings - formerly prestigious banks and hotels - are now home to galleries and specialty stores including a Victorian sweet shop.

If you haven't heard of Steampunk, you will certainly become familiar with it in. Marrying the Victorian age of steam power with futuristic design, Steampunk artisans conjure up truly incredible creations. Oamaru is considered as the Steampunk capital of the world, with a festival devoted to it every year, and even a Steampunk Museum in town.

Head to the Oamaru Harbour at sunset for a special treat: catch Little Blue Penguins returning home to shore after a long day of fishing.

Blog Article: The Art of Victorian Futurism in Oamaru

Approximate Distance: 250 kms | 155 miles  Total Driving Time: 3 hours 20 mins

Accommodation: Oamaru - 1 Night

Today you make your way back to the mountains, and to Queenstown, the "Jewel of the South Island".

Nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by towering mountains, Queenstown is one of New Zealand’s ultimate holiday destinations.

It is renowned as the adventure capital of the country but with excellent food and wine, great shopping, and hiking trails galore, there are endless ways to relax here too. Fishing, golfing, gold panning and luxury thermal spas are on offer as well as the more adventurous bungy jumping, skydiving and rafting.

Famed for its international winter skiing profile and outdoor beauty, Queenstown is a brilliant destination to visit year-round. With three nights here, you can take your time and savour every minute.

Approximate Distance: 287 kms | 178 miles  Total Driving Time: 3 hours 33 mins

Accommodation: Queenstown - 3 Nights

No visit to Queenstown is complete without a pilgrimage to the "Eighth Natural Wonder Of the World": Milford Sound. Leave the car at home and take a relaxing luxury coach trip deep into the heart of Fiordland National Park.

Along the journey, keep your camera close by: there are scenic wonders waiting to be snapped. The stunning Mirror Lakes, the glacier-formed Eglinton Valley, the waterfalls and rapids of The Chasm, and iconic Mitre Peak are some of the many highlights.

Arriving in Milford you will board your purpose built cruise vessel and sail the length of the Sound. Marvel at the gigantic waterfalls cascading into the sea, and the towering glacier-scarred rock walls around you. Dolphins, penguins and seals are regularly visit Milford Sound, so keep your eyes peeled.

You will return to Queenstown in style on a scenic flight over the lakes, mountains, rivers and forests of this breathtaking region. It's a day to remember forever.
 

A full day for you to enjoy Queenstown and its surrounds.

Adrenalin junkies, we can arrange virtually any activity you can think of. From a bungy jump into Kawarau Gorge, a swing across Shotover Canyon, or a skydive into Paradise, we can book everything for you.

For a more peaceful day, there are many beautiful drives in the local area. Head to historic Arrowtown for quaint streetscapes, good food and beautiful views (the autumn leaves here are particularly stunning). Or drive alongside the lake to Glenorchy for a horseback ride through Lord of The Rings country.

Explore the many wineries, cheese-eries and orchards by car or by bike. Or take the gondola (cable car) to Bob's Peak for birds-eye views over the lake. You can hike back down to town, or tackle one of the many beautiful walks from the top.

There are too many wonderful options to fit here, so chat to our travel specialists if you would like more suggestions for your perfect Queenstown day.

Recommended excursions in and around Queenstown

"Haere rā" Goodbye! and Bon Voyage!

Today we say farewell. Return your rental car to Queenstown Airport where you will board your onward flight, taking with you the magical memories of a truly exceptional New Zealand honeymoon.