South Island Honeymoon & Romance Itinerary: 2 Weeks / 14 Days

© Mark Clinton - THL

How to Get Around the South Island in 2 Weeks

Following the exact route in this two-week honeymoon and romance itinerary for the South Island requires you to self-drive. We give tips on hiring a vehicle below, as well as additional (and alternative) transport methods to use for travelling 14 days around the South Island 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 Christchurch and Auckland, of which there are many. Get started with your research with The Guide to Renting a Car or The Guide to Renting a Campervan in New Zealand.

Train

If you get a one-way car rental from Christchurch to Greymouth, instead of returning your vehicle to Christchurch, you have the option to take the TranzAlpine train journey through Arthur’s Pass – find out more in the Train Network in New Zealand.

Escorted Tours

If you would rather not drive yourselves around the South Island, escorted bus tours provide an effortless alternative. Note, however, that escorted tours follow their own set itineraries rather than the one listed below. Check out a range of tours in The Best 10-12-Day Tours of the South Island.

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 two-week honeymoon in the South Island has begun! Pick up your rental car from the Christchurch Airport, then hit the road so you can make the most of the South Island’s stunning landscapes from day one.

Watch the landscapes transform from urban to rural to alpine as you travel between Christchurch and Aoraki Mt Cook National Park. A noteworthy town along the way is Geraldine, where you can stop for adventurous white water rafting on the Rangitata River or check out its array of vintage museums. Find out more 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.

© NZPocketGuide.com

Day 2 – Explore Aoraki Mt Cook National Park

It’s taken a lot to get here, not just among New Zealand’s highest mountains but New Zealand itself, so have a lie-in and embrace the epic mountain scenery from your hotel’s restaurant at breakfast. There are various ways to explore the 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 Southern Alps to the Pacific Ocean today as you make your way from Aoraki Mt Cook to Oamaru. Stop by quaint towns like Twizel for its picturesque riverside walk.

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.

© Unsplash

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/holiday 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.

© NZPocketGuide.com

Day 5 – Dunedin to The Catlins

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

Our South Island honeymoon and couples itinerary for 14 days takes you off the beaten path 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 hrs 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.

© THL

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.

© Destination Queenstown

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 must-dos! Check out the 45 Things to Do in Queenstown for some of the top attractions. Alternatively, we list more couple-friendly 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 hr 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 charming walks or remote jet boat tours taking you from the sea to the mountains, as listed below.

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

See the 10 Most Romantic Accommodations in Franz Josef for more details on each accommodation.

© NZPocketGuide.com

Day 12 – Explore Franz Josef

Franz Josef might be a tiny town, but you are spoiled for choice when it comes to unforgettable honeymoon experiences. For instance, 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.

Take a look at the 10 Romantic Things to Do in Franz Josef for more details on each experience.

© NZPocketGuide.com

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 coastal 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.

© ChristchurchNZ

Day 14 – Greymouth to Christchurch Airport

Travel time: 3 hrs 10 mins

Enjoy your final morning on the West Coast because it’s time to leave this wild side of the South Island for one last breathtaking alpine road trip. (Or, a railway trip if you have chosen a car rental company that does one-way rentals from Christchurch to Greymouth. That way, you can take the TranzAlpine train back to Christchurch. Find out more about the train on our guide to the Train Network in New Zealand.)

Gorge the gorgeous views of the Arthur’s Pass National Park, stopping in Arthur’s Pass village for walks like the Devil’s Punchbowl and Arthur’s Pass Walking Track for waterfalls and likely encounters with the world’s only alpine parrot species, keas.

Once you reach the other side of Arthur’s Pass, check out Kura Tāwhiti (Castle Hill) for its bizarre limestone outcrops accessed on a 20-minute walk.

Have a Kiwi savoury pie at the Sheffield Store before the last leg of the journey, following the Waimakariri River to Christchurch Airport.

It’s goodbye to the South Island but hello to the rest of your lives together.

© First Light Travel

Plan This Honeymoon Itinerary with First Light Travel

If you like this South Island 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.

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.