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Beach relaxation, gourmet delights and a touch of adventure
With quiet, white sand beaches, turquoise inlets and truly boutique accommodation to die for, New Zealand offers so much more than its thrill-seeker reputation gives it credit for. A honeymoon to New Zealand can give you a lesson in post-wedding relaxation like no other destination. Why? Because the Kiwis are pretty much just like us but do a great job at showing how laid-back life could be if we didn’t sweat the small stuff quite as much and got outdoors more! While you won’t be able to see the whole country in 14 days, domestic flights in New Zealand are as easy to catch as a bus and will really help you get the most out of your time there. A 2 week honeymoon is more than long enough to combine an exciting mix of adventure, gourmet delights and stunning beaches in New Zealand – the perfect thinking-couple’s honeymoon. Day 1 – 4: Waiheke Island – relax & rejuvenate Let your first experience of New Zealand be of the thing Kiwis love the most – the ocean. Take the 40 minute ferry ride out of Auckland Harbour and let the excitement build as the bohemian island of Waiheke comes slowly in to view. A great place to rest and rejuvenate after your wedding and long flight, Waiheke has a romantic and uplifting feel while still being close enough to Auckland to let you visit for the city for the day if you wish. Spend 4 exquisite nights on Waiheke staying at The Boatshed where you can wander down to the beach, quirky cafes and eclectic shops of Oneroa in just a few minutes. If you like to mix up your beach time with some activity you may be enticed by a tour of the island’s award winning wineries, lunch at one of the well-known vineyard restaurants or perhaps you could take a scenic flight that circumnavigates the island and Auckland to get your bearings. Above all, the one must for Waiheke is to relax – remember you’re on island time now! Day 5 – 7: Nelson & The Abel Tasman National Park – tropical rainforest & turquoise ocean Travel back to Auckland and get a short domestic flight down to Nelson – the sunniest town in New Zealand and the gateway to the stunning Abel Tasman National Park. Settle into the secluded self-contained villa of Clifftops Retreat and enjoy a glass of champagne while admiring your panoramic view of the ocean. Enjoy doing as little or as much as you like but we’d definitely recommend a tramp through the rainforest of the national park, hiring a catamaran for a leisurely sail followed by lunch in a turquoise cove or taking a short drive to Nelson itself and exploring the many art galleries and cafes. Of course you can cook for yourself or why not arrange for a private chef to create a truly unforgettable dining experience at The Retreat? Day 8 – 11: Queenstown – romantic views and exhilarating action A short hop away is the South Islands action centre – Queenstown. As much fun in the summer as in the winter Queenstown is a must for its epic mountainous vistas – the scene of many a Hollywood movie – and of course adventurous pursuits a plenty. But to begin with, check-in to Azur Lodge, throw open the large retractable windows in your bathroom and take a soothing dip in the spa bath while enjoying a glass of perfectly chilled champagne and homemade truffles. If you ever feel ready to leave your sanctuary then the friendly staff’s local know-how will help you decide what activities to take part – your options include an exhilarating jet-boat trip through the winding rivers, a 4x4 wheel safari across treacherous terrain, hiking, mountain biking, helicopter trips to Milford Sounds, glacier hikes or an epic picnic on a glacier to name but a few! If a bit of pampering is more your style you may like to take a rest in a hot tub with panoramic views over Lake Wakatipu, invigorate your senses at one of the world-class spas or indulge in a massage in the privacy of your villa at Azur. Day 12-14 Matakana – The Good Life: great food, wine and nature at its best Wing your way back up north to Auckland, pick up your hire car and take the short drive to the Matakana Wine Region, your final port of call in New Zealand and home to the architecturally unique and contemporary Takatu Lodge & Vineyard. Takatu wines are found on the wine list of several Michelin Star restaurants here in the UK - as well as in your mini-bar - so what better place to kick off a tour of this up and coming wine region? The surrounding area is packed full of niche producers of all kind of fare – including jams that are reportedly enjoyed during breakfast at Buckingham Palace and of course Matuka honey famed for its healing properties. Takatu is also a stone throw from the lesser known gem Tawharanui Regional Park that offers rare untouched beachfront, great swimming and walks for all levels and Goat Island which is one of the best scuba diving spots in the country. For land-based action try horse riding on the beach, visit the farmers market that attracts Aucklanders in their droves or embark on the art & sculpture trails that showpiece the work of several well-known New Zealand sculptors.
Day 15 Time to go home. Sniff, sniff.
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