12 Days • 11 Nights
New Zealand Honeymoon
Tour Includes
About the Trip
You'll cruise the Bay of Islands, soak in a geothermal spa in Rotorua, ride the TranzAlpine, take a scenic glacier flight, cruise the majestic Milford Sound, and honeymoon among the mountains and vineyards of Queenstown, with private dinners and a helicopter picnic. Sunsets, star-filled skies and pinot noir fill the days.
With romantic hotels, scenic touring and thoughtful touches arranged, it is an idyllic and spectacular start to married life.
Trip Highlights
- A cruise in the beautiful Bay of Islands
- A geothermal spa soak in Rotorua
- The TranzAlpine train and a scenic glacier flight
- A cruise on the majestic Milford Sound
- Wine and mountains in Queenstown
- A helicopter picnic on a peak (optional)
- Star-gazing under Mackenzie skies
- Romance across both islands
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 12-day journey.
Arrive in the 'City of Sails' and settle in, with a romantic welcome dinner over the harbour.
Travel north to the beautiful Bay of Islands, settling into a coastal retreat for two.
A cruise among the islands to the Hole in the Rock, watching for dolphins, with a quiet beach and a seafood lunch.
Fly or drive to geothermal Rotorua, settling in with an evening geothermal spa soak under the stars.
The geysers of Te Puia and a Maori village experience, with a redwoods walk and a couples' spa.
Fly to Christchurch and travel to the Franz Josef glacier, with an evening in the glacier valley.
A scenic glacier helicopter flight with a snow landing, then the spectacular Haast Pass drive to Queenstown.
The Skyline Gondola, a Gibbston Valley wine tasting and the historic gold town of Arrowtown, with a fine-dining dinner tonight.
A full-day journey to the majestic Milford Sound, cruising beneath its cliffs and waterfalls, overnighting in Te Anau.
Return to Queenstown via Glenorchy and the paradise landscapes at the head of the lake.
A free day for a helicopter picnic on a mountaintop, a lake cruise, or simply the two of you.
A final breakfast before your transfer to Queenstown airport.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- Private airport transfers and scenic touring throughout
- 11 nights in romantic hotels across both islands
- Daily breakfast, a romantic welcome dinner and a Queenstown fine-dining dinner
- A Bay of Islands cruise and a Rotorua geothermal spa experience
- The TranzAlpine train and a scenic glacier flight at Franz Josef
- A Milford Sound cruise and Queenstown wine touring
- Inter-island flight and all listed experiences
Exclusions
- International airfare to and from New Zealand
- NZeTA and International Visitor levy fees
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Additional domestic flights beyond those stated
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Optional activities and adventure experiences
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa: Visitors from visa-waiver countries must obtain an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) online before travelling, which includes the International Visitor levy. Others need a visitor visa; we can advise
- Currency: The currency is the New Zealand Dollar. New Zealand is largely cashless, with cards and contactless payment accepted almost everywhere
- Driving: New Zealanders drive on the left. Roads are scenic but often winding, and distances take longer than they look, so we build in realistic drive times (or you can self-drive)
- Seasons reversed: New Zealand is in the southern hemisphere, so summer is December to February and winter (with skiing in the south) is June to August. Spring and autumn are quieter and beautiful
- Four seasons in a day: The weather changes quickly, especially in the mountains, so pack warm and waterproof layers even in summer, along with strong sun protection for the intense UV
- Biosecurity: New Zealand has strict biosecurity, so declare all food, plant and animal items on arrival and clean any hiking boots or camping gear to protect the country's unique nature
- Sandflies: The West Coast and Fiordland (including Milford Sound) have persistent sandflies, so bring insect repellent for those areas
- Best time: New Zealand is a year-round destination; summer is best for hiking and the outdoors, winter for skiing in the south, and autumn for golden landscapes and wine country
- Tipping: Tipping is not customary or expected in New Zealand, which keeps things simple
- Connectivity & power: A local SIM or eSIM gives good coverage in towns and along main routes. Power is 230V with the Australian-style type I plug, so bring an adapter
Frequently Asked Questions
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included throughout, along with a welcome dinner and the specific meals named in the itinerary, such as a Maori hangi feast or a wine-country lunch. Other meals are left free so you can enjoy New Zealand's superb food and wine.
Are transfers and touring arranged?
Yes — your airport transfers, scenic touring and activities are arranged for you, with the option of private guides, coach touring or a self-drive itinerary to suit your style.
Do I need a visa for New Zealand?
Visitors from visa-waiver countries need an NZeTA, applied for online before travel. We guide you through the requirements for your nationality.
When is the best time to visit?
Summer (December-February) is ideal for hiking and the outdoors, winter (June-August) for skiing in the south, and autumn for golden colours and wine. New Zealand is beautiful year-round.
Should we do a self-drive or guided tour?
Both work wonderfully — self-drive gives freedom and flexibility on New Zealand's scenic roads, while a guided or private tour takes care of everything. We can tailor either to you.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. Durations, islands, activities and hotels can all be tailored, and we can add Milford Sound, a glacier, wine country, adventure sports or luxury lodges. Just tell us what you have in mind.
How do we travel between the islands?
By a short scenic flight or the Interislander ferry across Cook Strait between the North and South Islands — both included and arranged as your route requires.
Is New Zealand a good honeymoon?
Wonderfully — it blends spectacular scenery, romantic lodges, wine country and once-in-a-lifetime experiences like glacier flights and fiord cruises. We can add private dinners, a helicopter picnic and luxury retreats.
Can you arrange special romantic experiences?
Yes — a helicopter picnic on a peak, a private wine tour, a couples' spa or a lakeside dinner can all be added. Just tell us when you book.
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