The Honeymoon Retreat

Your private driver will be waiting at Auckland International Airport to welcome you both and see you safely to your hotel. Take the rest of the afternoon to settle in together before the journey begins.

An easy, unhurried walk along Mission Bay’s waterfront, with views across the Waitematā Harbour, the gentlest possible first evening together in Aotearoa.

As the light softens, take in the city and its two harbours from the Sky Tower’s observation deck, a fitting first look at the country you’re about to spend seventeen days exploring together.

A carefully selected dinner at a premium local restaurant, thoughtfully arranged throughout your journey to suit every taste.

A private tour through Auckland’s principal neighbourhoods: the central city, the waterfront, Auckland Domain, Ponsonby, the Harbour Bridge, North Shore viewpoints and Westhaven Marina, at your own pace, together.

Continue into Kumeu’s vineyards for a relaxed gourmet lunch, followed by wine tastings at a selected winery, Auckland’s countryside at its most unhurried.

The afternoon closes on the Auckland’s dramatic west coast at Muriwai, where black volcanic sand meets the Tasman Sea. Evening is yours, at leisure.

Leave Auckland by private vehicle and head east into the Coromandel, a change of pace from the city, into a coastline of native bush and volcanic rock.

Scenic stops at two of the Coromandel’s signature landscapes: the sea-carved archway at Cathedral Cove and the natural hot springs beneath the sand at Hot Water Beach, access and timing subject to conditions on the day.

Settle into your private apartment or motel in Whitianga, a small harbour town that will be your base for the next two nights.

Dinner locally in Whitianga, at a carefully chosen restaurant, as throughout the journey.

A relaxed morning with a choice of on-water experiences: a Glass Bottom Boat excursion, jet skiing, or kayaking, chosen together depending on weather and how energetic you’re feeling.

Two hours in Lost Spring’s geothermal pools as a couple, followed by a platter and a handcrafted cocktail each, served poolside, robe and towel included. The rest of the day is free to explore Whitianga’s waterfront, cafés and town at your own pace.

Descend into the famous limestone caves and drift beneath a living constellation of glowworms, one of New Zealand’s quietly extraordinary sights.

A lunch stop is arranged along the way, own account, as you continue on towards Rotorua.

After check-in, unwind together in the mineral-rich thermal waters of the Polynesian Spa, a soothing close to a day of travel.

Dinner locally, at a carefully selected restaurant.

A meaningful morning learning Māori culture, tradition and daily life within Rotorua’s living geothermal landscape, guided throughout.

An atmospheric evening walk beneath the towering redwoods of Whakarewarewa Forest, before returning to the hotel.

Check out and transfer to Rotorua Airport for your flight south to Christchurch, where a local driver will meet you and take you to your hotel.

The remainder of the day is deliberately unstructured, time to explore independently, together, at whatever pace suits you.

Dinner in Christchurch, at a carefully selected restaurant.

A relaxed guided tour through the Botanic Gardens and Hagley Park, The Arts Centre, the Avon River, New Regent Street, Cathedral Square, Riverside Market, and a ride on the heritage Christchurch Tram, the city’s garden-and-heritage side at an easy pace. Evening is yours, at leisure.

A private-vehicle departure through the Canterbury countryside, with a stop in Geraldine for a local preserve or jam-tasting experience.

A lunch stop is arranged, own account, as you cross into the wide-open Mackenzie Country.

Time beside Lake Tekapo’s turquoise waters, with a visit to the small stone Church of the Good Shepherd on its shore.

Continue past Lake Pukaki towards Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park, checking into your private apartment stay with time to take in the alpine surroundings before dinner.

After an early dinner, step out into one of the world’s great dark-sky reserves for a guided stargazing experience beneath Aoraki, the kind of sky most people never get to see together.

The defining day of the journey: fly by helicopter onto the Tasman Glacier and spend real time walking and exploring it with an experienced alpine guide, genuine glacier exploration, ice formations and blue-ice features, not a brief scenic landing.

Weather and energy permitting, a short and easy walk to one of the valley’s alpine viewpoints. The remainder of the day is intentionally left open.

Self-drive south with carefully selected scenic stops along the way, at your own pace.

A gentle walk along Lake Wānaka’s shoreline on arrival, with mountains rising directly from the water.

An unhurried evening around the area’s famous lone tree, time for a light nature walk, a scenic viewpoint, or simply the lakefront and mountain light.

Dinner with a view over the lake to close the day.

One of New Zealand’s great drives, with selected photo and viewpoint stops along the Crown Range on the way into Queenstown.

Rise above Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu on the Skyline Gondola for sweeping views over the Remarkables.

A single, well-chosen adventure activity, a Luge ride down the mountain, rather than stacking several adrenaline experiences into one day.

Dinner overlooking Queenstown and the lake.

One of the world’s most scenic drives, along Lake Wakatipu to Glenorchy, with a private driver-guide throughout.

Continue into the remote landscapes around Paradise and the Dart River Valley, with a short, easy nature walk selected on the day to suit weather and ability.

A specially prepared gourmet picnic at a scenic location, thoughtfully arranged to suit every taste. Evening back in Queenstown is at leisure.

Time to walk Arrowtown’s heritage precinct, browse its local shops and take in the atmosphere of one of Otago’s best-preserved gold-rush towns.

A dramatic drive through Gibbston and the Kawarau Gorge towards Bannockburn.

A guided tasting at a celebrated winery, learning the vineyard’s story and the region’s wine-making character, followed by a carefully arranged gourmet lunch, where available, in a more intimate private setting such as a cabana.

Weather permitting, fly across the Southern Alps for spectacular aerial views before boarding a cruise through Piopiotahi/Milford Sound, surrounded by cliffs, waterfalls and wilderness, then return to Queenstown by scenic flight.

A farewell dinner in Queenstown to close the South Island chapter of your journey together.

Check out and transfer to Queenstown Airport for your flight back to Auckland.

A private transfer to your Auckland hotel for one final overnight before departure.