Enchanting New Zealand Honeymoon Itinerary: 9 Days of Adventure and Romance

Day 1: Arrival in Auckland

Auckland, New Zealand

11:00AM

Arrive in Auckland

Touch down at Auckland Airport and pick up your rental car for your honeymoon adventure.
Auckland Airport to hotel in downtown Auckland takes 30 minutes by car.
NZD150, 30 minutes

1:00PM

Lunch at Giapo Ice Cream

Indulge in gourmet ice cream creations that delight the senses at Giapo.
Located in downtown Auckland, a short 10-minute drive from your hotel.
NZD50, 1 hour

2:30PM

Auckland Sky Tower

Enjoy panoramic views of the entire Auckland region from the Sky Tower, perfect for romantic photos.
A 15-minute walk from your lunch spot.
NZD32, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Orbit 360° Dining

Dine with a view as you enjoy a meal at the Sky Tower's revolving restaurant.
Located at the top of the Sky Tower.
NZD150, 2 hours
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Day 2: Exploring Rotorua

Rotorua, New Zealand

8:00AM

Drive to Rotorua

After breakfast, depart for Rotorua, famous for its geothermal activity and Maori culture.
A scenic 3-hour drive from Auckland.
NZD60 for fuel, 3 hours

11:00AM

Visit Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland

Explore the colorful geothermal landscape filled with bubbling mud pools and hot springs.
Located just a 30-minute drive from Rotorua city center.
NZD32, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Eat Streat

Savor local dishes at this vibrant outdoor dining precinct featuring various eateries.
Return to Rotorua city center, 30-minute drive from Wai-O-Tapu.
NZD60, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Relax at Polynesian Spa

Unwind together in the therapeutic geothermal pools, perfect for a romantic afternoon.
Only a quick 5-minute drive from lunch at Eat Streat.
NZD99, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner and Cultural Evening at Tamaki Maori Village

Engage in a unique cultural experience with a traditional Maori hangi feast and vibrant performance.
Drive to Tamaki Maori Village, about 15 minutes from the spa.
NZD165, 3 hours
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Day 3: Adventure in Rotorua

Rotorua, New Zealand

7:30AM

Breakfast at Capers Epicurean

Start your day with gourmet breakfast options at this popular café.
Just a 10-minute drive from your hotel.
NZD50, 1 hour

9:00AM

Ziplining Experience

Experience the thrill of ziplining through beautiful native forest canopies.
Drive to the ziplining site, approximately 15 minutes from your breakfast spot.
NZD139, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at the Hangi Hut

Enjoy the iconic flavors of a traditional Maori Hangi prepared in the ground.
A short drive back to Rotorua city center, about 15 minutes.
NZD40, 1 hour

1:30PM

Red Woods Treewalk

Stroll among the towering trees on a suspended walkway; capture the beauty of nature together.
Located just 10 minutes from the lunch spot.
NZD25, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Visit Te Puia

Discover Maori culture and marvel at the geothermal wonders including geysers and hot springs.
About a 10-minute drive from Red Woods.
NZD55, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Atticus Finch

Choose from a menu featuring fresh local ingredients in a cozy atmosphere to wrap up your day.
Located in downtown Rotorua, only 10 minutes away.
NZD80, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Lake Taupo Escape

Taupo, New Zealand

7:30AM

Breakfast at the Fat Dog Cafe

Enjoy a big breakfast at this local favorite known for its hearty portions.
A 15-minute drive from your Rotorua hotel.
NZD40, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Lake Taupo

Embark on the scenic 1-hour drive to the stunning Lake Taupo.
Straightforward drive via State Highway 1.
NZD20 for fuel, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Huka Falls

Witness the powerful waterfalls and enjoy a short walk on the viewing platforms.
Only a 10-minute drive from your hotel in Taupo.
Free, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at The Squeeze

Grab a fresh sandwich or smoothie at this local café overlooking the lake.
10 minutes from Huka Falls.
NZD50, 1 hour

1:30PM

Boat Cruise on Lake Taupo

Enjoy a romantic boat cruise on the clear waters of Lake Taupo while viewing the Maori rock carvings.
Depart from Taupo boat ramp, just 5 minutes from lunch.
NZD85, 2.5 hours

4:00PM

Check into your Hotel

Check into a beautiful lakeside hotel for relaxation and stunning sunset views.
Driving distance is 10 minutes from the boat cruise termination point.
NZD220, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at the Vine Eatery

Indulge in an intimate dinner at this cozy restaurant offering wine pairings with local cuisine.
Located 5 minutes away from your hotel.
NZD100, 2 hours
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Day 5: Wellington Wonders

Wellington, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at Lakehouse Cafe

Enjoy a hearty breakfast with beautiful lake views to kickstart your day.
Take a 30-minute drive towards Wellington.
NZD50, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive to Wellington

Make the scenic 4-hour drive to Wellington, with stunning landscapes en route.
Continue on State Highway 1 towards Wellington.
NZD75 for fuel, 4 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Fidel's Cafe

Grab a casual lunch at this local café known for its vibrant atmosphere and tasty food.
Located near the waterfront in Wellington.
NZD60, 1 hour

3:30PM

Visit Te Papa Museum

Explore New Zealand's national museum showcasing art and cultural exhibits.
A short walk from Fidel's Cafe, about 15 minutes.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Logan Brown

Enjoy fine dining at this award-winning restaurant, featuring a gourmet menu emphasizing local produce.
Located a 10-minute walk or 5-minute drive from the museum.
NZD200, 2.5 hours
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Day 6: Scenic Nelson

Nelson, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at Scopa Café

Start your morning with delicious fare at this trendy Nelson café.
A 10-minute drive from your hotel.
NZD50, 1 hour

9:30AM

Flight to Nelson

Catch a morning flight to Nelson's regional airport.
About a 20-minute drive to the airport in Wellington.
NZD150 per person, 1 hour

11:00AM

Arrive in Nelson

Lands in the charming city of Nelson, renowned for its stunning beaches and art scene.
10-minute drive from airport to downtown Nelson.
NZD30 for fuel, 30 minutes

12:00PM

Lunch at The Refinery

Taste locally sourced dishes at this popular eatery within the arts district.
Located in downtown Nelson, just 5 minutes from your hotel.
NZD70, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Abel Tasman National Park

Embark on a scenic drive to the national park, renowned for its stunning beaches and hiking trails.
A 30-minute drive from Nelson city center.
Free, 3 hours

5:00PM

Return to Nelson

Head back to your hotel in Nelson for relaxation.
Drive back to Nelson, approximately 30 minutes from the park.
Free, 30 minutes

7:00PM

Dinner at Hopgoods Restaurant

Enjoy a romantic dinner with seasonal menu options in an elegant setting.
Located just a 5-minute drive from your hotel.
NZD100, 2 hours
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Day 7: Charming Kaikoura

Kaikoura, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Boat Shed

Enjoy breakfast with ocean views at this charming local eatery.
A 5-minute walk from your hotel.
NZD50, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive to Kaikoura

Travel to Kaikoura, famous for its marine wildlife and stunning coastal scenery.
A scenic 2-hour drive southeast from Nelson.
NZD40 for fuel, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Green Green Grass

Experience fresh seafood in this cozy restaurant with lovely views of the bay.
Drive about 5 minutes from your arrival point.
NZD70, 1 hour

1:30PM

Whale Watching Tour

Embark on an unforgettable whale watching excursion in the scenic waters of Kaikoura.
Depart from Kaikoura harbor, just a 5-minute walk from lunch.
NZD150, 3 hours

5:00PM

Relax on the Beach

Stroll hand-in-hand along the stunning Kaikoura beaches, soaking in the views.
Beach is accessible just a short walk from the whale watching tour.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at The Pier Hotel Restaurant

Enjoy an exquisite dinner featuring local seafood and wines while enjoying the ocean views.
Only a 5-minute walk from the beach.
NZD100, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Vibrant Christchurch

Christchurch, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Caffeine Laboratory

Start your day with great coffee and delicious breakfast options at this trendy café.
A 5-minute walk from your Kaikoura hotel.
NZD40, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive to Christchurch

Make the scenic 2.5-hour drive to Christchurch, the gateway to the South Island.
Head southeast along State Highway 1.
NZD40 for fuel, 2.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Fiddlesticks Restaurant

Enjoy a lovely meal at this eatery known for its local produce and rustic charm.
Located in the city center of Christchurch, about a 5-minute drive from your hotel.
NZD80, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Christchurch Botanic Gardens

Take a romantic stroll through beautifully manicured gardens; perfect for some quiet togetherness.
Only a 5-minute drive from lunch.
Free, 1 hour

4:00PM

Explore the Quake City Exhibition

Learn about the city's resilience after the 2011 earthquake and its journey to recovery.
A short 10-minute drive from the Botanic Gardens.
NZD25, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at The George

Indulge in a fine dining experience at this luxurious hotel restaurant known for exquisite cuisine.
A 10-minute drive from the exhibition.
NZD200, 2 hours
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Day 9: Adventure in Queenstown

Queenstown, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at Vudu Cafe & Larder

Start your day with delicious breakfast options at this popular local café.
A short drive or 10-minute walk from your Christchurch hotel.
NZD50, 1 hour

9:30AM

Flight to Queenstown

Catch a morning flight to Queenstown, known as the adventure capital of New Zealand.
About a 15-minute drive to the airport.
NZD150 per person, 1 hour

11:00AM

Arrive in Queenstown

Step into the vibrant and stunning landscapes of Queenstown.
A short taxi ride or shuttle from the airport to the town center, about 15 minutes.
NZD30, 30 minutes

12:00PM

Lunch at Fergburger

Try the world-famous burgers at this iconic eatery; a must-visit for foodies.
Located in the town center, just a 5-minute walk.
NZD70, 1 hour

1:30PM

Gondola Ride and Skyline Luge

Ride the gondola for breathtaking views, then race down the luge track amidst stunning scenery.
Take a short walk from lunch to the gondola base, about 5 minutes.
NZD95, 3 hours

5:00PM

Relax at Queenstown Gardens

Wander through the lush gardens and enjoy lakeside views for a serene afternoon.
Approximately a 15-minute walk from the gondola.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at R.E. Burger

End your honeymoon with a delicious meal at this lively eatery, specializing in gourmet hamburgers.
A 10-minute walk from the gardens.
NZD60, 1.5 hours
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