New Zealand Honeymoon & Romance Itinerary: 3 Weeks / 21 Days

© Mark Clinton - THL

How to Get Around New Zealand in 3 Weeks

This is a self-drive three-week honeymoon and romance itinerary for New Zealand. We give tips on hiring a vehicle below, as well as additional (and alternative) transport methods to use for travelling 21 days around New Zealand on your honeymoon.

Rental Car or Campervan

Other than your hubby, your most important road trip companion is your rental vehicle. Use a rental company that has depots in Christchurch and Auckland where your itinerary begins and ends. Get started with your research with The Guide to Renting a Car or The Guide Renting a Campervan in New Zealand.

Ferries

You’ll be taking the ferry between the North Island and South Island on this itinerary. Get tips on ferry travel in The Ferry Between the North Island and South Island.

Escorted Tours

If you would rather not drive yourselves around New Zealand, escorted bus tours provide an easy alternative. However, escorted tours follow their own set itineraries rather than what is listed below. Check out a range of fully-guided tours on The Best 20+ Days Tours of New Zealand.

Plan more of your honeymoon using The Honeymoon & Romance Guide to New Zealand.

Alternatively, use the free online travel agent, First Light Travel, to work out all of the logistics for you – more on them at the bottom of this itinerary.

© NZPocketGuide.com

Day 1 – Christchurch Airport to Aoraki Mt Cook National Park

Travel time: 4 hours

It’s real; your three-week honeymoon in New Zealand has begun! Pick up your rental car from the Christchurch Airport, then head on the road, as you have a lot to cover on the South Island.

Watch the landscape transform from urban to pasture to alpine as you travel between Christchurch and Aoraki Mt Cook National Park. A noteworthy stop along the way is Geraldine for adventurous white water rafting on the Rangitata River or checking out its array of vintage museums. Find out more about these experiences in the 10 Excellent Things to Do in Geraldine.

The next stop is Lake Tekapo, where you can soak together in the hot pools of Tekapo Springs while admiring the views of the blue lake waters and the Southern Alps. Check out the 10 Unmissable Things to Do in Lake Tekapo for more activities.

Finally, drive alongside the vividly blue waters of Lake Pukaki to Aoraki Mt Cook Village. If you have the energy, book a stargazing tour at The Hermitage Hotel Mt Cook to learn more about the unbelievably clear constellations seen from an International Dark Sky Reserve.

Romantic Accommodation in Mt Cook

• Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat
• The Hermitage Hotel Mt Cook
• Lakestone Lodge
• Mt Cook Lodge and Motel
• Aoraki Court Motel

For more details on each recommendation, check out the 5 Most Romantic Accommodations in Mt Cook.

© Unsplash

Day 2 – Explore Aoraki Mt Cook National Park

It’s taken a lot to get here so have a lie-in and embrace the epic mountain scenery from your hotel’s restaurant at breakfast. There are various ways to explore said scenery together, from an intimate helicopter flight over Mt Cook with The Helicopter Line to hiking the free walking trails.

Romantic Experiences in Mt Cook

• Enjoy an intimate helicopter flight among the peaks
• Tackle the Mt Cook hikes together
• Do a glacier kayaking tour with Southern Alps Guiding
• Explore the Tasman Glacier on a heli-hike with Mt Cook Glacier Guiding
• Have a tipple at the Snowline Lounge.

For more details on each activity, see the 10 Romantic Things to Do in Mt Cook.

© Unsplash

Day 3 – Aoraki Mt Cook to Oamaru

Travel time: 2 hrs 40 mins

Travel from the alps to the ocean today as you make your way from Aoraki Mt Cook to Oamaru. Stop by quaint towns like Twizel for its picturesque riverside walk. See the 10 Fun Things to Do in Twizel for more ways to experience the town.

Next is Omarama, where you can treat yourselves to a soak at Hot Tubs Omarama or check out the pinnacle formations of the Clay Cliffs. Both of these attractions are covered in the 5 Fun Things to Do in Omarama.

After Omarama, it’s a scenic journey down the Waitaki Valley featuring boutique wineries, unusual rock formations, fossils and historic Maori rock art. Again, we have more details on these attractions in the 10 Bizarre Sights in the Waitaki Valley.

Finally, you’ll reach Oamaru, which is a town with a healthy Victorian-era, steampunk and penguin obsession. If you have time in the afternoon, treat the senses to the dairy goodness of Whitestone Cheese, which offers factory tours and cheese and wine tastings. We also recommend taking the time to explore the Victorian Precinct, adorned with grand whitestone architecture. In the late afternoon/evening, try your luck at spotting rare yellow-eyed penguins from the viewing hides of Bushy Beach.

Romantic Experiences in Oamaru

• Have a stroll in the Oamaru Public Garden
• Indulge in a wine and cheese factory tour and tasting at Whitestone Cheese
• Explore the Victorian Precinct
• Go penguin-watching at Bushy Beach
• Treat yourselves to a couples’ hot pool session at the Old Bones Lodge.

For more information, see the 10 Romantic Activities in Oamaru.

Romantic Accommodation in Oamaru

• Pen-y-bryn Lodge
• Poshtel
• Old Bones Lodge
• Brydone Hotel Oamaru
• Oamaru Harbour Nest

For more details on each of our top picks, see the 10 Most Romantic Accommodations in Oamaru.

© DunedinNZ

Day 4 – Oamaru to Dunedin

Travel time: 1 hr 30 mins

On the agenda today is travelling to Dunedin, but not without a quick stop at the perfectly spherical Moeraki Boulders for some obligatory honeymoon snaps.

You should arrive with plenty of time to experience Dunedin, whether it’s learning something new together at the Toitu Otago Settlers Museum or being dazzled by penguins, sea lions and more on the Monarch Wildlife Cruise. You could even treat your loved one to high tea at New Zealand’s only castle, Larnach Castle.

Romantic Experiences in Dunedin

• Soften your heart with wildlife viewings on the Monarch Wildlife Cruise
• Treat her to dinner at one of the fine dining restaurants
• Walk to the “Lovers Leap” on the Otago Peninsula
• Learn something new together at the Toitu Otago Settlers Museum
• Enjoy elegant high tea at Larnach Castle.

Learn about each experience, as well as inspiration for a few more activities, in the 10 Romantic Things to Do in Dunedin.

Romantic Accommodation in Dunedin

• Camp Estate by Larnach Castle
• Ebb-Dunedin
• Aurora on George
• Captain Eady’s Lookout
• Hotel St Clair

See the 10 Most Romantic Accommodations in Dunedin for more information on each accommodation.

© Unsplash

Day 5 – Dunedin to The Catlins

Travel time: 1 hr 10 mins to 2 hr 20 mins (depending on Catlins’ accommodation)

Our 21-day New Zealand honeymoon and romance itinerary takes you off the beaten track today with a road trip to The Catlins.

Tons of free natural attractions scatter the coast, including marine wildlife viewings, lake and estuary walks, caves and lots and lots of waterfalls. See which attractions you’d prefer to visit using the 20 Amazing Attractions You Can’t Miss in The Catlins.

What attractions you miss today, you’ll be able to pick up tomorrow as you continue along The Catlins.

Romantic Experiences in The Catlins

• Watch the sunset from the Tautuku Estuary
• Walk to the picturesque Purakaunui Falls
• Do an eco-tour with Catlins Tours
• Admire the Catlins scenery from horseback with Te Taunga Adventures
• Bask in amazing coastal scenery at Nugget Point.

For more details on each experience and others, see the 10 Romantic Things to Do in The Catlins.

Romantic Accommodation in The Catlins

• Catlins Mohua Park
• The Fern & Thistle Luxury Accommodation
• Molyneux House
• Kaka Point Spa Accommodation – Catlins
• Seascape Accommodation

For more information on our top recommendations, check out the 10 Most Romantic Accommodations in The Catlins.

© NZPocketGuide.com

Day 6 – The Catlins to Te Anau

Travel time: 2 hr 40 mins to 4 hours (depending on Catlins’ accommodation)

Take your time travelling to Te Anau today, as there’s sure to be plenty more in The Catlins left for you to discover.

Then, you have the town of Te Anau to look forward to, where romantic activities include admiring the twinkling lights and underground waterfalls of the Te Anau Glowworm Caves (more info on Viator and Klook) and checking out the love birds at the Te Anau Bird Sanctuary.

Romantic Experiences in Te Anau

• Visit the Te Anau Glowworm Caves (more info on Viator and Klook)
• Join the love birds of the Te Anau Bird Sanctuary
• Take a scenic flight over Fiordland National Park with Southern Lakes Helicopters
• Snuggle up at the Fiordland Cinema
• Challenge yourselves to one of the Great Walks or multi-day hikes.

Head to the 10 Incredible Things to Do in Fiordland National Park for more inspiration.

Romantic Accommodation in Te Anau

• Radfords on the Lake
• Fiordland Lodge
• Dunluce Bed and Breakfast
• High Leys Lodge
• Alpine Rock B&B

Learn more about each accommodation in the 10 Most Romantic Accommodations in Te Anau.

© NZPocketGuide.com

Day 7 – Te Anau to Milford Sound

Travel time: 1 hr 30 mins

Often described as one of the most scenic roads in New Zealand, the Milford Road is best taken slowly (i.e. by taking many stops; not driving at 20 km/h). There’s an overwhelming number of sights, short walks and long hikes on this glorious journey winding through glacier-carved valleys. Recommended walks include the Lake Marian Track, Mirror Lakes and the Key Summit Track. However, you can curate your own pitstop itinerary using the 15 Unmissable Stops on the Road to Milford Sound and the 10 Best Milford Sound Walks.

Once you arrive in Milford Sound, you have many options to make the most of the glacier-carved scenery. Tours include scenic flights, fiord cruises and short walks. Alternatively, make the night extra special by taking an overnight cruise in the fiord with RealNZ (available on Viator and Klook).

Romantic Experiences in Milford Sound

• Enjoy an intimate scenic flight with Milford Helicopters
• Team up in a double kayak with Rosco’s Milford Kayaks
• Take a scenic day cruise…
• … Or a romantic overnight cruise
• Walk hand-in-hand on one of the Milford Road walks.

For more details on each experience, see the 10 Romantic Things to Do in Milford Sound.

Romantic Accommodation in Milford Sound

• Milford Sound Lodge
• RealNZ Milford Marina Overnight Cruise
• Fiordland Discovery Overnight Cruise

Milford Sound’s accommodation is extremely limited, so be sure to book well in advance – this is where First Light Travel‘s expertise will come in really handy! For more accommodation options, check out the 10 Best Accommodations in Milford Sound.

© NZPocketGuide.com

Day 8 – Milford Sound to Queenstown

Travel time: 3 hrs 35 mins

You lucky twosome get to experience the Milford Road again today, stopping by any of the sights or short walks you might have missed on the way in.

Your final destination today is Queenstown, the “Adventure Capital of New Zealand”, but also has its fair share of food, wine and relaxation activities. Some of the shorter activities you might be able to squeeze in at the end of the day include a couple’s spa treatment at Body Sanctum Day Spa, a tandem canyon swing on the Nevis or Shotover Canyon Swing or a cruise on the lake with RealNZ. We’ll get into the more elaborate experiences tomorrow.

Romantic Accommodation in Queenstown

• Kamana Lakehouse
• The Canyons B&B
• Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel
• Hilton Queenstown Resort & Spa
• The Rees Hotel

Find out more details about each accommodation in the 15 Most Romantic Accommodations in Queenstown.

© Destination Queenstown

Day 9 – Explore Queenstown

Today is your chance to tick off more items from your Queenstown bucket list. Check out the 45 Things to Do in Queenstown for some of the top attractions. Alternatively, we list more “honeymoon-esque” experiences below.

Romantic Experiences in Queenstown

• Fly to a private picnic destination by helicopter with Over The Top Helicopters
• Sample local wines together on a self-cycle Queenstown wine tour with Around The Basin Tours
• Cruise around Lake Wakatipu with RealNZ
• Walk hand-in-hand through the Queenstown Gardens
• Go horse riding at the Walter Peak High Country Farm.

Find out more about each activity in our list of 10 Romantic Things to Do in Queenstown.

© NZPocketGuide.com

Day 10 – Queenstown to Haast

Travel time: 2 hrs 50 mins

Today is all about the journey! Set off early with a quick detour to Arrowtown for breakfast in the quaint gold mining town with preserved historical buildings. Check out the town’s attractions in the 10 Amazing Things to Do in Arrowtown.

Then, it’s over the Crown Range to the Cardrona Valley with glorious views all the way to Wanaka. Stop off in Wanaka to stretch your legs on the lakefront or do any of the items we list in the 10 Romantic Things to Do in Wanaka.

After driving along the shores of Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea, you’ll venture over the Haast Pass on the edge of the pristine Mt Aspiring National Park. There are many gorgeous short walks to enjoy along the way. Some of our favourites include the Blue Pools of Haast, Thundercreek Falls and Fantail Falls.

Finally, you’ll feel the stark difference in landscape on the West Coast of the South Island as you reach Haast with a ruggedly beautiful beach scattered with driftwood and a backdrop of mountains. The place feels like a world of its own.

Romantic Accommodation in Haast

• Mountainview Makarora Accommodation
• Wonderland Makaroa Lodge
• Heartland Hotel Haast

For more information on these accommodations, take a look at the 5 Most Romantic Accommodations in Haast.

© westcoast.co.nz

Day 11 – Haast to Franz Josef

Travel time: 1 hr 55 mins

This morning, you might like to experience one of Haast‘s charms, like its remote jet boat tours or scenic flights.

Romantic Experiences in Haast

• Enjoy one of Haast’s romantic walks
• Land by alpine lakes or fly to Milford Sound via helicopter with HeliServices.NZ or Greenstone Helicopters
• Take a scenic fixed-wing flight over a World Heritage Area with Knights Point Air
• Enjoy a romantic stroll on Haast Beach
• Experience the Mt Aspiring National Park scenery via jet boat with Waiatoto River Safari.

For more details on each activity, check out the 5 Romantic Things to Do in Haast.

When you’re ready to leave Haast, make your way north where you might like to stop at Monro Beach or Ship Creek to admire more of the wild coastal landscapes.

Franz Josef is your final destination. You might want to try your chances at doing a helicopter flight or heli-hike on the glacier if the weather is good (because the weather can change in an instant, causing your tour to be cancelled). Otherwise, we’ll get into more experiences Franz Josef has to offer tomorrow.

Romantic Accommodation in Franz Josef

• Kahere Retreat
• Legacy Te Waonui Hotel Franz Josef
• Cosy Cabin in the Paddocks
• Rainforest Retreat
• Holly Homestead B&B

For more details on our top picks, see the 10 Most Romantic Accommodations in Franz Josef.

© NZPocketGuide.com

Day 12 – Explore Franz Josef

Franz Josef might be a tiny town, but you are spoiled for choice when it comes to romantic experiences. See the famous West Coast glaciers from above on an intimate helicopter flight with The Helicopter Line (more info on Viator and KKday), team up in a double kayak for a lake tour with Franz Josef Wilderness Tours (on Viator and Klook), tackle glacier-formed terrain on ATVs and much more.

Romantic Experiences in Franz Josef

• Enjoy an intimate scenic flight and snow landing on the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers with The Helicopter Line (more info on Viator and KKday)
• Paddle in a kayak together on the beautiful Lake Mapourika with Franz Josef Wilderness Tours (on Viator and Klook)
• Do one of Franz Josef‘s romantic walks
• Tackle the rugged glacial terrain on an ATV with Franz Josef Wilderness Tours
• Soak in soothing private hot tubs in the rainforest with Waiho Hot Tubs.

For more details on each experience, take a look at the 10 Romantic Things to Do in Franz Josef.

© westcoast.co.nz

Day 13 – Franz Josef to Greymouth

Travel time: 2 hrs 15 mins

Your final destination today is Greymouth, but not without stopping by the cool little town of Hokitika. Here, you can carve each other a souvenir greenstone pendant or take a detour to the brilliant blue pools of Hokitika Gorge. Find out more in the 10 Awesome Things to Do in Hokitika.

There’s more to do in Greymouth once you arrive, including sampling the New Zealand beer scene at the Monteith’s Brewery and watching that famous West Coast sunset from Rapahoe Beach.

Romantic Experiences in Greymouth

• Watch the West Coast sunset from Rapahoe Beach
• Immerse in a cultural experience on a greenstone tour with Arahura Greenstone
• Tackle the West Coast Wilderness Trail together
• Pretend you’re in a historical romance at Shantytown
• Tour the Monteith’s Brewery.

For more details on each experience, take a look at the 10 Romantic Things to Do in Greymouth.

Romantic Accommodation in Greymouth

• Coleraine Suites & Apartments
• Goldfield Suites
• Copthorne Hotel Greymouth
• Oak Lodge
• Paparoa Beach Hideaway

For more about each accommodation, check out the 10 Most Romantic Accommodations in Greymouth.

© NZPocketGuide.com

Day 14 – Greymouth to Hanmer Springs

Travel time: 2 hrs 45 mins

Enjoy your final morning on the West Coast because it’s time to leave this wild side of New Zealand behind for the alpine landscapes of Hanmer Springs.

On your way there, stop by Reefton for its fascinating electrical power history (yes, we’re serious!) and excellent little coffee shops. You could also stop at the Maruia Hot Springs for an off-the-beaten-track hot pool experience. Otherwise, Hanmer Springs treats you to the largest hot pools complex in the country, so take your pick.

Other things to do in Hanmer Springs include doing a tandem bungy jump together at Hanmer Springs Attractions (more info on Viator, Klook and KKday), going for a romantic stroll in the Hanmer Forest or, well, soaking in more hot pools.

Romantic Experiences in Hanmer Springs

• Tackle a tandem bungy at Hanmer Springs Attractions (more info on Viator, Klook and KKday)
• Hit the mountain biking trails together, such as Jack’s Pass and Jollie’s Pass
• Peddle around town on a romantic quadricycle from the Hanmer Adventure Centre or Village Cruisers
• Indulge in a couple’s massage at Braemar Lodge and Spa
• Enjoy a romantic stroll in the Hanmer Forest.

For more details and the locations of each activity, head to the 10 Romantic Things to Do in Hanmer Springs.

Romantic Accommodation in Hanmer Springs

• Braemar Lodge and Spa
• 8 on Oregon Boutique Lodge
• Drifters Inn
• Marchmont Gardens
• The Chalets Motel

Find out more about each accommodation in the 10 Most Romantic Accommodations in Hanmer Springs.

© Miles Holden - Tourism New Zealand

Day 15 – Hanmer Springs to Kaikoura

Travel time: 1 hr 50 mins

Every New Zealand honeymoon needs adorable dolphins and seals. Whales: they don’t exactly evoke romance, but they’re pretty awe-inspiring too, so your next destination needs to be Kaikoura. Check out the 5 Top Wildlife Activities in Kaikoura to learn about the different ways to experience dolphins, whales, seals, albatross, etc.

For something more romantic, however, how about teaming up in a double kayak to paddle among the seals with Seal Kayak Kaikoura (more info on Viator and Klook) or enjoying an intimate whale watching flight with Wings Over Whales (on Viator and Klook)?

Romantic Experiences in Kaikoura

• Walk hand-in-hand along the Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway
• Enjoy an intimate whale-watching flight with Wings Over Whales (on Viator and Klook)
• Check out the stunning Puhi Puhi walk
• Gush over the cute lambs at The Point Sheep Shearing
• Test your relationship in a double kayak on a kayaking tour with Seal Kayak Kaikoura (on Viator and Klook).

Find out more about each activity in our list of the 10 Romantic Things to Do in Kaikoura.

Romantic Accommodation in Kaikoura

• Te Mahuru Retreat
• Glenburn Coastal Retreat
• Kaikoura Boutique Hotel
• The White Morph – Heritage Collection
• Hapuku Carriages

Check out the 10 Most Romantic Accommodations in Kaikoura to find out more about each accommodation.

© NZPocketGuide.com

Day 16 – Kaikoura to Wellington

Travel time: 2 hours drive, then 3 hrs 30 mins ferry

Book a sunset sailing on the Picton-to-Wellington ferry this evening. Not only because it’s more romantic but because that will give you time to stop in Blenheim for a wine tour of New Zealand’s largest wine region, perhaps with Explore Marlborough.

Then, it’s onto the ferry for a stunning sunset sailing through the Marlborough Sounds and onwards to the North Island, where you’re likely to collapse in a hotel suite somewhere in the capital.

If you’d rather miss the whole wine thing in Blenheim, then take an earlier ferry so that you have time to explore Wellington a little more. For instance, you might like to discover the Botanic Garden or visit the national museum of New Zealand, Te Papa. If you haven’t had the chance to learn about New Zealand’s unique ecosystem just yet, then book a trip to Zealandia Ecosanctuary. They also run night tours to see kiwi birds.

Romantic Experiences in Wellington

• Walk hand-in-hand through the Botanic Garden
• Join the love birds in the Zealandia Ecosanctuary
• Learn something new together in the city’s museums
• Be whisked away on a romantic helicopter tour with champagne by Wellington Helicopters
• Join a foodie tour, whether it’s a chocolate factory tour or a cocktail tasting.

For more information on each activity, see 10 Romantic Things to Do in Wellington.

Romantic Accommodation in Wellington

• Naumi Studio Hotel Wellington
• Thorndon Heritage Listed Villa
• Pacific View Bed and Breakfast
• Quest on Johnston
• Mövenpick Hotel Wellington

See our 10 Most Romantic Accommodations in Wellington for more information on each accommodation.

© Visit Ruapehu

Day 17 – Wellington to Ohakune

Travel time: 3 hrs 40 mins

Set your sights on Ohakune at the base of New Zealand’s largest volcano, Mt Ruapehu. But first, you have to get there on a journey that can be broken up with a stroll along the beaches of Queen Elizabeth Park in Paraparaumu. You then have a few quirky towns to admire, such as Bulls with its many “bull” puns and Taihape with its giant gumboot sculpture.

Finally, you’ll reach Ohakune, which is your base for exploring the volcanic landscape of the Tongariro National Park. Treat yourselves to one of the town’s cosy restaurants using the recommendations in The Honeymoon & Romantic Getaway Guide to Ohakune.

Romantic Accommodation in Ohakune

• Two Rivers Ohakune
• Nightsky Cottage
• Powderhorn Chateau
• The Gables B&B
• Snowman Lodge and Spa

For elaboration on each accommodation, check out the 10 Most Romantic Accommodations in Ohakune.

© NZPocketGuide.com

Day 18 – Explore Ohakune

If the Tongariro Alpine Crossing is on your honeymoon bucket list, today is your chance! Check out the Tongariro Crossing Accommodation and Transport: A Practical Guide to see transport from Ohakune and plan your hike.

Other highlights of Ohakune include the awesome cycle trail of the Ohakune Old Coach Road, as well as the multi-day canoe trip known as the Whanganui Journey. If you don’t have the time for a multi-day trip, however, day trips on the Whanganui River to the Bridge to Nowhere are definitely worth it.

Romantic Experiences in Ohakune

• Tackle the Tongariro Crossing together
• Test your teamwork in a canoe on the Whanganui Journey
• Enjoy a couples massage at Barefoot Beauty
• Cycle the Ohakune Old Coach Road
• Learn to ski together on Mt Ruapehu.

Check out the 10 Romantic Things to Do in Ohakune for more details on each experience.

© NZPocketGuide.com

Day 19 – Ohakune to Rotorua

Travel time: 2 hrs 30 mins

You have quite the epic journey ahead of you as you cross the volcanic-formed landscapes of the Central North Island. Keep your fingers crossed for a clear day to soak in the magnificent views of three dramatic volcanoes. Take a 15-minute detour to Whakapapa Village, where you’ll find short walks like that to Tawhai Falls, as well as the 2-hour Taranaki Falls Track.

Between Tongariro National Park and Tūrangi, stop by Lake Rotopounamu for its lush native forest and gorgeous lake views. Take a picnic to have on one of the lake’s three beaches.

After a scenic drive alongside Lake Taupo, you’ll arrive in the town of the same name. Stop by Taupo for its cool cafes or one of the 10 Romantic Things to Do in Taupo.

The fun doesn’t end just yet, as the road between Taupo and Rotorua is full of geothermal parks that will blow your mind. Take your pick from Wai-O-Tapu, Waimangu Volcanic Valley or Orakei Korako. Some of the free hot pools are also quick detours off this route, as listed in the 5 Free Natural Hot Pools in Rotorua.

Luckily, you have a whole day to experience Rotorua tomorrow, as for now, you’ll probably want to flop into your hotel room.

Romantic Accommodation in Rotorua

• Black Swan Lakeside Boutique Hotel
• Geyser Lookout BnB
• City Lights Boutique Lodge
• Ngamihi Lodge
• Regent of Rotorua

Check out the 15 Most Romantic Accommodations in Rotorua for more information on our top recommended accommodations.

© NZPocketGuide.com

Day 20 – Explore Rotorua

With only two days left to go on this New Zealand honeymoon itinerary for three weeks, you probably want to relax in a hot pool and reminisce about the good times you’ve had so far. Some of the most endearing activities in Rotorua, however, are best done on an evening. See the beautiful light decorations of the Redwoods Treewalk or kayaking under glowworms of Lake Rotoiti with River Rats or Paddle Board Rotorua.

Romantic Experiences in Rotorua

• Kayak or SUP through a cave of glowworms with River Rats or Paddle Board Rotorua (more info on Viator and Klook)
• Enjoy the views and the ride of a guided horse trek with Adventure Playground Rotorua
• Walk hand-in-hand on Rotorua’s picture-perfect walks
• Unwind in a natural mineral hot pool at the Polynesian Spa (on Viator, Klook and KKday)
• Roll down a hill in a giant hamster ball together at Zorb.

For more information on each activity, check out the 10 Romantic Things to Do in Rotorua.

© NZPocketGuide.com

Day 21 – Rotorua to Auckland (via Waitomo)

Travel time: 4 hours

Make the most of your last day in New Zealand by driving directly to Waitomo for one of the exciting glowworm tours.

You could be walking through the candlelit caverns of the Footwhistle Cave with Cave World Waitomo, doing a private cave tour with Glowing Adventures, or an epic caving adventure with The Legendary Black Water Rafting Co.

Compare all of your options in the 10 Best Waitomo Cave Tours and the 10 Romantic Things to Do in Waitomo.

Try not to be too depressed as you head back up toward Auckland Airport today. It might be time to say goodbye to New Zealand, but it’s hello to the rest of your lives together…

© First Light Travel

Plan This Honeymoon Itinerary with First Light Travel

If you like this New Zealand honeymoon and romance itinerary for three weeks but don’t like the hassle of planning everything yourself, then there’s a way to lighten the load. First Light Travel is an online travel agent specialising in honeymoon itineraries in New Zealand. Plus, using their service is super simple:

• First, send First Light Travel an enquiry by completing their online form
• Then, you’ll receive your customised honeymoon itinerary
• Review your itinerary and work with your First Light Travel agent on perfecting it
• Finally, First Light Travel will organise the rest, including the bookings.

Plan Your Honeymoon With First Light Travel

First Light Travel has access to more than 20,000 travel products, including almost all the tours and accommodations featured on this list (and more). With that and their local expertise here in New Zealand, they will create a well-catered honeymoon itinerary to meet your needs while also suggesting some dream travel experiences that you may have never heard of. They only work with companies where their past clients have had positive experiences, so you know you’re in good hands.

What’s more, all of the bookings are arranged by First Light Travel, so instead of having to contact each individual accommodation and operator should your travel plans change, any amendments can be done through your FLT agent – easy! Did we mention the service is at no extra cost to you?!

For more information on planning your own New Zealand itinerary, see How to Create the Perfect New Zealand Road Trip Itinerary. Or better yet, jump on firstlighttravel.com and start making your own itinerary there.