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 One
of the very special aspects of traveling in
New Zealand is the warm and intimate lodges
that you find tucked in and around the countryside.
While being sure to visit all of the places
you should see in a country as beautiful as
this, your honeymoon will treat you to warm
accommodations, gracious service, and the outstanding
food and wine that come with spending time at
properties of this caliber.
A
complimentary bottle of wine, just because you
happened to mention you liked it, hors d'oeuvres
and four course dinners as part of your stay,
romantic rooms overlooking magnificent mountains,
hills and lakes. Enjoyment, raised to an art
form.
 Upon
your arrival on the North Island, you'll probably
be quite tired, so you will meet a driver who
will help you escape the city to Hotel du Vin,
about an hour outside of Auckland. This is a
wonderful way to recover from the flight and
begin your introduction to the country's fantastic
lodges. How does that first sip of local wine
strike you? Indulge in a 3-course gourmet
dinner to ease into
your trip. A rental car will be delivered to
the hotel the next morning.
After
unwinding amidst vineyards, you will travel
to Rotorua in the volcanic interior to check
into your next New Zealand hideaway - the Solitaire
Lodge. Located on a small peninsula in Lake
Tarawara - if you enjoy fishing or want to give
it a try, this is the place! Four-course dinners
with multiple wines and fine service underscore
the scenery, tranquility and comfort. Venture
from the lodge to explore the volcanic parks
with boiling mud, geysers, mineral deposits
and dense forests of New Zealand's omni-present
and bizarre ferns. A short drive from Rotorua
is Lake Taupo, where you will have a chance
to spend time at the well-known Huka Lodge,
 situated
right at Huka Falls. This special place offers
you the chance to spend time with nature in
the way of natural parks, or simply spend time
with each other in the cozy, comfortable rooms.
Dine on the deck overlooking the water for sunset
and subsequent candlelight.
 Now
a change of scenery - North Island to South.
Flying from Taupo you'll arrive in Christchurch
with the opportunity to explore a city that
feels a bit like England. But the true beauty
of the country calls, so you'll leave the city
that same afternoon and drive a short distance
to Otahuna Lodge, a gorgeously restored manor
house nestled in century-old gardens. Drinks
by the fire, walks in the surrounding hills,
exceptional cuisine and wine. Can one country
really offer so much beauty, charm and warmth
to two people? From there, drive on to Mount
Cook, where you'll have a drink at your hotel,
the Hermitage, at sunset as the clouds clear
the peak - as good as it gets! If you are skiers,
try guided heliskiing - dropped off at the top
of a mountain in a helicopter, collected below.
You've made tracks no one else will ever see.
But
let's not forget Queenstown, the center of adventure
and outdoor activity on the South Island. If
bungee jumping isn't your thing, that's fine
- spend that time instead at your eclectic lodge,
Punatapu, located just outside Queenstown. A
few days here will leave you relaxed, awed,
and possibly wanting to move to New Zealand
permanently. One day you'll take a flight to
Milford where you'll cruise the Sound and marvel
at the scale of the peaks. Spend a day wine
tasting and enjoying vineyard vistas. Fit in
some shopping in Queenstown or choose instead
to go hiking.
 Your
honeymoon is nearing its end, but not without
a trip to the amazing Blanket Bay, in Glenorchy,
an hour's drive from Queenstown. Different scenery
and beautiful terraces open to the alpine surroundings.
Choose to spend time outdoors, or try the exciting
jet boat tours up the river - the wind in your
face must be what it feels like to sky dive!
This lodge will stun you with its modernity
and rustic charm, one of the top properties
in the country.
You'll
return to Queenstown for your flight to Auckland
and subsequent flight home. You will leave New
Zealand astounded by what you have seen, and
equally awed by the places you have stayed -
the pinnacle of pampering and gracious service.
What a wonderful way to begin your marriage.
Who will enjoy this trip
Couples who really want to pamper themselves
while surrounding themselves with outdoors.
If you enjoy gourmet food and wine, wish to
relax, and also want to see the sights of the
country. People who have traveled before and
want to try something exotic, without sacrificing
the (more than) comforts of home in a foreign
country.
Who
should avoid this trip
Those who are on a tighter budget may wish to
mix lodges with some inns and B&B's. If
you wish to center your honeymoon around more
adventurous activities, you might prefer our
Outdoors on the South Island itinerary.
If the idea of daily gourmet dining is too much
for you, this itinerary may not be best for
you. Contact us and we can help you find what
is best for your needs.
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