A Chicago couple came to us looking for a New Zealand Fiji Honeymoon. These 2 destinations together truly give you the best of both worlds: beautiful beaches, plus outdoor adventures in that iconic New Zealand scenery.
We started their New Zealand Fiji Honeymoon at Matangi Private Island Resort in Fiji. They loved the remote island feel of this resort—you arrive on a boat transfer and have to roll up your pant legs and wade right onto the beach. At Matangi, they were able to explore gorgeous beaches, including the exclusive Horseshoe Bay, as well as enjoy great outdoor adventures like snorkeling, hiking to a waterfall, and visiting a local Fiji village.
After 4 nights at Matangi, their New Zealand Fiji Honeymoon continued on New Zealand’s beautiful South Island. First, they took the scenic TranzAlpine train from one coast to the other and were able to see diverse, spectacular landscapes. Then they had a bit of a road trip on the West Coast, where the scenery consists of mountains, ocean, waterfalls, lush forests, and crystal clear lakes. The driving was an unexpected highlight of their trip!
First they drove to Fox Glacier Village, a remote mountainous area that’s perfect for outdoors lovers. They took a helicopter up to the glacier’s surface and were able to hike on the ice with the help of expert guides. Next for their New Zealand Fiji Honeymoon, they drove to Queenstown, where scenery and adventure lovers are spoiled for choice.
They stayed 3 nights in a boutique Queenstown hotel with gorgeous lake views. They took a boutique winery tour in the Otago wine region, with wineries chosen to suit the day’s visitors, and had a delicious gourmet lunch at one of the wineries. Then, they went on a breathtaking nature cruise of Milford Sound. They decided to end their honeymoon in style by returning to Queenstown on a scenic flight. They couldn’t believe the views! It was the perfect way to finish their New Zealand Fiji Honeymoon.
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Day 1
Bula! Welcome! Upon arrival at Nadi Airport, enjoy a short flight and drive to Matangi Private Island Resort. This exclusive, privately owned 240-acre island is a unique horseshoe shape and boasts virgin tropical rainforest, white sand beaches, crystal clear waters, and fringing coral reefs. Enjoy a complimentary bottle of wine and let yourself be swept away by the beauty of a true tropical paradise.
Matangi Private Island Resort
Day 2 – 4
Spend the next 3 days in absolute leisure in tropical paradise. Enjoy complimentary activities like snorkeling, kayaking, and paddle boarding. Explore this gorgeous private island on foot on your own or with a local Fijian guide, or take a catamaran sailing excursion. Indulge in a private picnic on Horseshoe Bay, one of the most beautiful places in the world. Visit nearby islands and local villages. Enjoy a traditional kava ceremony. Or, simply relax at the luxurious resort. As part of your honeymoon vacation, Matangi will provide a fabulous breakfast in bed one morning.
Matangi Private Island Resort
Day 5
Today, you will depart your beautiful island paradise for the land of adventure: New Zealand! Arrive into Christchurch, where you’ll overnight before tomorrow’s journey. Christchurch underwent a devastating earthquake in 2011, but its hardworking residents have been steadily rebuilding, and its artist community is perhaps even stronger than before. Take some time to wander through the European-inspired streets, or even enjoy a walking tour to learn about the city’s history and post-earthquake recovery.
3.5-star hotel in Christchurch
Day 6
This morning, 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 see the fields of the Canterbury Plains and farmland, followed by the spectacular gorges and river valleys of the Waimakariri River. Your train then climbs into the Southern Alps before descending through lush beech rain forest to the West Coast town of Greymouth. From here, you will pick up your rental car to drive down the rugged West Coast to the glacier region. Fox and Franz Josef Glacier towns are havens for the outdoors enthusiast, with the only glaciers in the world that slide through temperate rainforest. Enjoy 2 nights at a boutique hotel perfectly situated among the beautiful alpine landscape.
Distinction Fox Glacier
Day 7
This morning, enjoy a one-of-a-kind adventure! Ride a helicopter to the top of Franz Josef Glacier, where you’ll 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 with the help of an expert guide. Ride a helicopter back down to the bottom of the glacier, and then spend the rest of your day doing any number of additional activities: soaking in hot pools, viewing real live kiwi birds in a nocturnal kiwi house, hiking, horseback riding, or just enjoying the rugged feel of this remote town.
Distinction Fox Glacier
Day 8
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 bustling Queenstown. A delight for scenery lovers and adrenaline junkies alike, Queenstown is the outdoor adventure capital of the country, if not the world. After your drive, relax in your cozy hotel room with a glass of local New Zealand wine and enjoy the views over Lake Wakatipu.
Hotel St Moritz
Day 9
The morning is yours to enjoy at your leisure. Enjoy a buffet breakfast at the hotel, then take a small-group boutique winery tour of the Otago wine region, which is especially well known for its earthy pinot noirs. Through the Gibbston Valley, over the rolling vine-clad foothills of Bannockburn and beyond, your vineyard selection will be matched to the day’s passengers. 4 winery tastings are included, as well as a gourmet platter lunch and commentary on the early pioneering history of this rugged region.
Hotel St Moritz
Day 10
Today is devoted to spectacular scenery! Enjoy a full-day excursion to the spectacular Milford Sound in Fiordland National Park. You’ll drive the famous Milford Road (great for photo stops and history lessons about the pioneering days of New Zealand) as you drive along a narrow highway with sheer cliffs on each side. On reaching Milford Sound, board a nature cruise for a leisurely itinerary that allows plenty of time to enjoy the scenery and wildlife. View spectacular waterfalls (especially when it’s raining!), rainforest, and towering peaks—plus, keep an eye out for fur seals, dolphins, and penguins. Return to Queenstown via scenic flight, and see how much more breathtaking this area is from the air! En route, you’ll land on a patch of snow in the Southern Alps for a romantic moment. Celebrate your fabulous tour of New Zealand with champagne and cheese while marveling at the scenery.
Hotel St Moritz
Day 11
It’s time to say goodbye to New Zealand today. Drop off your rental car at the airport, where you’ll catch a flight to Auckland and onward back home.
