New Zealand's Famous Lodges

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 still making sure to visit all of the places that should be seen in a country this beautiful, your honeymoon will treat you to lovely 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 to Rotorua, a few short hours outside of Auckland in the volcanic interior. This is a relaxing spot to recover from the flights and begin your introduction to the country's fantastic scenery and lodges.

Your hideaway, Solitaire Lodge, is 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 out 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 highly-acclaimed Huka Lodge, situated right at Huka Falls. Formerly dedicated to trout fishing, Huka now caters to discerning travelers interested in a broader range of outdoor activities, from hiking to hot springs. After a day of exploration, enjoy dinner at a private table under the stars with the sounds of the flowing river in the background. START HERE.

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. 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.