Tripology

Upon arrival, collect your luggage. Your driver awaits you and brings you to your hotel.

Sightseeing

Auckland is situated on a narrow strip of land, flanked by two magnificent harbors to the east and west. The shallow Manukau Harbor opens out to the Tasman Sea to the west, while the Waitemata Harbor lies at the heart of the city centre and is Auckland's deepwater port. It has a vibrant waterfront that has flourished with the successful hosting of the 2002/2003 America's Cup, the international yachting event of the year, and the trendy restaurants and waterside cafes are a constant hive of activity. Known as the 'City of Sails', with a larger boat-to-person ratio than anywhere else on earth, it is a paradise for sailing enthusiasts and every weekend the waters of the Hauraki Gulf come alive with a flotilla of colorful sails. The best way to experience the city is from the water, sailing around the attractive harbor or on a ferry cruise to one of the many stunning islands dotted about the Gulf. Auckland is the largest and most cosmopolitan city in New Zealand and a major gateway to the rest of the country. Yet it is also one of the least densely populated in the world, covering an area twice the size of London but with barely a million inhabitants. It has a friendly small-town atmosphere and a relaxed pace of life.

Hotel

You have two nights booked in a superior room at Westin Lighter Quay. In the heart of Auckland and overlooking Viaduct Harbor, The Westin celebrates its waterfront location with sweeping marina views and spacious promenades that lead you to the bustling restaurant and shopping districts nearby. The Westin is a 100% non-smoking hotel.

With an eye for every detail, the hotel is your personal sanctuary. All 172 guest rooms and suites offer space to relax and revitalize. The Westin Heavenly Bed®, created as the ultimate in comfort, is complemented by the invigorating Heavenly Shower®, empowering you to be at your very best, and to recover from your long flight. Wireless Internet access is available in all guest rooms and suites, as well as the Westin Executive Club, public areas, restaurants, and meeting spaces, while High Speed Internet Access is also available in guest rooms.

Spa/Wellness

Rejuvenate at the Senses Spa and Wellness Centre or with a session in the WestinWORKOUT® Gym, featuring an indoor pool, sauna, and Jacuzzi.

Food and Dining

The contemporary chic style of the hotel is exemplified by the dining options – from a relaxed al fresco lunch at Toast Cafe to elegant dining in the luxurious Q restaurant and bar, or just relaxing in the sophisticated waterside bar or intimate nightclub.

Car Rental

Today, pick-up your rental car downtown and head towards Rotorua. A Toyota Corolla or similar with Air Conditioning and Automatic Shift will be available.

Sightseeing

Rotorua has the most energetic thermal activity in the country. It is a town permeated with the smell of sulfur and surrounded by towering volcanoes. Steam rises from between the pavement cracks and along pathways. There is a plethora of hot springs and thermal baths, the basis for its fast-growing fame as 'Nature's Spa of the South Pacific'. Situated on the Volcanic Plateau of Central North Island, the continuous volcanic activity has formed the landscape around Rotorua and the main attractions are based around its natural resources, the 12 crater lakes and numerous geothermal features. The crystal lakes offer activities such as trout fishing and water sports, and nearby geothermal fields feature bubbling mud pools, spouting geysers and steaming rivers. Rotorua is also the Maori cultural heartland and visitors can experience the spirit of their culture in one of the many performances, featuring stories relayed through song and dance, and a 'hangi' feast, the traditional Maori method of cooking in an earthen pit.

Bus

You are collected from your accommodation in Rotorua (around 5:30pm) and transferred to the Realm of Tane. Your driver guide provides a welcome to you all on board as you head 20 minutes out of Rotorua to Pre-European Tamaki Maori Village.

Sightseeing

Observe the people of the land as they demonstrate various activities, such as carving and weaving, thatching of huts, food preparation, hunting and cooking techniques. Tamaki Cultural Group will share powerful performance of Waiata, Haka, song and dance.

Food and Dining

The traditional hangi meal has been under the earth on hot rocks for three to four hours, the meal is buffet style.

Shopping

After the dinner, you have time to mingle with their people and enjoy the Tribal Market Place, where you will find treasures and other items of significance to Maori, such as bone carvings and jewelry. The evening ends with the official closing ceremony, song and speeches. Your guide will escort you out to your coach and you will depart for a safe journey back to your accommodation.

Hotel

You have a three nights stay in Lakeview room, in Novotel Rotorua Lakeside hotel. Refurbished in January 2006 the Novotel Rotorua Lakeside is located on the picturesque shores of Lake Rotorua and set in park surroundings. The Hotel features 199 elegantly appointed fully air-conditioned guest rooms with contemporary and modern decor, an indoor heated pool, Royal Spa and Fitness Center, Atlas Café & Restaurant, Clarke’s Bar, and a Maori Cultural Center; Matariki.

The hotel is only minutes from the city center, cafés, restaurants, and major tourist attractions including water activities on the lake, a golf course, museum, and thermal reserves. At the end of a busy day relax in the comfort of your accommodation room or enjoy a refreshing drink in Clarke’s Bar.

Commercial Flight

Today fly from Rotorua to Queenstown on the South Island. Drop-off your rental car at the airport. Direct flight with 1 stop on Quantas. Departs at 1:40pm, Arrives at 4:20pm.

Car Rental

Upon arrival pick-up your rental car and head towards your hotel in Queenstown. A Toyota Corolla or similar with Air Conditioning and Automatic Shift.

Sightseeing

With a reputation as the adventure sports capital of the world, Queenstown is New Zealand's premier tourist destination, offering visitors the chance to indulge in almost every adrenalin activity imaginable.

But Queenstown has more to offer visitors than action packed activities. Queenstown offers magnificent scenery, set on the deep blue Lake Wakatipu and framed by the craggy Remarkables Range, it is appealing to adventurers and leisure seekers alike.

The lake is the perfect setting for steamer cruises, there are many fine walking opportunities in the surrounding hills and valleys with breathtaking views, surrounding vineyards offer wine tasting, shopping at the town's many boutiques, and the nearby historic gold mining town of Arrowtown is a fascinating day's outing.

Adventure

Scenic flights take visitors on unforgettable excursions, such as those around the majestic peaks of Mt Aspiring and Mt Cook, or to Milford Sound. Queenstown's popularity is also due to the fact that it is a year round resort, a renowned alpine playground for skiers and snowboarders in winter and activities such as jet boating, bungee jumping, luging, white water rafting and paragliding in the summer months.

Bus

Travel by luxury coach along the edge of Lake Wakatipu beneath the rugged Remarkables to Te Anau, the 'Gateway to Fiordland'. As you pass through the Egligton Valley you will see ancient alpine beech forests, stunning waterfalls, and the famous Mirror Lakes where you will make a photo stop. From here you will progress through the Upper Hollyford Valley past the stunning Christie Falls and enter the 1.2km Homer Tunnel.

River or Barge Cruise

Prepare yourself for the breathtaking impact of the Cleddau Valley and the descent into Milford Sound. Here you will take an unforgettable Red Boat lunch cruise from which you will see the wonders of Mitre Peak, rock walls scarred by glaciers that rise 1,200 meters vertically from the sea, and waterfalls from hanging valleys tumbling into the sound.

Sightseeing

For your return journey, board a twin engine aircraft, the scenery will take your breath away!

Hotel

You have three nights booked in Oaks Shores, a brand new, luxuriously appointed apartment style hotel in New Zealand’s picturesque Queenstown. Each spacious apartment is beautifully furnished and features balconies, most with stunning views over the lake and mountain ranges.

Oaks Shores is only a short distance from world-class ski fields, golf courses, vineyards, various adventure activities and Queenstown’s own shopping and restaurant precinct.

Sightseeing

Travel north towards South West New Zealand’s World Heritage Area, where you'll find the ancient Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers nestled amidst primeval rainforest. Here the lakes, rivers, forests and beaches of an untamed, yet accessible wilderness, are as pure as you will find anywhere. This area is also home to New Zealand’s famous Kea parrot. Endless opportunities exist to allow you to take in the beauty of this part of the South Island's West Coast.

Villa Rental

Overnight in a one bedroom apartment is booked for you at Glenfern Villas. Glenfern Villas provide fully equipped kitchens and a comprehensive range of crockery and utensils, together with ample heating that will ensure you feel comfortable and warm throughout your stay. Set just outside the main Franz Josef Glacier village, Glenfern Villas is the ideal base for you to enjoy everything the Glacier region has to offer.

Car Rental

Depart Franz Josef and travel through spectacular forests to the West Coast from where you will drive alongside the Tasman Sea Coastline to Punakaiki, the location of the famous Pancake Rocks and Blowholes.

Hotel

Spend overnight in a standard room at Punakaiki Rocks. Punakaiki Rocks Hotel and Villas has 63 luxury rooms nestled amongst native bush, overlooking the Tasman sea. Only a “stone’s throw” from the famous pancake rocks and blowholes.

Car Rental

Arrive in Abel Tasman Region.

Food and Dining

Enjoy a hot tub after your arrival, before going for the included evening cocktails and 4-course dinner.

Hotel

You will have three nights booked in The Resurgence, a luxury Bush Lodge. Set in 50 acres of wilderness alive with native birdsong, The Resurgence is ideal for couples who love nature, the outdoors and good food. A relaxed, convivial, and child-free retreat providing an ideal place for romance!

Your lodge has a super-king bed and a lounge with fire. Enjoy a glass of wine in total seclusion on your large balcony with BBQ. You have full access to all Lodge facilities such as the pool, spa, internet, laundry… .

Kayaking

After breakfast in your lodge, leave at 8:30am to meet your experienced local kayak guide at 8:50am in Marahau. Take a water taxi to Tonga Beach and start your kayak trip around the marine reserve. Spend the day exploring the seal colony, beaches and golden bays between Tonga Island and Anchorage.

Food and Dining

After your day in the park return to The Resurgence for a hot spa, cocktails, four-course dinner and a great night’s rest.

Sightseeing

In the morning, after a hearty breakfast, take a 10:30am water taxi into the Bark Bay in the center of the park and walk 2 – 3 hours stopping at a beautiful bay for a picnic lunch before catching another water taxi back from Torrent Bay or Anchroage returning to Kaiteriteri at 4pm.

Food and Dining

Enjoy a BBQ in the privacy of your suite, or try one of Motueka’s cafes for evening dinner and maybe watch a DVD from the lodge’s library before bed.

Car Rental

Check-out of the lodge by 10:30am and start your journey towards Blenheim, New Zealand's leading wine region.

Wine

Many wineries are open for daily visits and offer excellent restaurants.

Hotel

Overnight in a standard room at Chateau Marlborough. Chateau Marlborough, Marlborough’s premier boutique hotel overlooking Seymour Square Gardens, prides itself on offering guests luxury accommodation with an enviable attention to detail - and all just a short walk from Blenheim’s town centre. Enjoy an environment of seclusion, comfort and intimacy with attentive yet unobtrusive service. The staff continually strives to exceed guests’ expectations.

Chateau Marlborough offers a breakfast restaurant, house bar and a swimming pool.

Commercial Flight

Today you will fly from Blenheim, back to Auckland for your last night, either at the airport, or in the city center (to be defined). Non-stop flight on Air New Zealand, departs 1:10pm, arrives at 2:30pm.

Commercial Flight

We hope you have enjoyed your honeymoon, and wish a safe return to the US.