New Zealand Honeymoon & Romance Itinerary: 2 Weeks / 14 Days

© Mark Clinton - THL

How to Get Around New Zealand in 2 Weeks

This is a self-drive two-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 14 days around New Zealand on your honeymoon or romantic getaway.

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 Auckland and Queenstown 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 10-12-Day 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 – Arrive in Auckland

Before jumping on the road, take the time to relax together in New Zealand’s most romantic city, the ‘City of Sails’. A walk along the Viaduct as the sun goes down is a great way to spend the evening, watching the city light reflections glistening in the harbour waters. The Viaduct is also teeming with fabulous eateries and bars. If you have more time in Auckland, check out some of our suggestions.

Romantic Experiences in Auckland

• Explore Waiheke Island, Rangitoto Island or Tiritiri Matangi Island
• Go up the Auckland Sky Tower (more info on Viator and Klook)
• Do an Auckland dolphin and whale watching cruise with AWADS (on Viator or Klook)
• Walk to Mt Eden, Auckland’s highest volcanic peak
• Go shopping, try the local cuisine and more!

For more inspiration, see the 10 Romantic Things to Do in Auckland.

Romantic Accommodations in Auckland

• The Grand by Sky City
• Cordis, Auckland
• Sofitel Auckland
• Eden Park Bed and Breakfast Inn
• Hotel DeBrett

Check out the 20 Most Romantic Hotels in Auckland for more details and options.

© MaxPixel

Day 2 – Auckland to Hahei (Coromandel)

Drive Time: 2 hrs 15 mins

It’s time to get this New Zealand honeymoon itinerary for two weeks officially started by checking out some of the most stunning beaches in New Zealand. Feel the sand between your toes beneath the white cliffs of Cathedral Cove or on a more secluded beach like New Chums. Or how about digging your own private hot pool at Hot Water Beach?

Romantic Experiences in Hahei

• Check out some of the largest trees in New Zealand at Cookson Kauri
• Walk, kayak or take a boat tour to Cathedral Cove
• Discover hidden beaches like New Chums Beach
• Dig your own hot pool at Hot Water Beach.

Get more inspiration from the 10 Romantic Things to Do in the Coromandel.

Romantic Accommodation in Hahei

• Tatahi Lodge Beach Resort
• Hahei Retreat
• The Church Accommodation
• Hot Water Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park
• Hahei Holiday Resort

For more options, head over to the 10 Most Romantic Accommodations in the Coromandel.

© Pixabay

Day 3 – Hahei to Rotorua

Drive Time: 4 hours

Now that you’ve seen some of New Zealand’s beautiful coastline, it’s time to dive into the heartland of the North Island! Rotorua is New Zealand’s cultural and geothermal hotspot with a wonderful array of geothermal parks, hot pools and Maori cultural experiences. It’s likely that you’ll want to experience a few activities here, which you’ll also get time to do tomorrow.

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 Klook and KKday)
• Roll down a hill in a giant hamster ball together at Zorb.

And there’s much more! Check out the 10 Most Romantic Things to Do in Rotorua for ideas.

Romantic Accommodation in Rotorua

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

For more information on our top recommended accommodation, check out the 15 Most Romantic Accommodations in Rotorua.

© NZPocketGuide.com

Day 4 – Rotorua to Tongariro National Park (via Taupo)

Drive Time: 4 hours

After squeezing in one last romantic hot pool session, make your way to the volcanic landscapes of the Tongariro National Park. Along the way, you’ll pass through the towns of Taupo and Turangi with their own set of attractions, from geothermal hot spots to the magnificent Huka Falls to white water rafting on the Tongariro River. You’ll end the day in National Park Village ready to do the Tongariro Crossing tomorrow.

Romantic Experiences in Taupo

• Sail to the Maori Rock Carvings on Lake Taupo (more info on Viator and Klook)
• Get the adrenaline going with a tandem skydive or a bungy jump 
• Hit the Great Lake Trail on a scenic mountain biking tour (on Viator and Klook)
• Go white water rafting on the Tongariro River
• Enjoy a romantic walk along the riverside, the Botanical Gardens and more – see the 8 Best Walks in Taupo.

For more ideas, see the 10 Romantic Things to Do in Taupo.

Romantic Accommodation in National Park Village

• Tongariro Crossing Lodge
• The Park Hotel
• Pukenui Lodge

© NZPocketGuide.com

Day 5 – Tongariro Crossing

See some of the most breathtaking scenery on the North Island along the Tongariro Crossing. This 19.4 km (12 mi) one-way hike features volcanic craters, vibrant lakes and Lord of the Rings scenery. There are options to either hike it yourself or go with a guide. Either way, booking transport to and from the walking trail is mandatory for this one-way hike. See The Guide to the Tongariro Alpine Crossing for more information.

Due to the Tongariro Crossing’s popularity, you may find the Crossing too “busy” for that honeymoon/romantic ambience. Check out alternative day hikes in the area with arguably rivalling views of the Tongariro Crossing in our 13 Walks Around National Park Village & Whakapapa Village. For more inspiration, see the 15 Best Things to Do in the Tongariro National Park.

Your transport or guide will return you back to your chosen National Park Village accommodation.

© NZPocketGuide.com

Day 6 – National Park to Wellington

Drive time: 4 hours

Your drive today takes you through interesting Kiwi towns and hugs the coastline of the Kapiti Coast on your way to the capital city. Wellington is a diverse city that you’ll want to leave plenty of time to explore while feeling its creative and eclectic vibes.

Romantic Experiences in Wellington

• Visit the Te Papa Museum – New Zealand’s national museum
• See rare native wildlife at Zealandia
• Check out the eateries and shops on the bohemian Cuba Street
• Take the Wellington Cable Car to the Wellington Botanic Garden
• See how The Lord of the Rings was made on the Weta Workshop Tour (more info on Viator and Klook).

Check out the 10 Romantic Things to Do in Wellington for more things to do.

Romantic Accommodation in Wellington

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

For more information on each accommodation, see our 10 Most Romantic Accommodations in Wellington.

© NZPocketGuide.com

Day 7 – Cruise to the South Island and Motueka

Drive Time: 2 hrs 20 mins

Not just a ferry crossing from the North Island to the South Island, the Cook Strait ferry is a scenic cruise from the Wellington Harbour through the stunning Marlborough Sounds.

You’ll arrive in the quaint harbourside town of Picton where you’ll travel through the Whangamoa Saddle to the sunny Tasman district. After a scenic drive, take it easy in your chosen accommodation in Motueka and get some rest for tomorrow’s adventures in the Abel Tasman National Park.

Romantic Accommodation in Motueka

• Terraced Chalets
• Eden’s Edge Lodge
• Abel Tasman Lodge
• Motueka Garden Motel

© www.nelsontasman.nz

Days 8-9 – Abel Tasman National Park

Today, you’ll take a water taxi from Motueka into the Abel Tasman National Park, an isolated area at the top of the South Island famous for its golden sand beaches backed with lush forest.

There are several options to enjoy your two-day adventure in the Abel Tasman National Park, by walking the Abel Tasman Great Walk and staying in one of the national park’s scenic beachfront huts or campsites. Alternatively, you can take a water taxi to stay at the luxurious Awaroa Lodge.

Romantic Experiences in Abel Tasman

• Team up in a double kayak for a kayaking tour with Wilson’s Abel Tasman (departs from Kaiteriteri)
• Hike a New Zealand Great Walk, the Abel Tasman Coast Track
• Do a liveaboard experience with Abel Tasman Sailing Adventure
• Experience skydiving over Abel Tasman (more info on Viator and Klook)
• Do some extreme canyoning with Abel Tasman Canyons.

Find out more about these experiences and others in the 15 Best Things to Do in the Abel Tasman National Park.

© NZPocketGuide.com

Day 10 – Motueka to Kaikoura

Drive time: 4 hours

Hit the road again and travel past rows and rows of vineyards as you make your way through the Marlborough region. As you reach the east coast of the South Island, you’ll reach the little town of Kaikoura nestled between the mountains and the Pacific Ocean. Kaikoura is a mecca for marine wildlife and offers some of the most memorable wildlife encounters in the country.

Romantic Experiences in Kaikoura

• Walk hand-in-hand along the Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway
• Enjoy an intimate whale-watching flight (more info 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 (on Viator and Klook).

Find out more about each activity in our list of 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

Get more details from the 10 Most Romantic Accommodations in Kaikoura.

© NZPocketGuide.com

Day 11 – Kaikoura to Lake Tekapo

Drive time: 5 Hours

Today is all about the drive, stopping by some romantic locations. On your drive along the coast, stop by some of the wineries of Waipara. You’ll also discover quaint Kiwi towns to stop by for lunch, such as the town of Geraldine and Fairlie before you hit some of the stunning alpine scenery as you edge closer to the Southern Alps.

Your day ends on the shores of the vibrant blue waters of Lake Tekapo with a backdrop of snow-capped mountains. This is definitely a place to just soak up the scenery, maybe even soak in the local hot pools, and enjoy each other’s company.

However, if you are keen to do more, see the 10 Unmissable Things to Do in Lake Tekapo.

Romantic Accommodation in Lake Tekapo

• Lake Tekapo Village Motel
• Mantra Lake Tekapo
• Three Rivers Lodge
• The Mackenzie Suites
• Peppers Bluewater Resort

© Krzysztof Golik on Wikipedia

Day 12 – Lake Tekapo to Queenstown (via Mt Cook)

Drive time: 3 hrs 50 mins

This morning, head along the milky blue waters of Lake Pukaki to Aoraki Mt Cook National Park. Here, you have a multitude of ways to experience the grand alpine scenery of this national park, from flights to hikes. After you’ve had your experience under New Zealand’s highest peak, Aoraki Mt Cook, enjoy a scenic drive to Queenstown through the iconic Lindis Pass.

Romantic Experiences in Aoraki Mt Cook

• Do a heli-hike on the Tasman Glacier
• Enjoy a scenic flight around Mt Cook and the glaciers
• Do a kayak or boat tour on the Tasman Glacier Lake
• Hike the Hooker Valley Track
• Do a 4×4 tour along the Tasman Valley.

For more inspiration, see the 10 Most Romantic Things to Do in Mt Cook.

Romantic Accommodation in Queenstown

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

Discover more endearing stays in our 15 Most Romantic Accommodations in Queenstown.

Note: Return your car rental to the car rental depot in Queenstown on this day, as you will no longer need your car for the rest of the trip!

© Rob Suisted - Tourism New Zealand

Day 13 – Milford Sound

Today, swap the road for the skies on a special and intimate experience to one of New Zealand’s most scenic landmarks. Enjoy a scenic flight to Milford Sound, flying over the wild and wonderful Fiordland National Park, before landing for a scenic cruise. The cruise takes you under towering glacier-carved mountains and waterfalls and often includes viewings of seals and dolphins. Transfers to and from your hotel are usually included.

For our top scening flight and cruise package recommendations, see the 5 Best Scenic Flights to Milford Sound from Queenstown.

© NZPocketGuide.com

Day 14 – Queenstown Airport

It’s the sad moment when your New Zealand honeymoon itinerary for two weeks finally comes to an end. Enjoy a final leisurely breakfast in New Zealand before catching your flight for the rest of your lives together. And there you have it, a honeymoon/romantic getaway to New Zealand that is nothing short of incredible.

Remember, if this itinerary seems too intense, perhaps you’d like to explore just one of the islands for your romantic retreat. Get inspiration from our North Island Honeymoon & Romance Itinerary: Two Weeks or South Island Honeymoon & Romance Itinerary: Two Weeks.

© First Light Travel

Plan This Itinerary with First Light Travel

If you like this New Zealand honeymoon and romance itinerary for two 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.

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.