Winter honeymoon in New Zealand

Queenstown

Day 1: Welcome to Queenstown

Welcome to Queenstown! Upon touching down, transfer from the airport to your accommodation via private limousine, and take some time to unpack and unwind.

You'll get to relax even further after your journey, with an included one-hour onsen session. These hot pools are delightfully steamy on snowy days, and especially magical in the evenings, surrounded by Japanese lanterns. Each one can accommodate up to four adults and is suitable for couples - all you need to do is let your local expert know of your ideal water temperature, and the onsen will be prepared to perfection before you arrive. You'll even have the choice of an alcoholic or non-alcoholic drink alongside a selection of local treats to enjoy with your bath.

Queenstown - Milford Sound - Queenstown

Day 2: Fly & cruise to witness marvelous scenery

Today, set out to Queenstown Airport to embark on a four-hour adventure: a flight over the alpine lakes, lush rainforest, rugged snow-capped mountains and glacially-carved valleys of Milford Sound and the Fiordland National Park. The experience includes a cruise to explore the Milford Sound up-close, as well as Mitre Peak, cascading waterfalls, towering cliffs, and wildlife that includes penguins, dolphins and seals.

Afterwards, enjoy a scenic ride in the iconic Skyline Gondola, taking in the views as you ride the steepest cable car lift in the Southern Hemisphere! You'll be taken 480m above Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu, to the top of Bob's Peak, where you could refuel with a drink at the bar and a buffet lunch or dinner.

Queenstown - Gibbston Valley - Queenstown

Day 3: Wine tasting around Queenstown

Today, leave the heart of Queenstown behind to take a fascinating, five-hour wine tasting journey into the Central Otago district! Departing at 10am and returning around 3pm, this classic and fun tour takes you to off-the-beaten-track cellar doors, including the famous Gibbston Valley underground wine cave. Sample over 18 spectacular cool-climate wines, accompanied by a knowledgeable guide who'll tell you all about local wine-making facts and stories, and opt to stop for a delicious lunch along the way. You'll travel in style with transfers in a luxury Mercedes van.

Queenstown - Cromwell - Cornish Point

Day 4: Charming villages & chic secluded glamping

Transfer from your accommodation to the airport, to pick up your rental car and begin the self-drive portion of your trip! From there, you've a plethora of fascinating sights up ahead.

Head into Maniototo, the historic heart of the discovery of gold and the European and Chinese immigration it generated. Unlike Queenstown, which has modernized, this region has kept a real authenticity; the architecture of its small villages is a testament to this, and even its inhabitants seem to enjoy time and life at a gentle pace.

Take time as you drive to explore Clyde, one of the country's best-preserved villages; the charms of Ophir; Bannockburn, the cradle of the best New Zealand Pinot Noir; and Cromwell, a fruit town with a Wild West vibe and unique artist culture. You'll reach your secluded glamping pod in Taima to spend the night in rural luxury, surrounded by a rugged mountain landscape.

Cornish Point - Tekapo

Day 5: Hot springs & stargazing in Tekapo

Leaving your luxury pod behind, take the State Highway 8 to Omarama, then continue on to Twizel and Tekapo. On today's drive, the Clay Cliffs are a must-see; their huge pinnacles and ridges are a true sight to behold - just try to get there before midday to benefit from the best light.

Next you'll reach Tekapo, known as a World Heritage Starlight Reserve. Unmissable highlights here include the University of Canterbury Mt John Observatory on the summit of Mount John, the hot pools overlooking Lake Tekapo, and the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd. Included in your itinerary is a unique, two-hour Tekapo Springs and stargazing experience: you'll first be introduced to the amazing night skies with a combination of astronomy and storytelling; then, you'll have exclusive use of a 37.5-degree hot pool, relaxing as you soak up the stars.

Tekapo - Mount Cook - Tekapo

Day 6: Admire Mount Cook from the skies

From Tekapo, today you'll set out to explore New Zealand's highest peak Aoraki Mount Cook, which rises at 3,754m. For ease and comfort, you'll do so via a scenic flight into the remote and untamed southern Alps, landing in the Liebig Range to enjoy stunning panoramas of Mount Cook and more. Soar over carved icebergs of the Tasman Terminal Lake before returning to your base on this 30-minute adventure. Your local expert will also be happy to recommend a series of walking trails to try out, if you'd also like to explore the area on foot.

Tekapo - Geraldine

Day 7: Live like a local in Geraldine

Today you'll leave Tekapo behind and journey to Geraldine, an authentic and pleasant Kiwi town, to slow your pace and enjoy a night in charming accommodation. After a drive of just under two hours, you may want to just relax on site - but if you have energy to burn, set out to enjoy the town at your own pace. Spectacular views of Aoraki Mount Cook await here, and highlights to explore include a vintage car and machinery museum, a historical museum, a military museum, and even a gin distillery.

Geraldine - Christchurch - Rotorua

Day 8: Night-time walk amongst redwoods

From Geraldine, set off to Christchurch Airport on a two-hour drive, befor dropping off your rental car and boarding a domestic flight to Rotorua (about an hour and 40 minutes; subject to availability, you could change your flight ticket to an earlier or later same-day flight on the day of departure).

In Rotorua, pick up your rental car at the airport. You'll then head to your lodge accommodation to check in and settle down, before enjoying a night-time walk in Rotorua's majestic redwood forest. Illuminated by the glow of 30 lanterns and feature lights, immerse yourself in the history and natural beauty of this captivating landscape, where the trees are more than 100 years old.

Rotorua - Mount Tarawera

Day 9: Floatplane adventures & spa relaxation

Head to the lakefront pier to embark on a two-hour, 15-minute floatplane adventure, experiencing the thrill of its takeoff before climbing above Mokoia Island and taking in the views of Mount Tarawera. Continue south, flying over the Waimangu Valley to view the Frying Pan Lake and Inferno Crater from above, before heading further south for vibrant views of thermal wonderland, Wai-O-Tapu.

After this incredible tour, it's time to kick back and relax at the Wai Ariki Hot Springs & Spa, on a two-hour multi-sensory journey, infused at every point with the legacy of Ngāti Whakaue. Amongst a highly restorative program, you'll enjoy access to three saunas, a bathing experience overlooking Lake Rotorua, a mud ritual, and a steam room session.

Mount Tarawera - Hobbiton - Auckland

Day 10: Journey to Auckland

Today you'll make your journey to Auckland, stopping along the way at Matamata - an authentic village about an hour north of Rotorua, in the heart of the Waikato Plains. There, you'll join a Hobbiton™ Movie Set tour to experience the iconic setting for The Shire, made famous by the Lord of the Rings trilogy.

Following this two-hour experience, you'll continue your travels to Auckland, where you'll drop off your rental car and have the day to explore the highlights at your own pace - from the Sky Tower with its panoramic vistas, to the pretty Albert Park and the sandy delights of Mission Bay. It's your last full day in New Zealand, so make the most of it as your honeymoon winds down to a close.

Auckland

Day 11: Goodbye, New Zealand!

A once-in-a-lifetime experience is sadly coming to an end - and with a suitcase full of memories, you'll head to the airport by private transfer for your flight back home. Safe travels!