Romantic Low-Budget Honeymoon Adventure to Hobbiton and Beyond in New Zealand

Day 1: Travel and Rest

Springville, Utah to Auckland, New Zealand on July 24, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at home

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at home before heading to the airport, keeping it cozy and stress-free.

USD0, 1h

11:00am

Flight to Auckland, New Zealand

Depart from Salt Lake City International Airport with connections to Auckland. This will be a long travel day, so rest as much as possible.

USD800 per person approx., 19h

View Hotels

Day 2: Arrive and Explore Auckland

Auckland, New Zealand on July 25, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Federal Delicatessen

Start your day at this popular spot offering affordable and hearty breakfasts with excellent coffee.

NZD20, 1h

10:30am

Auckland Domain and War Memorial Museum

Relax in the beautiful Auckland Domain park followed by a visit to the nearby museum to learn about New Zealand’s culture and history. Open 10am - 5pm.

NZD25, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Little Bird Organics

Enjoy fresh, healthy, budget-friendly organic meals at this bright cafe.

NZD15, 1h

2:30pm

Walk along Viaduct Harbour

Leisurely stroll by the water with opportunities to stop at cafes or relax. Perfect for some quiet time together.

NZD0, 2h

5:00pm

Dinner at Depot Eatery

Savor shareable plates in a casual atmosphere, offering affordable and delicious New Zealand dishes.

NZD40, 1h30m

View Hotels

Day 3: Hobbiton Tour Day

Matamata, New Zealand on July 26, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Chuffed Cafe in Auckland

A wholesome breakfast to fuel your adventure with coffee and sandwiches or pastries at reasonable prices.

NZD18, 1h

10:30am

Drive to Matamata

A 2-hour scenic drive southeast from Auckland to Hobbiton Movie Set.

NZD0, 2h

1:00pm

Hobbiton Movie Set Guided Tour

Experience the famous Hobbiton movie set - walk through the charming movie set and gardens. Tours run 9am-5pm. Book in advance for budget-friendly options.

NZD89, 2h

3:30pm

Snack at Green Dragon Inn

Enjoy a themed drink or snack at the Hobbiton Inn after the tour for an immersive experience.

NZD12, 1h

5:00pm

Drive back to Rotorua

A 1-hour drive to Rotorua for overnight stay, giving options to relax and explore next day.

NZD0, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Fat Dog Cafe in Rotorua

Budget-friendly, cozy, and casual New Zealand cuisine in Rotorua perfect for honeymooners.

NZD30, 1h

View Hotels

Day 4: Rotorua Geothermal and Maori Culture

Rotorua, New Zealand on July 27, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Capers Epicurean

Delicious coffee and breakfast with some local pastries, suitable for a light budget.

NZD20, 1h

10:30am

Visit Kuirau Park

Explore this free public geothermal park with hot springs, bubbling mud pools – a relaxed experience of Rotorua’s volcanic environment.

NZD0, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Eat Streat

Choose from a variety of affordable eateries offering local and international cuisines in this popular dining area.

NZD20, 1h

2:00pm

Te Puia Maori Culture and Geothermal Experience

Visit this must-see cultural center showcasing Maori traditions and geysers. Open 8:00am – 5:00pm. Book tickets online for a better deal.

NZD55, 2h

5:00pm

Relax at Polynesian Spa

End your day soaking in thermal mineral pools – choose a budget package to enjoy shared pools with a lake view.

NZD30, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at a local diner

Eat at a local casual diner such as the Third Place Cafe with affordable meals and cozy ambiance.

NZD25, 1h

View Hotels

Day 5: Lake Taupo Relaxation

Lake Taupo, New Zealand on July 28, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Rotorua’s Daily Dose Cafe

A good hearty breakfast with affordable options close to your accommodation.

NZD18, 1h

10:30am

Drive to Lake Taupo

A beautiful, scenic 1-hour drive to New Zealand’s largest lake, perfect for honeymoon relaxation.

NZD0, 1h

12:00pm

Picnic Lunch by the Lake

Stop by a supermarket to pick up picnic supplies and enjoy lunch together by the lake, keeping costs low and moments intimate.

NZD20, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Huka Falls

Short walk to the spectacular Huka Falls—free of cost and breathtaking views ideal for romantic photos.

NZD0, 1h

3:00pm

Relax at Spa Thermal Park

Enjoy a natural hot spring spa in this public park, free to access and a wonderful way to unwind.

NZD0, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Moby’s Fresh Fish Restaurant

Fresh seafood at reasonable prices with lovely views over the lake, perfect for a special but budget-conscious meal.

NZD40, 1h30m

View Hotels

Day 6: Tongariro National Park Hikes

Tongariro National Park, New Zealand on July 29, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at local cafe in Taupo

Start with a simple and affordable breakfast fueling a day of outdoor exploration.

NZD15, 1h

10:00am

Drive to Tongariro National Park

A scenic 1-hour drive to the park entrance, gateway to New Zealand’s oldest national park.

NZD0, 1h

11:00am

Easy Walks and Photo Stops

Choose short, budget-friendly walks such as the Taranaki Falls Walk offering magnificent volcanic landscapes. No entry fee.

NZD0, 3h

2:00pm

Lunch at Whakapapa Village Cafe

Affordable light lunch in the park village serving sandwiches and soups.

NZD15, 1h

3:30pm

Leisure time by the park

Relax together in the natural surroundings, soaking in the quiet and beauty at no cost.

NZD0, 2h

6:00pm

Drive back to Taupo

Return for dinner and restful night after an active day.

NZD0, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Simple Cafe

A cozy casual dining spot in Taupo ideal for budget-conscious meals with good portions.

NZD25, 1h

View Hotels

Day 7: Travel to Wellington

Taupo to Wellington, New Zealand on July 30, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at your hotel or nearby cafe

Simple, convenient breakfast before the drive south.

NZD15, 1h

10:00am

Drive to Wellington

Drive approximately 5 hours to Wellington, New Zealand’s vibrant capital city, breaking up trip with scenic stops.

NZD0, 5h

3:00pm

Check-in and Rest at Budget Accommodation

Check in to cozy yet affordable accommodation to refresh after the drive.

NZD100, 1h

4:00pm

Walk along Wellington Waterfront

Enjoy a romantic stroll along the harbor with art installations, cafes, and views of the city.

NZD0, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Fidel’s Cafe

Affordable and vibrant local cafe known for hearty meals and welcoming atmosphere.

NZD30, 1h30m

View Hotels

Day 8: Wellington City Culture

Wellington, New Zealand on July 31, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Loretta

Enjoy excellent all-day breakfast with a reputation for quality and reasonable prices.

NZD22, 1h

10:30am

Visit Te Papa Museum

Explore New Zealand’s national museum filled with fascinating exhibits on natural history and Maori culture. Free entry, open 10am-6pm.

NZD0, 3h

1:30pm

Lunch at Wellington Night Market (if available)

Browse affordable international street food, perfect for sampling local tastes.

NZD20, 1h

3:00pm

Cable Car to Kelburn Lookout

Take a budget-friendly cable car ride for panoramic views over Wellington and a romantic photo opportunity.

NZD10, 1h

4:30pm

Walk in the Botanical Gardens

Leisure walk down from Kelburn through gardens and forest trails. Free to visit and peaceful.

NZD0, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Aunty Mena’s

Affordable, authentic Nepalese and Indian cuisine in a cozy setting.

NZD30, 1h30m

View Hotels

Day 9: Picton Nelson Adventure

Wellington to Picton/Nelson, New Zealand on August 1, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at hotel or local cafe

Fuel up with a simple breakfast near accommodation before ferry travel.

NZD15, 1h

10:30am

Ferry from Wellington to Picton

Take the scenic ferry ride across Cook Strait with stunning views. Be sure to book tickets early for best prices.

NZD60, 3h

2:00pm

Drive to Nelson

Short 1.5-hour drive from Picton to Nelson, a charming small city known for art and vineyards.

NZD0, 1.5h

3:30pm

Check-in and relax

Settle in affordable lodging and enjoy downtime together.

NZD90, 1h

4:30pm

Nelson city walk and local shops

Explore artisan shops, galleries and the lively atmosphere of Nelson on a leisurely walk.

NZD0, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at The Vic Brewbar

Casual dining with local beers and light meals for an easy, relaxed evening.

NZD30, 1h

View Hotels

Day 10: Abel Tasman National Park Leisure

Nelson, New Zealand on August 2, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at The Free House

Start your day with a budget-friendly cafe breakfast offering good quality coffee and food.

NZD20, 1h

10:30am

Day trip to Abel Tasman National Park

Visit the park for beautiful coastal walks and beaches; free entry though you may want to budget for shuttle or kayak rental if desired. A picnic lunch is a budget way to enjoy the day.

NZD0-50, 6h