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20-Day Helicopter Adventure in New Zealand

Customisable Itinerary
4.0 • (1 review)

Trip Overview

Embark on the most perfect 20-day New Zealand honeymoon, staying in romantic accommodation, taking part in thrilling activities and witnessing once-in-a-lifetime landscapes and views.

Travelling from Auckland on the North Island all the way to Christchurch on the South Island, you'll tootle from one incredible destination to the next in marital bliss! You will experience nature’s show vividly, utilising all of your senses whilst remaining in luxury.
Sightseeing
Cruising
Outdoors & Nature
Adventure
Food & Drink
Culture & Arts

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Highlights of this Trip

Taste delicious New Zealand wines while exploring Waiheke, known for its natural wonders, adventurous activities and beautiful scenery.
Discover local farm life while staying at Ridge Top Farm.
View Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers from above, in what is a breathtaking experience.

Itinerary

Day 1

Welcome to Auckland, the City of Sails!

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Welcome to Auckland, the City of Sails!

Upon arrival, you'll pick up your rental car and make your way to your hotel. You'll check into your hotel and then have the rest of the day free to spend as you wish. Auckland is the main gateway city to New Zealand. You are free to hop on a ferry, bus or in a taxi and spend a few hours exploring the shopping district of Queen Street, the Kelly Tarlton's Sea Life Aquarium, the panoramic views from the Sky Tower or the vineyards on nearby Waiheke Island.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Stamford Plaza Auckland5 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    AucklandOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Rental Car from Auckland Airport to Auckland

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    Destinations

    Auckland

Day 2

Explore Auckland & Boutique Winery Tour on Waiheke Island

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Explore Auckland & Boutique Winery Tour on Waiheke Island

Today you are going to explore Auckland. Your first port of call is the iconic Sky Tower. There is so much fun to be had, including the famous Sky Walk! Visit Mt Eden, one of the extinct volcanic crates right in the middle of the city! It also treats you to a fantastic view of the city. Then, you'll proceed to the ferry terminal to take a 45-minute ferry to Waiheke Island. You will be met at the terminal and taken on a tour of three boutique wineries to taste delicious New Zealand wines.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Stamford Plaza Auckland5 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    AucklandOptional Activity

    SkyWalk

    Mount Eden Volcano WalkOptional Activity

    Waiheke Island Winery Tour

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Ferry from Auckland to Waiheke Island

    Ferry from Waiheke Island to Auckland

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    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Auckland

Day 3

Drive to Tauranga via Hobbiton Movie Set

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Drive to Tauranga via Hobbiton Movie Set

This morning, you'll set off to the beach city of Tauranga, in the Bay of Plenty. On the way, you'll make a stop at the famous Hobbiton movie set for a tour of the real Middle-earth. You can step into the lush pastures of the ShireTM, as seen in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. Your guide will then escort you around the set, showing the intricate detailing, pointing out the most famous locations and explaining how the movie magic was made. You'll then continue to Tauranga.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Trinity Wharf Tauranga4 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Hobbiton Movie Set Tour

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Rental Car from Auckland to Hobbiton™ Movie Set Tours

    Rental Car from Hobbiton™ Movie Set Tours to Tauranga

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    Meals

    Breakfast

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    Destinations

    Auckland

    Matamata

    Tauranga

Day 4

Explore Whakatane, Winery Lunch & Evening Glow Worm Kayak Tour

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Explore Whakatane, Winery Lunch & Evening Glow Worm Kayak Tour

You'll start early this morning and proceed to Whakatane to island. The boat tour to White Island, a living volcano, is a memory of a lifetime if you wish to partake. In the afternoon, you can go to Mills Reef Winery & Restaurant for a bit of wine tasting and shopping. You can also have your lunch there. You can spend the afternoon on any of the many beaches nearby. In the evening, you'll proceed to Waimario for the evening glow worm kayaking experience.

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    Accommodation

    Trinity Wharf Tauranga4 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    WhakataneOptional Activity

    Waimarino Evening Kayak Glow Worm Tour

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    Restaurants

    Mills Reef Winery & RestaurantOptional Activity

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Tauranga

    Whakatane

    Aongatete

Day 5

Canopy Tour & Wai-O-Tapu Wonderland in Rotorua on the Way to Lake Taupo

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Canopy Tour & Wai-O-Tapu Wonderland in Rotorua on the Way to Lake Taupo

After breakfast, you'll drive to Rotorua city for lunch. Then, you'll go on a zip line tour at Canopy Tours, for a once-in-a-lifetime tour of native forests from the bird's eye view. You'll then proceed to Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal Wonderland in Rotorua. On the way to Lake Taupo, you'll stop at Huka Falls lookout to see crystal blue waters flowing at great speed into River Waikato, the longest river in New Zealand! You'll enjoy your evening by the beautiful lakefront in Taupo.

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    Accommodation

    Millennium Hotel and Resort Manuels Taupo4 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Rotorua Ultimate Zipline Canopy Tour

    Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal Wonderland

    Huka FallsOptional Activity

    TaupoOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Rental Car from Tauranga to Rotorua

    Rental Car from Rotorua to Taupo

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    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Tauranga

    Rotorua

    Waikato

    Wairakei

    Taupo

Day 6

Free Day to Enjoy Lake Taupo

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Free Day to Enjoy Lake Taupo

Lake Taupo provides something for everyone. You can choose to go on a scenic floatplane, taking off from the Lake itself, or go for a scenic flight around the three live and active volcanic sisters Mt Ruapehu, Mt. Ngauruhoe and Mt. Tongariro. You go for the adrenaline-pumping Huka Falls Jetboat ride, with its legendary 360-degree spins. Perhaps, you may just want to spend a relaxing time together, walking hand in hand by the lakeside.

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    Accommodation

    Millennium Hotel and Resort Manuels Taupo4 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    TaupoOptional Activity

    Hukafalls Jet TaupoOptional Activity

    Skydive Lake TaupoOptional Activity

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Taupo

    Waikato

Day 7

Taupo to Your Glamping Experience at Ridge Top Farm

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Taupo to Your Glamping Experience at Ridge Top Farm

Today, you'll drive from Lake Taupo towards the lower North Island, through the beautiful scenic route. You'll drive to Awastone on the way to stop off for a relaxing raft through the river, taking in the scenery. Finally, you'll arrive at your unique glamour camping (glamping) overnight experience at Ridge Top Farm in the afternoon. You'll then have the rest of the day and evening to relax and enjoy your surroundings.

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    Accommodation

    Canopy Camping Escapes - Ridge Top Farm5 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Awastone

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Rental Car from Taupo to Canopy Camping Escapes - Ridge Top Farm

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Taupo

    Mangaweka

    Waituna West

Day 8

Free Day at Ridge Top Farm

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Free Day at Ridge Top Farm

Today is a day completely for yourselves. You can enjoy your time together at the glamping site and indulge yourselves in the outdoor spa pool, sipping a glass of bubbly. You can also go for the "glamp and tramp" with the lunch provided, or try your hand on Claybird Shooting. Whichever way you spend the day, make sure to spend the evening staring at the stars.

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    Accommodation

    Canopy Camping Escapes - Ridge Top Farm5 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Canopy Camping Escapes - Ridge Top Farm

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Waituna West

Day 9

Onwards to Wellington

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Onwards to Wellington

After relaxed breakfast, you'll start your drive to Wellington, the Capital of New Zealand. On the way, you can take a small detour to the beach town of Foxton. At Wellington, you can drive to the top of Mount Victoria, for a 360-degree panorama of the beautiful city. Then, you can hop aboard the cable car to the top of the Botanical gardens. Make sure to spend the evening at the Queens Wharf waterfront. There are so many restaurants to choose from for dinner!

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    Accommodation

    CityLife Wellington4 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Mount VictoriaOptional Activity

    Wellington Cable CarOptional Activity

    Free Time in WellingtonOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Rental Car from Canopy Camping Escapes - Ridge Top Farm to Wellington

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Waituna West

    Wellington

Day 10

InterIslander Ferry to Picton

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InterIslander Ferry to Picton

This morning, you can take a self-guided tour at the amazing Te Papa museum. After the tour, you'll drive to the rental car drop off point at the InterIslander ferry terminal. You'll board the Cook Strait ferry and proceed to the Premium Plus Lounge. Make sure you enjoy the scenery from the open deck. The passage through Queen Charlotte Sounds a great scenic experience that must not be missed! Upon arrival, you'll pick up your rental car at Picton and head to your hotel for the night.

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    Accommodation

    Picton Yacht Club Hotel3 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Te Papa TongarewaOptional Activity

    Interislander Ferry - Wellington to Picton

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Rental Car from Wellington to Wellington Interislander Vehicle Check-in

    Rental Car from Picton to Picton Yacht Club Hotel

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Wellington

    Picton

Day 11

Scenic Drive to Nelson

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Scenic Drive to Nelson

After a relaxed breakfast, you'll drive to Nelson, which is known for more number of sunny days compared to other parts of New Zealand! Here, you can visit the well renowned and respected World of Wearable Arts TM Museum. It is a novel concept started by Dame Suzie 25 years ago. Words and pictures do not do justification to what you would see there. You can easily lose yourselves for about two hours or more. Afterwards, you'll go back to your accommodation for a pampering spa treatment.

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    Accommodation

    Grand Mercure Nelson Monaco Apartments3 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Nelson CityOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Rental Car from Picton to Nelson

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    Meals

    Breakfast

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    Destinations

    Picton

    Hira Forest

    Nelson

Day 12

Abel Tasman Vista Cruise

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Abel Tasman Vista Cruise

It is going to be a great day outdoors for you. In Kaiteriteri, you'll board Wilsons Abel Tasman cruise and be first taken for a stunning scenic cruise. You will see the seal colony. If you are lucky, you will also be able to see dolphins! You will be dropped off at Tonga Quarry Bay. You walk through a well-signposted nature trail for four kilometres and reach Midlands Beach. You will get plenty of photo opportunities! Throughout the day, you'll also have the option of a guided kayak tour.

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    Accommodation

    Grand Mercure Nelson Monaco Apartments3 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Wilsons Abel Tasman Vista Cruise

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Rental Car from Nelson to Kaiteriteri

    Rental Car from Kaiteriteri to Nelson

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    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Nelson

    Kaiteriteri

Day 13

Scenic Road to Punakaiki

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Scenic Road to Punakaiki

This morning, you'll check out from your hotel early and drive to Punakaiki, the home of the Pancake Rocks! The South Island is one big landmass where the cities and townships are well away from each other. The scenery is breath-taking. It is strongly recommended that you fill up your car whenever you find a petrol station. Take time to stop at scenic places along your drive. If you reach your retreat before sunset, don't forget to walk to the beach. West Coast sunsets are legendary.

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    Accommodation

    Te Nikau Retreat2 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    PunakaikiOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Rental Car from Nelson to Punakaiki

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    Meals

    Breakfast

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    Destinations

    Nelson

    Te Miko

    Punakaiki

Day 14

Pancake Rocks, Blow Holes & Drive to Franz Josef Glacier

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Pancake Rocks, Blow Holes & Drive to Franz Josef Glacier

This morning, you'll rise bright and early, check out and drive to the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes. You will be zapped by this natural phenomenon! After you have finished soaking yourselves with wonder, you'll begin your drive to the Franz Josef Glacier. On the way, there is a hidden gem called Lake Mahinpua which is worth a stop. After checking in, walk across the road and enjoy some time together at the private pool in Glacier Hot Pools before your gourmet dinner at the hotel.

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    Accommodation

    Te Waonui Forest Retreat5 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Pancake Rocks and Blowholes WalkOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Rental Car from Punakaiki to Punakaiki

    Rental Car from Punakaiki to Franz Josef Glacier

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    Meals

    Breakfast and dinner

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Te Miko

    West Coast

    Franz Josef Glacier

Day 15

Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing & Scenic Drive to Wanaka via Haast Pass

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Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing & Scenic Drive to Wanaka via Haast Pass

This morning, you'll check out and hop on the waiting helicopter and undertake a spectacular flight over one of the most dynamic glaciers in the world! Land on the snow and play to your hearts' fill! Afterwards, you'll begin your drive to Wanaka, via the Haast Pass. There are superb sceneries on the way. Make sure you stop and enjoy yourselves on the way but ensure that you cross Haast Pass before 5pm, since the road might be closed. In the evening, spend time at the stunning Lake Wanaka!

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    Accommodation

    Riverview Terrace5 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Franz Josef Helicopter Ride - Mountain Scenic SpectacularOptional Activity

    Lake WanakaOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Rental Car from Franz Josef Glacier to Wanaka

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Franz Josef Glacier

    Wanaka

    Otago

Day 16

Drive to Queenstown, Skyline Gondola & Luge Rides

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Drive to Queenstown, Skyline Gondola & Luge Rides

Today, you'll say bye to Lake Wanaka and drive to Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world! Upon arrival, you'll catch the Gondola to the top of Bob's Peak. By the way, this is the steepest cable car ride in the Southern Hemisphere! Here, you'll enjoy the panorama of Queenstown, adorned by Lake Wakatipu and enjoy a ride on the luge! You may choose to have dinner at the Skyline Restaurant itself, or at Queenstown.

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    Accommodation

    Hilton Queenstown Resort & Spa5 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Skyline Gondola & Luge Rides

  • restaurant icon
    Restaurants

    Stratosfare Restaurant & Stargazing on Bob's PeakOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Rental Car from Wanaka to Queenstown

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    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Wanaka

    Queenstown

Day 17

Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise

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Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise

After breakfast, you'll drive to one of the highlights of your romantic getaway – Doubtful Sound overnight cruise! Doubtful Sound is unspoiled, unmatched and unforgettable so get ready to create some lifelong memories as your board the Fiordland Navigator. Park your car at Manapouri, take a short cruise across Lake Manapouri. As you cruise through some of New Zealand’s most stunning scenery, your knowledgeable nature guides will provide commentary ensuring you miss nothing.

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    Accommodation

    Doubtful Sound Cruise - Fiordland Navigator

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Doubtful Sound Cruise - Fiordland Navigator

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Queenstown to Manapouri

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast, lunch and dinner

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    Destinations

    Queenstown

    Southland

Day 18

Leisurely Drive to Mount Cook

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Leisurely Drive to Mount Cook

Kick off the day with a hearty cooked breakfast menu and get ready to enjoy the rest of the morning exploring other parts of the fiord. Finally, you’ll return to Deep Cove, and back to Manapouri. You'll then drive to The Hermitage Hotel at Aoraki Mount Cook, the highest mountain in New Zealand. This part of the world has the lowest level of light pollution and is ideal for stargazing! Enjoy the star-strewn night sky with your guide pointing out various constellations!

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    Accommodation

    The Hermitage Hotel4 star

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Rental Car from Manapouri to The Hermitage Hotel

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Southland

    Aoraki/Mount Cook

Day 19

Final Night in Romantic Bliss!

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Final Night in Romantic Bliss!

The perfect crescendo to your New Zealand Honeymoon, you will be staying tonight at a very romantic accommodation – the PurePod, a total immersion, totally private experience of your own slice of the beautiful New Zealand landscape. Your PurePod is made of heavy-duty glass so you can see everything – from the starry night skies above to the native plants growing beneath your feet. Pull back the sliding doors on all three sides and indulge in the isolation.

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    Accommodation

    Pōhue PurePod

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Rental Car from Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park to Pōhue PurePod

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Aoraki/Mount Cook

    Pōhue PurePod

Day 20

Departure Day

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Departure Day

Have a relaxed breakfast at PurePod before you pack your bags and proceed to Christchurch Airport to drop off your rental car and board your flight back to Auckland and connect with your International flight home. Your New Zealand honeymoon, the trip of a lifetime, concludes with memories for life!

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    Transportations

    Rental Car from Pōhue PurePod to Christchurch International Airport

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    Meals

    Breakfast

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    Destinations

    Pōhue PurePod

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What’s included?

  • 19 nights accommodation
  • 10 activities
  • 19 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 2 dinners
  • Airport transfer
  • Entrance fees
  • Ground transportation
  • Licensed English speaking guides

What’s not included?

  • Alcohol beverages
  • Domestic flights
  • Entry visas / airport departure tax
  • Gratuities
  • International flights
  • Laundry
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Trekking permits
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