A North Island Luxury Honeymoon

Haere Mai Welcome to New Zealand 

Relax, you are officially on honeymoon! On arrival you will be transferred from the airport to the ferry terminal where you will board your ferry to  Waiheke Island, just a short 45 minute ferry ride from Auckland.

Artists and free-spirits mingle with the rich and famous on this blissful island. It's a haven of beautiful beaches, gastronomical treasures and award winning wineries. There's no better place to unwind after a long flight. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy as you please. Laze on a deserted beach, stroll through the lush rainforests or browse the artisan stores to your heart's content.

 Accommodation: Waiheke Island - 2 Nights

On this tour, you will visit three of Waiheke's premier vineyards and sample a variety of their exquisite wines. As you travel between vineyards, enjoy a guided scenic drive with insightful commentary on the Island's history, geography, people, and culture from your knowledgeable local guide. After your wine tasting experience, unwind with a delicious lunch and a glass of Waiheke wine or beer at Three Seven Two, an acclaimed restaurant awarded one Hat in the latest Cuisine Good Food Awards, located on the picturesque Onetangi beachfront. Finally, you'll be taken back to the ferry, completing a memorable day of wine and exploration.

Included Meals: Lunch

This morning, wave goodbye to your island paradise and take a ferry ride to Auckland, where your rental car awaits. It's time to head north to the picturesque foodie haven of Matakana.

One of Auckland's favourite getaway spots, Matakana is a great introduction to the sights and sounds of small town New Zealand. Here you can while away the hours browsing the gift shops and tasting local artisanal food and wines. The surrounding coastline is excellent with Pakari Beach offering vast stretches of white sand or you can visit the sheltered shorelines of Snells Beach nearby - a perfect place to relax.

Approximate Distance: 70 kms | 43 miles  Total Driving Time: 1 hour

Accommodation: Matakana - 1 Night

Immerse yourself in a world where art and nature intertwine at Sculptureum in Matakana. Wander through vibrant gardens adorned with captivating sculptures from local and international artists. Explore three sculpture-filled gardens: the Palm Garden, the Pink Snail Garden, and the Rose Garden. Indulge your senses in the inspiring landscape, where each step reveals a new masterpiece waiting to be discovered.

Russell, nestled in the Bay of Islands, is a charming town steeped in history and natural beauty. Surrounded by stunning coastlines, lush hills, and crystal-clear waters, it was New Zealand's first seaport, first European settlement, and the nation's first capital. Today, Russell is a popular holiday destination, offering a mix of historic landmarks, scenic views, and relaxing beaches, making it a perfect base for exploring the Bay of Islands. Its rich past and tranquil atmosphere make it a must-visit location.

Approximate Distance: 185 kms | 115 miles  Total Driving Time: 3 hours 15 mins

Accommodation: Russell - 3 Nights

Russell, with its blend of history and natural beauty, offers a perfect escape for those seeking relaxation and exploration. A day here is best spent strolling through its charming streets, lined with historic buildings that tell the story of New Zealand's early European settlement. You can unwind at waterfront cafés, enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, and explore the local art galleries. For those who enjoy scenic views, a walk to a nearby hilltop offers breathtaking panoramas of the Bay of Islands. Russell is ideal for anyone wanting to experience both rich heritage and tranquil coastal surroundings.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Experience the magic of the R.Tucker Thompson, a stunning tall ship that looks like she has sailed straight from the nineteenth century. With her upswept bow and full sails, she glides boldly through the seas, creating a breathtaking sight. Imagine the thrill of seeing her majestic sails rise above the horizon before you even catch a glimpse of the ship -- it's a romantic experience like no other. As she approaches, the sight of her wind-filled sails evokes feelings of awe and wonder. This gaff-rigged, square tops' schooner invites you to spend a day exploring the beautiful Bay of Islands.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Morning Tea, Lunch

Travel to Kerikeri Airport where you will return your rental vehicle and fly to Rotorua, where you will collect your next rental vehicle on arrival .Sitting squarely on the Pacific Ring of Fire, Rotorua's landscape is unique: arriving here is like landing on the moon! This is Earth's crust at its most exciting.

Giant geysers rocket into the air and colourful sulphur terraces hiss and boil. But Rotorua is about much more than boiling mud. Boasting ancient forests, pristine lakes and rugged volcanoes, it's a haven for outdoor and adventure lovers hikers and mountain bikers.

It's also a great place to immerse yourselves in the history and tikanga (culture) of Maori, the First People of New Zealand. You may like to check out a Maori Cultural Performance at one of the local marae (villages). Complete with traditional Hangi feast cooked underground, it's a wonderful evening out in Rotorua.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Approximate Distance: 40 kms | 25 miles  Total Driving Time: 1 hour 15 mins

Accommodation: Rotorua - 3 Nights

The day is yours to enjoy Rotorua however you desire.

You could marvel at the alien landscapes in a geothermal park, visit the Agrodome Sheep Show for a taste of local farm life, see endangered Kiwi at Rainbow Springs Nature Park, or take a scenic flight out over Lake Rotorua for a bird’s eye view of the region. You could even hike to the crater of Mt Tarawera, the site of the largest volcanic eruption in New Zealand’s living memory!

You will end your day  with a luxurious soak at the award-winning Polynesian Spa. Here you can lie back in the seclusion of your own private pool and let your cares melt away.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Lake Taupo is a flooded volcanic crater of immense proportions. In fact, it's approximately the size of Singapore! It's only a one hour drive from Rotorua, but there's an impressive stop along the way: Huka Falls.

Watch in wonder as a hundred-metre-wide river squeezes through a fifteen metre canyon. The explosive power of the resulting waterfall is an incredible sight.

For the ultimate view of Lake Taupo's stunning blue waters, we have arranged a Scenic Floatplane experience for you this aftenoon. The 20 minute flight will also take you soaring over the Waikato River, the steamy landscapes of the Craters of the Moon, and many more impressive sights of the region.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Approximate Distance: 80 kms | 50 miles  Total Driving Time: 1 hour (each way)

"Haere rā" Goodbye! and Bon Voyage! Return your rental car to Rotorua Airport in time for your onward flight, we bid you a warm farewell today.

Included Meals: Breakfast