Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
New Zealand – South Island – North Island
100% customisable for you
After lots of daydreaming and counting down the sleeps, your romantic New Zealand escape starts today. Head to the airport, breeze through security and settle into the lounge for a celebratory tipple before boarding.
It’s a 30-hour overnight flight to Queenstown, usually with two stopovers along the way, so snuggle up in your seats and try to catch some shut-eye.
When you touch down in Queenstown the next day, you’ll be met at the airport and privately transferred to your hotel in the heart of the city – your base for the next two nights.
Nothing beats a top-notch brunch after a long-haul flight, so head somewhere local and tuck into a hearty plate of golden corn fritters topped with smashed avocados and poached eggs, a staple you’ll likely spot on menus across the country.
And with an 11-hour time difference to contend with, it’s perfectly acceptable to surrender to the jet lag. Head back to the hotel and turn in for an early night; tomorrow promises plenty more excitement.
Hopefully, after an early night, you’re raring to go for your first full day in Queenstown.
Perhaps amble around the city’s Botanical Garden, where exotic blooms flourish or head to Kiwi Park, where native birds flit through the trees. The real star of the show, however, is the elusive kiwi – a flightless bird that inspired New Zealanders’ famous nickname and is quite the local celebrity.
Prefer your holidays with a little more adrenaline? Queenstown is the country’s adventure capital for good reason, with everything from skiing and mountain biking to white-water rafting on offer year-round.
Or, for a dose of old-world romance, set sail across Lake Wakatipu aboard the TSS Earnslaw, a well-preserved 1912 steamship, as the day’s final rays set the surrounding peaks aglow.
Fancy saddling up? We can also arrange a h orseback ride through Rees Valley, following winding trails into the alpine wilderness.
Ready for the first leg of your New Zealand road trip? Pick up the keys to your hire car this morning for the two-hour drive to Te Anau, winding through rolling countryside and pockets of native forest.
When you arrive, settle into a cosy cottage – your home for the next two nights.
The rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy. Perhaps stroll hand in hand along the shores of Lake Te Anau, with a gelato stop (or two) along the way. Or, simply claim a sunlounger by the pool and make a good dent in your holiday reads.
Round off the day at a local restaurant serving Maori-inspired cuisine, where traditional hangi is likely to feature on the menu – a feast of meat and vegetables cooked low and slow over glowing coals.
Love is in the air... and so is excitement, because today you’re ticking Milford Sound off the bucket list.
Set sail across the shimmering waters of this world-famous fjord, where Mitre Peak pierces the skyline at 5,550ft tall; its lower slopes cloaked in ancient rainforest. Drift past the thundering Lady Bowen Falls and Stirling Falls, where torrents of water tumble down the cliffs, sending swirling mist high into the air – so keep your waterproofs at the ready.
our skipper will also give you the lowdown on the local wildlife, with plenty of opportunities to spot bottlenose dolphins, Fiordland crested penguins and New Zealand fur seals. Visit during the spring, and you’ll be in for an even bigger spectacle (quite literally), as humpback whales pass through these waters on their annual migration.
Back in Te Anau this evening, treat yourselves to some fresh, locally sourced salmon, bound to hit the spot after a day on the water.
Buckle up for the four-and-a-half-hour drive to Twizel this morning, as ribbons of mountain mist curl across the landscape. Every great road trip deserves an equally great soundtrack, so tune into our destination-specific playlist and let the singalong commence...
When you arrive, settle into your charming guesthouse – your peaceful retreat for the next two nights.
After the long drive, the rest of the day is yours to take it easy. Perhaps stretch your legs on one of Twizel’s nature trails, breathe in that fresh alpine air and scout out somewhere local for dinner this evening.
As night falls, it’s all eyes to the skies. This region sits within the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, making it the perfect place to spend an evening gazing up at the cosmos. If you’re lucky enough to spot a shooting star, consider it the universe’s way of adding a little extra romance...
Pull on your best walking boots this morning, then hit the trails of Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, where glacier-fed rivers snake through the valleys and every bend reveals another dizzying view. The undisputed star of the show is Aoraki, New Zealand’s tallest mountain, standing at a lofty 12,200ft.
The scenery comes with a story, too. According to Maori legend, Aoraki and his three brothers set out on a voyage, but when their sailing vessel was damaged and they became stranded, the four were transformed into the Southern Alps to watch over the landscape.
For an even cooler adventure (pun intended), we can also arrange a Zodiac cruise across the icy waters at the foot of the mighty Tasman Glacier.
After a day of oohing and aahing your way around the park, settle in for a traditional Maori boil-up (an aromatic broth brimming with meat and seasonal vegetables).
Gear up for the four-and-a-half-hour drive to Akaroa this morning, trading soaring peaks for rolling farmland as you cross the vast Canterbury Plains. And if your partner suddenly starts excitedly pointing out of the window, there’s a good chance they’ve just spotted the azure waters of Akaroa Harbour.
Road trip complete, settle in for two nights at your charming chalet. Drop your bags, then wander down to the waterfront, where traditional boats bob gently in the bay and fishermen haul in the day’s catch.
All this fresh seafood is likely to whet your appetite, so this evening, seek out a local shellfish seller and discover why this town has earned such a stellar reputation for its oysters.
Don your swimwear and lather on the sunscreen this morning before making your way to the Pohatu Marine Reserve, where you’ll hop aboard a kayak. Grab your paddles, find your rhythm and glide side by side... at least until one of you inevitably decides that the race is on.
Follow your guide through the bay, ready to tick a few more sightings off your New Zealand wildlife bingo card. Drift past one of New Zealand’s largest colonies of white-flippered penguins (also affectionately known as little blue penguins), and keep your fingers crossed for playful Hector's dolphins making a cameo as they leap through the waves.
Then, just when you think the wildlife cuteness quota has been well and truly maxed out, you’ll likely spot adorable fur seals snoozing in the sunshine – hearts are sure to melt.
Cap off the day salt-speckled and ruddy-cheeked at a local diner, where seafood and crispy fries are a match made in heaven.
Another day, another road trip. This morning, it’s a three-and-a-half-hour drive north to Kaikoura, tracing the sparkling Pacific coastline. Roll the windows down, crank up the tunes and enjoy the ride.
When you arrive, check in to your oceanfront villa – your home away from home for the next two nights.
Drop your bags, slip straight into sandals and make a beeline for the beach. Here, take your pick between a sun-drenched lounger or a palm-shaded patch of sand, perhaps with a spritzy cocktail to celebrate your arrival?
Rise and shine... well, whenever you feel like it this morning – today is all about embracing Kaikoura’s laid-back way of life. Enjoy a lazy start to the day before the aroma of freshly baked pastries tempts you into town.
From here, enjoy a wander along the Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway, where waves crash against the rugged cliffs below. If your other half is an animal lover, they’re in for a real treat here. From seabirds soaring overhead and penguins waddling among the rocks, to dolphins frolicking in the surf, this scenic stretch is teeming with wildlife.
Still raring to go? We can also arrange a w hale-watching cruise or a hands-on cooking class, where you’ll learn how to whip up some of the delicious New Zealand dishes you’ve been trying throughout your trip.
You’ve given the South Island a good run around; now it’s time to see what awaits in the North.
Climb back behind the wheel for the two-hour journey to Picton ferry terminal, then drive aboard the ferry for the crossing to Wellington via the Cook Strait. It’s a three-and-a-half-hour journey, so use the time wisely: head to the onboard shop, assemble a haul of New Zealand snacks and decide which ones deserve a permanent place in the glovebox...
When you arrive in the capital, check into your centrally located hotel – your base for the next two nights.
Spend some time exploring the big city, and when hunger strikes, head straight for a nearby street food market, where your taste buds can embark on a round-the-world trip.
Fancy yourselves history buffs or art aficionados? You’re in the right city.
Delve into New Zealand’s rich history at Te Papa Tongarewa, the country’s national museum. Its Maori name translates to ‘The Treasure Box’, a fitting title for a museum packed with everything from Maori ancient artefacts and colossal marine skeletons to contemporary art.
By now, you’ll be armed with plenty of new facts to impress each other, so let our local Concierge take care of choosing the restaurant – just tell them what you’re both craving.
Set your sights (and your sat nav) on Ohakune this morning and embark on the three-and-a-half-hour drive north. When you arrive, check into your alpine lodge on the edge of Tongariro National Park, where you’ll be spending the night.
The rest of the afternoon calls for muddy boots and rosy cheeks. Blessed with rich volcanic soil, the farms around Ohakune produce some seriously good fruit and veg. Why not spend a few hours exploring the local countryside and sampling whatever’s in season? That’s your five-a-day well and truly sorted.
Nights in Ohakune can be pretty chilly, so cosy up beside the crackling fire with a steaming mug of hot chocolate and see whose marshmallow toasts to golden perfection first...
Start the day the Kiwi way with a velvety flat white. And when the caffeine kicks in, head into Tongariro National Park and follow one of the nature trails, where native birds flit through the canopy.
As the sacred volcanic peaks of Tongariro, Ruapehu and Ngauruhoe come into view, you’ll quickly forget about the uphill stretches... almost. Film buffs may even recognise Mount Ngauruhoe as the stand-in for Mount Doom in The Lord of the Rings trilogy.
If you’re up for venturing a little further, tackle the legendary Tongariro Alpine Crossing, where the dazzling Emerald Lakes await, or seek out the crater lake atop Mount Ruapehu.
This afternoon, embark on the two-hour d rive to Taupo, where you’ll check in for two nights at a charming guesthouse. Dine somewhere local and polish off a glass of New Zealand wine – well deserved after all that explorin’.
Hoping to curate the ultimate holiday photo album? Orakei Korako Geothermal Park has you covered.
After a scenic 30-minute drive to the park, marvel at bubbling thermal pools, shimmering silica terraces and spouting geysers, snapping plenty of selfies along the way. Save the mysterious Ruatapu Cave until last, where a hidden geothermal pool and echoing rock chambers await beneath the surface – if you’re brave enough to venture inside...
If you’re not quite ready to call it a day, we can also arrange a Western Bay Cruise, where you’ll glide past cascading waterfalls before dropping anchor for a refreshing swim.
Your journey continues today with an hour-long drive north to Rotorua. When you arrive, settle into your woodland retreat for the night and let the towering redwoods and birdsong work their magic.
Then, take your R&R to new heights at a Nordic-inspired bathhouse nestled in the heart of Whakarewarewa Forest. Sink into the soothing geothermal waters as wisps of steam curl through the air, with idyllic views of the nearby Puarenga Stream completing the scene.
All pampered out? It’s time to crank up the adventure – you're in New Zealand after all. Venture deeper into the Redwood Forest for an evening treetop walk among the towering giants. Follow the glow of lanterns across suspension bridges strung between century-old redwoods, sequoias and silver ferns as you climb higher into the canopy.
Fuel up with a hearty breakfast this morning, then set off north for the three-hour drive to Whitianga, nestled on the wild Coromandel Peninsula. When you arrive, check in to your cottage, your home for the next two nights.
The next couple of days are all about embracing Whitianga’s laid-back pace of life and enjoying some just-us time. But if you’re itching for more adventure, perhaps follow the winding Route 309, or hike to New Chums Beach.
Still dreaming about those geothermal soaks in Rotorua? At Hot Water Beach, all you need is a shovel and a little teamwork to uncover your own gloriously warm pool beneath the sand.
Or if you fancy making a splash instead, the Coromandel’s waters offer a myriad of aquatic activities, from inland rafting and diving to fishing, cruising and kayaking to the iconic Cathedral Cove.
As the sun dips each evening, do as the Kiwis do and fire up one of Whitianga’s free-to-use beach barbecues, piling your plate high with smoky sausages, sizzling seafood and fresh veggies.
It’s time for another spin behind the wheel this morning as you embark on the easy-breezy three-hour drive to Auckland.
When you arrive, check in for the night at your centrally located hotel, then set off to explore the city at your own pace.
Perhaps brush up on New Zealand’s seafaring history at the Maritime Museum or enjoy a stroll through the leafy Auckland Domain and its Wintergardens.
Then spend some time browsing the indie boutiques of Karangahape Road and the neighbouring Ponsonby district – perfect for a spot of last-minute souvenir-shopping (or a surprise gift for your other half).
And if rugby is your shared love language, make a beeline for the legendary Eden Park, New Zealand’s national stadium, where the world-famous All Blacks team has thrilled crowds for generations.
Wrap up your holiday with another restaurant recommendation from our local Concierge, who’ll know just the spot for a romantic candlelit dinner.
Time flies when you’re having fun, and, sadly, your adventure across New Zealand has come to an end.
It’s just a short drive to Auckland Airport this morning, where you’ll return your trusty hire car before boarding your overnight flight back home, with a short stop in Asia or the Middle East along the way.
The journey takes around 30 hours; plenty of time to flick through your photos, relive the highlights and discuss the standout moments. And if you can already feel the post-holiday blues creeping in, nothing lifts the spirits quite like pitching your next trip idea to your other half...
Everything in this itinerary is entirely customisable, down to the smallest details. Here are some more suggestions of what could be included
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
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Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday
We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from checking you in for your flights to our network of local Concierges
