We planned this New Zealand Honeymoon Package for an adventurous couple from Portland. They wanted to see New Zealand’s famous scenery, learn about Maori culture, and of course go on some heart-racing adventures.
We started their New Zealand Honeymoon Package in Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world, where they stayed closed to Lake Wakatipu. Here, they went on an exhilarating jet boat ride on the Shotover River. The next day, they rode through beautiful alpine scenery to a wilderness cruise on Doubtful Sound, surrounded by dramatic peaks and waterfalls. On their last day in Queenstown, they took the famous Skyline Gondola up to the top of Bob’s Peak, then rode down on a luge a few times before taking their final trip down the mountain on bicycles.
Continuing their New Zealand Honeymoon Package, they drove to Franz Josef for a thrilling heli-hike on Franz Josef Glacier. They also decided to take a romantic dip in the hot pools here. Next on their journey, they took the scenic TranzAlpine train across the South Island to the beautiful town of Christchurch.
Their New Zealand Honeymoon Package continued with a flight to Rotorua, home to geothermal wonders and the most accessible Maori culture. In Rotorua, they went white water rafting down the Kaituna River. This thrill ride includes a 7-meter drop on the tallest commercially rafted waterfall in the world!
Packing in as much adventure as possible into their New Zealand Honeymoon Package, they drove to the Waitomo Glowworm Caves for a spectacular blackwater rafting adventure. They made their way through the caves, through tight openings and over exhilarating drops, and even got to float beneath the magnificent glowworms covering the vaulted cave ceiling. It looked as though they were floating beneath a starry sky!
Then, they continued their drive onto Auckland, where their New Zealand Honeymoon Package came to an end. They spent an evening here before heading to the airport in the morning.
| Destinations |
|
| Experiences |
|
| Our Reference |
D154 |
Day 1
Welcome to New Zealand! Fly from Auckland to the epicenter of the South Island, Queenstown, and enjoy a private transfer to your downtown accommodations. A delight for scenery lovers and adrenaline junkies alike, Queenstown is the outdoor adventure capital of the country, if not the world. There are an endless supply of activities on offer to fully experience the stunning natural landscape and get your adrenaline flowing. The feeling is that of a small frontier town, with stunning mountains surrounding it and placid Lake Wakatipu alongside.
4-star hotel in Queenstown
Day 2
Today, experience one of the amazing adrenaline activities that put New Zealand on the map: jet boating on Shotover River. From the moment the accelerator hits the floor, your adrenaline hits the roof as you skim past rocky outcrops at close range and twist and turn through the narrow Shotover River Canyons at breathtaking speeds. You’d better hold on when the driver signals it’s time for a 360° spin!
4-star hotel in Queenstown
Day 3
Today, it’s time for a day cruise with Real Journeys in one of the most beautiful places on earth: Doubtful Sound within the Fiordland National Park. Travel the spectacular Milford Road through impressive alpine scenery, with time for photo stops and short walks along the way. On reaching Doubtful Sound, board a nature cruise for a leisurely itinerary that allows plenty of time to enjoy the scenery and wildlife. On board, a nature guide with specialist knowledge of the region’s history, flora, and fauna provides detailed interpretation. View spectacular waterfalls (especially when it’s raining!), rainforest, and dramatic peaks. Plus, keep an eye out for fur seals, dolphins, and penguins. Return to Queenstown on a scenic flight to take in panoramic views of the incredible alpine scenery.
4-star hotel in Queenstown
Day 4
Walk a short 5 minutes from downtown Queenstown to reach the Skyline Gondola, which will carry you high above Queenstown to Bob’s Peak on a scenic journey. Once you reach the top, hop the luge, where the tracks wind 800 meters down through the trees, with spectacular views of Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables. You can choose the scenic track or the advanced track for a more exhilarating ride. Go back up and do it again! When you are tired of the luge, hop on 2 wheels and ride down the mountain in Queenstown Bike Park. Its okay if you have never been mountain biking before; there are tracks for every level of rider.
4-star hotel in Queenstown
Day 5
Pick up your rental car and drive through the most scenic part of New Zealand’s alpine scenery today as you make your way over the Haast Pass and its swimmable waterfalls to the rugged West Coast and the glacier region. Head to Franz Josef, home to the Franz Josef Glacier.
5-star hotel in Franz Josef Glacier
Day 6
This morning, enjoy an unforgettable tour with the Helicopter Line. You’ll ride a helicopter to the top of Franz Josef Glacier, and then have half a day to hike around on the ice. With crampons on the bottom of your boots and an ice pick in your hand, you’ll wander through blue ice crevasses and icy caves, guided by an expert in glacial ecology and hiking. Ride a helicopter back down to the bottom of the glacier, taking in the spectacular views, and then spend the rest of your day doing any number of additional activities: soaking in hot pools, viewing New Zealand’s famous kiwi birds in a nocturnal kiwi house, hiking, horseback riding, or just enjoying the rugged feel of this remote town.
5-star hotel in Franz Josef Glacier
Day 7
Today, you will continue to drive up the rugged West Coast to the town of Greymouth. From here, you will board the TranzAlpine train for one of the most scenic rail journeys in the world. Traveling from one coast of New Zealand to the other, you’ll ride through lush beech rainforest and the spectacular gorges and river valleys of the Waimakariri River. Your train then climbs into the Southern Alps before descending to the fields and farmland of the Canterbury Plains. Upon arrival in Christchurch, enjoy a private transfer to your tranquil accommodations.
Chateau on the Park
Day 8
A short flight brings you to the heart of the North Island, Rotorua, today. Rotorua is home to the best geothermal sites and the most accessible Maori cultural experiences in New Zealand. Your hotel room has lovely views of Lake Rotorua, created by a volcanic explosion long ago (or created by the tears of a scorned lover, according to Maori legend).
Novotel Rotorua Lakeside
Day 9
Today, you will experience an old-fashioned adrenaline activity, white water rafting, but taken to another level. Venture down the Kaituna River, a trip that takes you down the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world. Fast and furious, this exhilarating ride moves you through foamy water and over the awesome 7-meter drop for an amazing adrenaline rush!
Novotel Rotorua Lakeside
Day 10
Spend the day at your leisure in Rotorua. Perhaps explore the geothermal wonders of Waimangu Volcanic Valley, take a helicopter ride to White Island—New Zealand’s only active marine volcano—or see Maori carvings and other artworks at Te Puia.
Novotel Rotorua Lakeside
Day 11
This morning, you’ll drive to the Waitomo Glowworm Caves for 3 hours of black water rafting with The Legendary Black Water Rafting Co. You’ll ride an inflated rubber inner tube as a flotation device to take you down river inside a cave. You’ll work your way through tight squeezes and take leaps of faith over cascading underground waterfalls! You will also be able to float serenely down river as you enjoy the view of glowworms lighting up the ceiling of the cave. Then, you’ll continue your drive up to Auckland to spend the night in the city center.
4-star hotel in Auckland
Day 12
After this power-packed trip to New Zealand, your heart will never be the same. Say goodbye to this incredible country and head to the Auckland Airport to being your trip home.
