A South Island Honeymoon Escape Itinerary

‘Haere Mai’ … Welcome to New Zealand

New Zealand’s second-largest city and the gateway to the South Island, Christchurch sits on the very edge of the Canterbury Plains and is bordered by the Pacific Ocean.  Stop in at the Riverside Market - a 7-day-trading, indoor market, linked to a vibrant network of boutique retail, restaurants, cafes & bars. Alternatively step back to Edwardian times with a relaxing Private Punting Trip down the Avon River. It's a wonderful introduction to the "Garden City". Gliding gently along the river in a flat-bottomed boat, you will take in Christchurch's 'must-see' historic buildings and Botanic Gardens away from the hustle and bustle of the city streets. Make the most of your free time.

Accommodation: Christchurch - 1 Night

Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park is part of UNESCO's Te Wāhipounamu (The Place of Greenstone) World Heritage region. Here in Mackenzie Country you'll find Australasia's highest mountain - Aoraki / Mount Cook (3,724m) - nestled in the splendid Southern Alps.

Known to Māori as Aoraki or Cloud Piercer, this magnificent mountain is surrounded by over 150 peaks along with countless glaciers, ice and snow fields, mountain lakes and ranges.

Today we recommend a Mount Cook Helicopter Flight, affording you a spectacular bird's eye view of these natural wonders, with a landing on the Tasman Glacier to make you feel like you're on top of the world.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Approximate Distance: 330 km | 205 miles  Total Driving Time: 4 hours 30 mins

Accommodation: Mount Cook - 2 Nights

A day in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park offers a rich connection with nature. Explore alpine trails, glacial rivers, and scenic lookouts with breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks. Prefer a slower pace? Enjoy a peaceful picnic or simply soak in the dramatic surroundings. As night falls, the park’s clear skies provide an exceptional stargazing experience. Whether you seek adventure or quiet reflection, this spectacular landscape caters to every nature enthusiast with unforgettable moments.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Make the most of this morning to enjoy the beauty of Mount Cook National Park at your leisure. Take your time heading south this afternoon: you won't want to miss the spectacular scenery as it transforms from rugged ranges and mirror lakes to the winding Kawarau River Gorge. You will finally emerge into the lush green farmland surrounding Queenstown, your destination for tonight.

Onsen Hot Pools
Unwind and soak-up in Queenstown's spectacular scenery. Immerse yourself in the views, the pure waters, and the fresh mountain air, as your mind and body surrenders to the deep penetrating warmth and gentle massage of these private pools. 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Pre-Dinner Drinks and Canapes

Approximate Distance: 265 km | 165 miles  Total Driving Time: 3 hours 30 mins 

Accommodation: Queenstown - 3 Nights

The ideal way to get the full Milford Sound experience, this combination flight and boat cruise delivers the two best perspectives of this world-famous fiord. Flying over the spectacular alpine scenery of the Southern Alps, you'll land in Milford.

The Milford Sound, an amazing 22km-long fiord dominated by Mitre Peak. A cruise on Milford Sound will be an essential component of your time in Fiordland. Tall waterfalls, vertical rock faces, and seals are some of the things you’ll remember. An underwater observatory is an option with most cruises.

Upon return to Milford you'll board your helicopter again to be whisked away for a remote alpine or glacier landing with magnificent views and plenty of time for photographs before returning to Queenstown.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Pre-Dinner Drinks and Canapes

It's time to get to know the world-class wines of the Central Otago region on a scenic Boutique Wine Tour. You will become acquainted with three of the region's finest wineries, and explore New Zealand's largest wine cave. With a knowledgeable guide and fascinating commentary, it's the perfect opportunity to start your wine cellar.

The tour will take you on a stunning drive through the rugged Kawarau Gorge: the historic suspension bridge here is home to the world's original commercial bungy jump site, and you may recognise the magnificent Kawarau River below as the River Anduin in the Lord of the Rings.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Pre-Dinner Drinks and Canapes

After breakfast, take a scenic drive to the peaceful lakeside township of Wānaka. Surrounded by dramatic alpine peaks and pristine waters, this region is renowned for its outstanding natural beauty and as a backdrop for several iconic scenes from The Lord of the Rings.

The journey itself is equally memorable, taking you over the rugged Crown Range - the highest main road in the country. Pause at the many scenic lookouts along the way to soak in sweeping mountain vistas.

From Wānaka, continue west through the spectacular Haast Pass, where lush rainforest, cascading waterfalls, and winding rivers guide you toward the wild West Coast. Arrive at the serene shores of Lake Moeraki, where native forest meets the sea.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Approximate Distance: 250 km | 156 miles  Total Driving Time:  4 hours

Accommodation: Lake Moeraki - 2 Nights

Wake to the sounds of birdsong and the gentle rhythm of the ocean at Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki. Today is yours to enjoy at leisure in this remote and untouched corner of the West Coast.

Choose to relax and take in the ever-changing coastal scenery, or explore the surrounding rainforest and beach on one of the lodge’s walking tracks. Guided nature experiences offer the chance to discover native wildlife, from rare birdlife to seals along the shoreline, making this a truly immersive wilderness escape.

Included Meals: Breakfast

The journey from Lake Moeraki to Franz Josef is a stunning showcase of the West Coast’s wild beauty. Travel north through lush native rainforest, where rugged shoreline meets towering mountains and quiet rivers wind through dense bush. Scenic lookouts, short walks, and hidden waterfalls offer plenty of opportunities to pause along the way. Set in a rainforest clearing, Franz Josef Glacier Village sits at the heart of Westland National Park, welcoming you to one of New Zealand’s most diverse and breathtaking regions.

Take the time this afternoon for a walk to the Glaciers Terminal Face.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Approximate Distance: 115 km | 94 miles  Total Driving Time: 1 hour 45 mins

Accommodation: Franz Josef - 2 Nights

Steep and dramatic or vast and remote? Take our Twin Glacier flight and you won't have to choose – you'll experience two very different glacial formations and a snow landing. This is the perfect trip to encounter two jaw-dropping glaciers, Fox and Franz Josef; giving you the opportunity to take in all the epic surroundings.

This is the ultimate scenic flight journey featuring New Zealand's highest mountain, Aoraki Mount Cook, and the second-highest, Mt Tasman.

Visit Lake Matheson: At Lake Matheson, near Fox Glacier, nature has combined exactly the right ingredients to create truly stunning reflections of New Zealand's highest peaks ...

Begin your morning with a breathtaking coastal drive to Greymouth. You may wish to pause in Hokitika for some shopping—this charming town is renowned for its skilled artisan carvers of local pounamu (greenstone), which holds deep significance in Māori culture. A uniquely carved greenstone pendant makes a meaningful keepsake of your journey. 

On arrival in Greymouth, return your rental car and board the TranzAlpine Scenic Rail Journey with the Scenic Plus upgrade. Enjoy premium seating and all-inclusive food and beverages served to your seat as you travel through some of New Zealand’s most spectacular scenery. 

Regarded as one of the great train journeys of the world, the route descends through dramatic gorges, river valleys, and across impressive viaducts before arriving in Christchurch

Approximate Distance: 175 km | 109 miles  Total Driving Time: 2 hours 30 mins

Accommodation: Christchurch - 1 Night

"Haere rā" Goodbye! and Bon Voyage! Today we say farewell. We take care of your transfer to Christchurch Airport where you will board your onward flight, taking with you the magical memories of a truly exceptional New Zealand holiday.

Included Meals: Breakfast