Honeymoon Heaven 12 Days - North and South Islands *From $5,299 per person (land only) Share
Day 1: Arrive Auckland, connect to Kerikeri, Bay of Islands Upon arrival you will collect your rental car at Kerikeri airport. You have a 35 minute drive to your accommodation. Your room will be ready for check-in upon arrival. Tonight you will enjoy a gourmet dinner at Bay of Islands Lodge. Note: if you are coming off a long haul flight and do not wish to drive, we could arrive for transfers to/from your accommodation (additional cost) to collect your car the following day.
Day 2: Private Sailing Charter OR Cape Reinga Half Day Scenic Fly/Drive
Private Sailing Charter Take the helm and experience sailing a catamaran amongst the stunning myriad of islands in the Bay of Islands. A two hour stopover allows plenty of time to enjoy a delicious light lunch and explore isolated beaches and lush, uninhabited islands. Observe the unique bird and marine life, and enjoy the chance to swim or snorkel and view playful dolphins. Try your hand at fishing with our rods and bait or relax on the bow. Your hosts will show you a fabulous day of cruising the spectacular Bay of Islands. Tonight, a gourmet dinner awaits at your lodge.
OR
Cape Reinga Half Day Scenic Fly/Drive and Spa Afternoon An unforgettable half day experience to Cape Reinga and Northland including a scenic flight and land tour. Fly by fixed wing aircraft along the spectacular West Coast and land on a remote air strip. A comfortable minibus awaits to whisk you away to explore Cape Reinga. Next it's off to the giant sand dunes for some fun tobogganing, followed by a spot of morning tea on a remote sandy beach. After the morning adventure, you will have the opportunity to unwind with couples massages at a nearby spa.
Day 3: Bay of Islands Enjoy a free day to explore this stunning region. Visit the romantic and charming township of Russell, tour the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, swim with dolphins, charter a boat for a sail around the islands, find a secluded beach for a picnic, explore the arts, crafts, lifestyle and food stores in Kerikeri or walk in the gorgeous Puketi Forest.
Day 4: Bay of Islands - Nelson Today it's off to more stunning beaches in the South Island! After arrival in Nelson, you'll pick up your rental car and drive to your centrally located Nelson accommodation - a lovely heritage style villa.
Day 5: Abel Tasman National Park: Open day pass to cruise and walk Today enjoy some time alone. Your day pass includes a cruise into the park allowing you to hop off, enjoy a self guided walk on the Abel Tasman Coastal Track and time to relax, swim and picnic on a secluded beach.
Day 6: Abel Tasman - Nelson / Blenheim OR Picton Today it's on to the Marlborough wine country or seaside Picton, gateway to the Marlborough Sounds where you will spend several days. If you choose Blenheim, you'll settle into your luxury accommodation located on a ten acre Pinot Noir vineyard in the heart of Marlborough's wine country. If you choose Picton, you'll be staying at a luxurious bed and breakfast, blending a subtle, tasteful balance of historic charm with every modern convenience and great access to the Marlborough Sounds.
Day 7: Blenheim / Picton Activity Choice
Blenheim - Food & Wine The three icons of Marlborough - Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, the Marlborough Sounds and Marlborough Greenshell Mussels are combined into an exciting day. Take in the very best that Marlborough has to offer with a visit to some superb Marlborough wineries in the morning then through to the Havelock Marina for lunch and an afternoon Greenshell Mussel Cruise.
OR
Picton - Explore the Queen Charlotte Track Take a boat cruise from Picton past salmon farms and sea birds on a beautiful voyage to Ship Cove, an historic and scenic reserve that Captain Cook visited several times in the 17th Century. This premier section of the Queen Charlotte Track affords beautiful views across the Marlborough Sounds and a gourmet lunch as your guide explains the European and pre-European history of the area.
Day 8: Drive Blenheim or Picton - Kaikoura After a leisurely breakfast, you'll drive to Kaikoura, stopping along the way for photo opportunities and lunch. Arrive in the afternoon at your accommodation, in time to enjoy a sunset over Kaikoura.
Day 9: Whale Watch OR Swim with Dolphins
Whale Watch Come face to face with these magnificent creatures in their own environment aboard either airplane or boat designed specifically for this purpose. Giant Sperm Whales grow to 20 meters long and are present in these waters year round. Other species include migratory Humpback whales, Orca (killer whales), tiny Hector dolphins, the high-spirited Dusky Dolphins and fur seals.
OR
Swim with Dolphins Kaikoura is home to the amazing dusky dolphins. Experience the delights of a wonderful marine environment, close to our beautiful coastline during this 3 to 3 ½ hour dolphin swimming or watching tour. You may also be lucky enough to see other marine mammals such as orca (killer whales), pilot whales, New Zealand fur seals, and Hector’s dolphins.
Day 10: Drive to Christchurch / Fly to Queenstown After breakfast, you'll drive to Christchurch and catch your flight to Queenstown. Your luxury boutique hotel is centrally located offering views of Queenstowns surrounding mountains and the gondola. Relax this afternoon and enjoy a glass of local Otago wine on your private balcony while watching paragliders land in the adjacent parks.
Day 11: Picnic on a Peak and Shotover Jetboating There's a time and place for everything and Queenstown is the perfect spot to romance your loved one on a secluded mountain peak! Helicopter to a secluded and remote area nestled amongst the majesty of the mountains, nature and silence. Enjoy a romantic leisurely champagne luncheon and time in the wilderness alone before calling on the helicopter to return you to civilization. Then get ready for an exhilarating afternoon ride on the Shotover Jetboat!
Private airport transfer to accommodation in Bay of Islands;
Early check-in upon arrival in New Zealand;
8 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinner;
Private Sailing Charter OR Cape Reinga Half Day Scenic Fly/Drive;
Abel Tasman National Park - Open Day Pass to Cruise & Walk;
Queen Charlotte Track Hike OR Marlborough Wine Tour;
Swimming with Dolphins OR Whale Watching;
Heli flight and Picnic on a Peak;
Shotover Jetboat Excursion;
This itinerary can be customized to suit.
Not Included:
Airfares - contact us for a quote;
Optional sightseeing experiences;
Meals (unless specified);
Travel Insurance;
* Advertised pricing - All itineraries are subject to seasonal price variations. Note, travel over the December / January time period will incur high season surcharges.
