12 Day New Zealand Honeymoon Itinerary

Day 1

On arrival at Nelson Airport you will be met by a representative who will hand over your New Zealand documentation and take you to pick up your full size automatic Hertz rental vehicle. This will be including daily insurance, unlimited kilometres, accident excess reduction and GPS and drive to your accommodation (approximately 1 hour journey). Please familiarize yourself with the GPS unit before leaving the Hertz counter.
Accommodation confirmed for three nights in a King Bush Chalet including dinner and breakfast at: The Resurgence

Day 2

Please dress in layers with warm undergarments, a wind stopping jacket and sturdy hiking shoes as per gear list. Please also bring sunscreen, sunglasses, sunhat and insect repellent.
This morning drive to Kaiteriteri for a day trip into the Abel Tasman National Park (approximately 15 minutes drive).
- 8.50am – Check in with Wilsons Abel Tasman National Park located in the courtyard between the restaurant and the camp store.
- 9.20am – Depart aboard your shared cruise into the heart of Abel Tasman National Park pausing at Anchorage to view your destination then continue on to disembark at idyllic Medlands Beach.
- 10.20am – Walk the most varied section of the Abel Tasman Coastal Track, around the spectacular Torrent Bay estuary to the long, golden sands of Anchorage Beach.
The track weaves through sunny groves of Manuka and fern between breathtaking views of the granite coast and lush gullies of mature forest, to reach tranquil forest pools and long golden-sand beaches (maximum elevation 105 metres/340 ft). Cross the rushing Falls River by an impressive swing bridge. Lunch has been included today.
Allow an extra 30 minutes to take a short (500 metres) side track beside a crystal forest stream to visit tranquil Cleopatra’s Pool. If you want to try the natural waterslide, allow some extra time.
- 3.15pm You will be met at Anchorage by your boat for the scenic journey back to Kaiteriteri.
- 4.15pm (approximately) On your arrival back at Kaiteriteri, return to your accommodation at your leisure (approximately 15 minutes drive).

Day 3

This morning drive to Kaiteriteri for your second day exploring the Abel Tasman National Park (15 minutes drive).
8.50am – Check in with Wilsons Abel Tasman National Park located in the courtyard between the restaurant and the camp store.
9.20am – Cruise from Kaiteriteri into the protected waters of the Astrolabe Roadstead.
9.40am – Disembark at Observation Beach where your knowledgeable guide will give you full instructions and a safety briefing of your double kayak. Depart the beach and paddle to Adele Island, a predator friendly sanctuary home to seals, penguins and birds.
1.10pm – Return to Observation Beach and travel by boat to Anchorage Beach. A short walk takes you to the facilities of the Dept. of Conservation Hut and campsite where there is shelter, picnic tables, filtered drinking water and modern toilets. Maps at the hut show directions for the Pitt Head Loop Walk (4 kms) where you will see panoramic coastal views on the track to Te Pukatea Bay, one of the most picturesque bays in the Park. Lunch has been included today.
2.40pm or 4.10pm – Return to Anchorage Beach for your pick up.
On conclusion, return to your accommodation (approximately 15 minutes drive).

Day 4

Today enjoy the scenic drive to the Marlborough region and your accommodation in Blenheim (approximately 2 hours 40 minutes drive).
En route we suggest lunch and refreshments at a local café in Nelson or at a local vineyard in the Marlborough wine country (cost to be settled directly).
Whilst at leisure in Blenheim we recommend the following optional local experiences:
- Sample some of the world’s best Sauvignon Blanc in the dozens of cellar doors and vineyard restaurants surrounding the town. Some of our favourites include Brancott Estate, Wither Hills, Cloudy Bay, Hunters Wines, Daniel le Brun, Seresin and Allan Scott.
- Head north and visit the Marlborough Sounds, a network of sunken valleys, inlets and islands hiding deserted beaches, rainforest walking and biking tracks, excellent fishing, kayaking and remote lodges.
- Visit the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre to see Sir Peter Jackson’s personal airplane and memorabilia collection, including pieces from the Red Baron.
- Browse the boutique artisan shops and get great vineyard views at the Vines Village.

Day 5

Check out is 11.00am.
Drive along the east coast to the township of Kaikoura and your accommodation (approximately 3 hours 30 minutes drive).
While traveling along the Kaikoura coast we recommend enjoying some fresh seafood at Nins Bins, or enjoying a stop at Ohau Point Lookout for views of the seal colony below.
Check in is 2.00pm. Accommodation confirmed for two nights in a King Historic Waterfront Room including continental breakfast at: Kaikoura Boutique Hotel

Day 6

For today’s activity, please dress warmly. Please note, if you suffer at all from motion sickness, strong seasick pills can be purchased from the Chemist in the township of Kaikoura (those sold at the Whale Watching gift store are for mild motion sickness).
This morning drive to the Whale Watch base and check in with Whale Watch Kaikoura located at Whaleway Station Road for your shared excursion (approximately 10 minutes drive).
7.15am Today enjoy an exhilarating whale-watch boat excursion where you will have the opportunity to spot dolphins, fur seals, and sperm whales which can grow up to 20 metres in length.
10.15am (approximately) Following your excursion continue back to your accommodation and spend the remained of the day at leisure (approximately 10 minutes drive).
While at leisure in Kaikoura we recommend the following optional local experiences:
- Walkers will love the Peninsula Walkway for its beautiful coastal views.
- See the many different species of seabirds that call Kaikoura home, including albatross, gannets, shags and penguins.

Day 7

Today continue your drive through the Canterbury Plains to the picturesque Mount Cook region and your accommodation (approximately 5 hours 50 minutes drive).
We suggest a detour on SH72 and SH79 through to Lake Tekapo and the Church of the Good Shepherd – a historic landmark located on the shores of the lake with panoramic alpine views before continuing on to your accommodation. Check in is 3.00pm

Day 8

While at leisure in the Mount Cook region (approximately 45 minutes drive) we recommend the following optional local experiences:
- Independently hike the Hooker Valley Track
- Take a scenic flight over Mount Cook and the Southern Alps for spectacular mountain scenery.
- Go for an amazing cruise past massive icebergs floating on Tasman Lake at the base of the Tasman Glacier.
- If you don’t want to get on the boat, go for a walk to the Tasman Lake viewpoint, or one of the many other walks available in the area. Guided walks also available.
- Explore the area on a 4WD ‘Argo’ excursion which takes in stunning views and seeks out the mischievous Kea, the world’s only mountain parrot.
- In the evening, experience the fascinating planetarium show and then head outdoors with telescopes to gaze in wonder at the starry night sky in this International Dark Sky Reserve.
- Visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre, a small museum tribute to the first man to climb Mt Everest.

Day 9

Today drive to the adventure capital of Queenstown and your accommodation (approximately 2 hours 40 minutes drive).
While at leisure in Queenstown we recommend the following optional local experiences:
- Ply the waters of Lake Wakatipu aboard the 100 year old TSS Earnslaw.
- Ride the Skyline Gondola to the top of Bob’s Peak for the best views over the town and Lake Wakatipu and for the more adventurous zip line or luge ride back down.
- Visit the picturesque historic gold mining town of Arrowtown and browse the boutiques housed in heritage buildings along the main street.
- Speed down a narrow gorge mere centimetres from the rock walls on the world famous Shotover Jet.
- Sample some delicious drops at the regions leading cellar doors and restaurants such as Amisfield, Chard Farm, Peregrine and Gibbston Vineyards.
- Visit a remote high country station for a farm tour to watch the sheep dogs at work, see the adorable lambs, observe wool shearing or harvest your own fruit and vegetables from the orchards and fields.
- Of course, being the ‘Adventure Capital of the World’, there are plenty of adrenaline activities on offer including skydiving, canyoning, white water rafting, quad biking, and so much more.

Day 10

Please bring windproof, waterproof clothing for changeable weather, and a small day pack for today’s activity. Be mindful that there will be some wind-chill factor as you are travelling at speed.
8.05am — You will be met at your accommodation by your guide and vehicle from Guided Walks New Zealand to enjoy a full day small group wilderness excursion with in the Mount Aspiring National Park. You will take a scenic drive along the shores of Lake Wakatipu to Glenorchy (approximately 45 minutes) where you will enjoy an exhilarating jet boat ride on the scenic Dart River.
Following your jet boat ride your guide will lead you on an undulating walk under the canopy of native forest. Your guide will point out plant and bird species while you enjoy your unique walking experience. You will stop to enjoy a scenic picnic lunch at the scenic forest-framed waters of Lake Sylvan.
After lunch you will travel on the track through to the Routeburn River which flows down to the very edge of the forest.
Cross a swing bridge over the river back to your transport to be transferred through Glenorchy to your accommodation arriving approximately 4.30pm.

Day 11

11.00am You will be met at your accommodation by your guide and vehicle from Appellation Wine Tours for your half day small group wine tour of the Central Otago region. You will leave Queenstown and travel through two wine sub-regions to visit four of the area’s finest vineyards located in the Gibbston, Bannockburn, and Cromwell regions.
Take in some of the stunning scenery en route including the Otago Goldfields, historic Old Cromwell, and Lake Dunstan.
Drive through the Kawarau Gorge where you view the Bungy and learn about the early pioneering history of this region. Stop to enjoy a platter lunch with a glass of wine (cost to be settled directly) at Carrick Winery’s restaurant which has been included today, before returning to Queenstown later this afternoon arriving approximately 4.30pm.