8 DAYS* | FROM NELSON TO QUEENSTOWN
The sky’s the limit, (literally!), for this ultimate self-driven honeymoon through scenic South New Zealand. This spectacular itinerary is perfect for you if you’re a couple who loves road trips, panoramic scenery, and adventure. Take to the road, and along the way, you’ll enjoy private helicopter rides (over the clearest lake in the world and magical mountain ranges and fiords), guided bike tours through scenic wineries, coastal cruising by kayak through untouched lakes, swimming with dolphins, and so much more.
From Nelson to Queenstown, the adventure capital of New Zealand, your journey is filled with scenic marvels, leisurely days for epicurean explorations, historic town visits, or adrenaline-pumping activities like bungee jumping and jetboat rides if you’re up for the thrill. The adventure culminates in a second helicopter flight over Fiordland, champagne toasts at Lake Erskine, and a delectable lunch at Fiordland Lodge.
*All WedLuxe Experiences are entirely customizable and can be tailored to your preferences. For Pricing and availability, schedule a consultation with a WedLuxe Travel Concierge.
Day 1
Today’s Spectacular Highlights Include…
Arrive in Nelson on the first day of your adventure, collect your rental car, and make your way leisurely to your accommodation, the luxurious Te Koi Lodge at Bronte*.
*WedLuxe Suggested Stay
Day 2
Today’s Spectacular Highlights Include…
PRIVATE HELICOPTER TOUR, SCENIC WINERY, BIKE TOUR, and more…
Your Nelson adventure is off to a flying start today as you meet your guide in the lodge lobby for your full-day private tour, starting with a helicopter flight over the stunning Nelson Lakes National Park. Relish the perfect bird’s eye view of the park, and admire the “Rotomairewhenua” – Blue Lake. Sacred to local Māori, it boasts the world’s most transparent natural fresh water. Enjoy spectacular views of Lake Rotoiti and Lake Rotoroa before alighting on terra firma to soak up the serenity before continuing by air to the most scenic winery in Nelson. Set out on a guided bike tour of the region, cycling by vineyards, hop gardens, and artist’s studios. Stop for refreshments at the Old Post Office before savoring a honeymoon ‘champagne’ lunch at renowned Gravity Winery, showcasing the rich local produce.
After lunch, be guided to the quaint coastal village of Mapua, where there is time to browse the galleries or soak up the maritime atmosphere over a gourmet ice cream. As the sun sets on your adventurous day, head back to your accommodation in the evening to relax.
Day 3
Today’s Spectacular Highlights Include…
CRUISING, KAYAKING, SWIMMING and more…
Today offers some coastal cruising, with a shared scenic exploration of the Abel Tasman National Park’s coastline. Between admiring the spectacular landscapes, enjoy kayaking, swimming, and bush walk discoveries throughout the day, including a visit to the Tonga Island Marine Reserve, where you can witness majestic New Zealand fur seals basking in the sun. Enjoy a delicious platter-style lunch of flavourful local fare before, should you so choose, striding out on one of the picturesque coastal bushwalking tracks. Return to your accommodation after your day of outdoor expeditions, relaxing in your luxurious lodge.*
Day 4
Hapuku Lodge & Tree Houses
Today’s Spectacular Highlights Include…
ROAD TRIP EXPLORATION THROUGH KAIKOURA RANGE, WINE COUNTRY, and more…
Continue your self-drive South Island adventure today, traveling to Hapuku Lodge* at your own pace. Consider taking the scenic route with time to admire the magnificent Kaikoura Ranges, continuing through the picturesque wine country of Blenheim and onward to Kaikoura. Your luxurious haven is on a working deer farm with an olive grove. It’s time to settle in before a delicious dinner showcasing farm and vegetable garden produce.
Day 5
Today’s Spectacular Highlights Include…
PRIVATE GUIDED TOUR OF MANGAMAUNU BAY, UNFORGETTABLE DOLPHIN EXPERIENCE and more…
After breakfast, prepare for a morning filled with encounters of the wild kind. Meet your guide and set out to Mangamaunu Bay, just a kilometer away, for an unforgettable experience swimming with the resident dusky dolphins. Witness dozens of these gentle creatures leaping, flipping, and jumping in an acrobatic spectacular – an extraordinary up-close interaction with these captivating marine mammals. Head back to the lodge, with the afternoon at leisure. Relax on the beach with a picnic lunch, take a surfing trip, explore Kaikoura’s seaside charms, or wind down at the lodge. The choice is yours.
WedLuxe Suggested Stay:
Hapuku Lodge & Tree Houses
Day 6
Today’s Spectacular Highlights Include…
YOUR VERY OWN ADVENTURE…
A day to plan your very own adventure. Keen anglers will find many an opportunity for a spot of fishing, or you might like to embark on one of the many walking or bush trails in the area. Consider visiting the local lavender farm and a relaxing massage, or indulge in an epicurean exploration of this coastal haven that is a mecca for fresh seafood, olive oil, cheeses, and venison.
WedLuxe Suggested Stay:
Hapuku Lodge & Tree Houses
Day 7
Today’s Spectacular Highlights Include…
ONWARD FLIGHT TO QUEENSTOWN…
Bid Farewell to Kaikoura this morning, as after breakfast, you make your way to the airport and drop off your rental vehicle before meeting your flight to Queenstown, the adventure capital of New Zealand.
On arrival, meet your driver and transfer by private vehicle to your luxury lakeside base for the next few days, the elegant Azur Lodge.*
Day 8
Today’s Spectacular Highlights Include…
SKY HIGH ADVENTURE, PRIVATE FIORDLAND HELICOPTER FLIGHT, LUNCH AT FIORDLAND LODGE, and more…
Today is one full of sky-high adventure as you meet our representative and transfer to Queenstown airport for a private Fiordland helicopter flight, soaring through Skippers Canyon and past Mt Larkin to the head of majestic Lake Wakatipu. Cross the Humboldt Mountain Range and land at Lake Erskine, toasting the spectacular views over a glass of champagne before taking flight and landing at the famed Fiordland Lodge for a delicious lunch of flavorsome local fare. Afterward, embark on the last leg of your heli-adventure, landing on Cecil Peak to take in panoramic views of Queenstown and the picturesque Wakatipu Basin before being returned to your lodge.
Day 9
Today’s Spectacular Highlights Include…
DAY AT LEISURE:
Today is at your leisure to explore the wonders of Queenstown. Consider a bracing walk or hike along one of the nearby trails or a game of golf at one of the many beautiful courses. Embark on an epicurean exploration with a winery tour and savor some of the best Pinot Noir in the country. Visit nearby Arrowtown, a historic gold mining town, or get your adrenalin pumping with one of the many adventure activities the area is famous for – bungee jumping, jetboat rides, and more.
Day 10
Today, your unforgettable journey comes to an end. Meet your driver in the lobby and transfer by private vehicle to Queenstown Airport for your onward flight.
Itinerary
