South Island Honeymoon Self-Drive Discovery

Arriving into 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.
Te Koi - The Lodge at Bronte

Your Nelson adventure is off to a flying start today, as you meet your A&K representative 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 clearest natural fresh water in the world. 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 aplenty. Stop for refreshments at the Old Post Office, before savouring 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 simply soak up the maritime atmosphere over a gourmet ice cream. As the sun sets on your adventurous day, head back to your accommodation with the evening to relax.
Te Koi - The Lodge at Bronte | Meals: BL

Today offers some coastal cruising, with a shared scenic exploration of the Abel Tasman National Park's coastline. In 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.
Te Koi - The Lodge at Bronte | Meals: BL

Continue your self-drive South Island adventure today, travelling 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 located on a working deer farm complete with olive grove. Time to settle in before a delicious dinner, showcasing produce sourced from the farm and vegetable garden.
Hapuku Lodge & Tree Houses | Meals: BD

After breakfast prepare for a morning filled with encounters of the wild kind. Meet your A&K guide and set out to Mangamaunu Bay, just a kilometre 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 simply wind down at the lodge. The choice is yours.
Hapuku Lodge & Tree Houses | Meals: BD

A day to plan your 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 a visit to 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.
Hapuku Lodge & Tree Houses | Meals: BD

Farewell 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, adventure capital of New Zealand. 

On arrival, meet your A&K driver and transfer by private vehicle to your luxury lakeside base for the next few days, the elegant Azur Lodge.
Azur Lodge | Meals: B

Today is one full of sky-high adventure as you meet your A&K 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 Humboldts Mountain Range and land at Lake Erskine, toasting the spectacular views over a glass of champagne before taking flight once more and landing at famed Fiordland Lodge for a delicious lunch of flavoursome local fare. Afterwards, 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.
Azur Lodge | Meals: BL

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 on offer. Embark on an epicurean exploration with a winery tour and savour some of the best Pinot Noir in the country. Visit nearby Arrowtown, an historic gold mining town, or get your adrenalin pumping with one of the many adventure activities which the area is famous for - bungee jumping, jetboat rides and more.
Azur Lodge | Meals: B

Today your unforgettable journey comes to an end. Meet your A&K driver in the lobby and transfer by private vehicle to Queenstown Airport for your onward flight.
Meals: B