Bay of Islands
Explore the secluded beaches, turquoise waters and 18th-century explorer past of the Bay of Islands.
Discover both North and South Islands in style. This is the perfect honeymoon for intrepid newlyweds. With a theme of pure indulgence throughout, this holiday to New Zealand achieves the perfect balance of adventure and pampering.
We put this itinerary together based on what we would love to do for our honeymoon or an extra special holiday. It includes a fabulous combination of adventure and down time within a variety of landscapes, from picture perfect beaches to volcanic islands, towering mountains and lush wilderness. This combined with some truly breath-taking and unique accommodation make it an exceptional holiday.
Explore the secluded beaches, turquoise waters and 18th-century explorer past of the Bay of Islands.
Sail, swim and paddle board on Lake Rotoiti, searching for sandy coves and thermal hot springs on its shores.
Soak up spectacular aerial views of Fiordland National Park before descending through carved glacial valleys to Milford Sound.
Stay at Seascape in Akaroa – where the world can’t find you.
Day 1
Auckland
Day 2
Auckland - Russell
Day 3 - 4
Russell
Day 5
Russell - Matakana
Day 6
Matakana - Rotorua
Day 7 - 8
Rotorua
Day 9
Rotorua - Queenstown
Day 10 - 11
Queenstown
Day 12
Queenstown - Twizel
Day 13
Twizel - Akaroa
Day 14 - 15
Akaroa
Day 16
Akaroa - Christchurch
Day 1
Auckland
Day 2
Auckland - Russell
Day 3 - 4
Russell
Explore the secluded beaches, turquoise waters and 18th-century explorer past of the Bay of Islands.
Day 5
Russell - Matakana
Day 6
Matakana - Rotorua
Day 7 - 8
Rotorua
Experience a geothermal landscape of bubbling geysers, immense lakes and towering volcanoes.
Day 9
Rotorua - Queenstown
Day 10 - 11
Queenstown
Soak up spectacular aerial views of Fiordland National Park before descending through carved glacial valleys to Milford Sound.
Day 12
Queenstown - Twizel
Day 13
Twizel - Akaroa
Day 14 - 15
Akaroa
Stay at Seascape in Akaroa – where the world can’t find you.
Day 16
Akaroa - Christchurch
This holiday begins in style, perched high above the spectacular Bay of Islands, at the multi-award-winning Eagles Nest. Sweeping panoramic vistas and contemporary villa interiors will transport you to a world of bond-esque glamour with a feel of being a million miles from anywhere. Surprisingly though, the charming and historic town of Russell is just a short walk away.
Spend days relaxing in your infinity pool soaking up the views or beach combing and swimming on one of the properties private beaches. Alternatively, cruise among some the 144 islands, swim with dolphins, go kayaking, mountain biking or bush walking .
Set sail on Lake Rotoiti for a private cruise aboard Tiua, a 53-foot sailing catamaran. Explore the sparkling waters of this picturesque lake, located in the heart of the North Island. Discover beautiful sandy coves, lake edge thermal hot springs and cultural sites rich in history and legend. Try your hand at sailing the yacht, jump in for a swim or a spot of paddle boarding and enjoy a delicious barbecue meal, accompanied by a selection of fine New Zealand wines.
An hour’s drive east of Christchurch are the rolling green hills, colonial history, golden sand beaches and small settlements of the Banks Peninsula. Tucked away amidst this scenery is Annandale Homestead, a 4,000 acre working sheep farm which is home to four completely different properties. All secluded and utterly hidden from the rest of the world, in our opinion the perfect way to end your special holiday to New Zealand.
We have chosen to include a stay at the ultra contemporary Seascape, located in your own private bay far from anywhere it truly is a magical and romantic experience. Spend your day’s beachcombing, watching seals and dolphins and soaking up the utter peace and solitude.
Prices will vary depending on the time of year you are travelling. Prices do not include international flights. Please ask one of our Travel Experts for an accurate quote. Flights purchased through Steppes Travel departing from the UK are ATOL protected.
The long warm sunny days make this a wonderful time to visit, but accommodation fills up quickly. Locals have their summer holidays so add to visitor numbers.
The warmest month for much of the country. Locals return to work, easing some pressure on accommodation. A great time to enjoy South Island summer.
The best month to visit, as summer crowds disperse but beautiful warm weather generally prevails.
Temperatures fall, especially in the South Island. The autumn colours can be spectacular, and you may still get away with shorts in Auckland.
Autumn sweeps through the North Island, reinvigorating the green rolling hills. A quiet time of year to travel, after summer and before ski season.
The start of the ski season in the North Island, with the first snow showers beginning to fall. Crisp clear sunny days can still be found on the South Island.
The snow begins to settle and international snow sports teams can be spotted doing their off-season training.
The coldest month, but still plenty to see and do. Ski season is in full swing, and humpback whales can be spotted near Kaikoura on their way north.
Spring is in sight, but there is still plenty of snow on the mountains. Newborn lambs can be spotted in the vibrant green fields.
The snow melts and the rivers are at their peak, making for an exciting time to do white water sports. Longer days allow for more time to enjoy the outdoors.
A beautiful time of year, with wild gorse and vibrant lupins dotting the fields, making the countryside particularly colourful. Snow can still be seen on the tops of the mountains.
Temperatures heat up, but early in the month it is still relatively quiet. Christmas and New Year’s celebrations can be enjoyed in true Kiwi style – on a beach or in the expansive wilderness.
Our knowledge, curiosity and expertise set us apart, driving us to create remarkable holidays and Beautiful Adventures tailored perfectly to you, carefully curated to help protect and conserve our planet.
Are you ready to Discover Extraordinary?