Outdoors on the South Island

The South Island alone is a wonderful honeymoon destination, especially if you enjoy the outdoors. This trip provides the opportunity to get to know this island up close, spend time in nature, enjoy a picnic, interact with animals and take advantage of the views. Each night, come back to a unique and interesting inn which may be a working farm, a charming colonial, or even one of the fine lodges the Island has to offer.

The multi-colored lupins dot the landscape. The farmers think they are weeds - you think they are beautiful. You brave the cool water and are rewarded with the laughter of dolphins. The enormity of the mountains, the colors of the landscape, and the lack of humanity bring you close together as you reflect on how fortunate you were to have chosen the South Island for your honeymoon.

You'll fly to Nelson via Auckland to start your honeymoon - a wonderful...

jumping off point to gain your bearings, learn to drive on the left-hand side, and refresh after your flight and your wedding. This is a strong wine producing region with rolling hills, panoramic vistas, and farms that dot the landscape. You also have access to sea coast, national parks, and small towns to explore. After spending your first night at the hospitable Te Puna Wai Lodge, a charming B&amo;B overlooking water just outside Nelson, you'll head to Abel Tasman Park for a couple days of hiking and canoeing. You'll stay in the park itself at the comfortable and contemporary Awaroa Lodge.

Now its on to Kaikoura - who will drive? The winding roads require attention, but all you'll want to do is look out the window at the scenery (this is the case all over the South Island)! Kaikoura is set on a rocky coast near the Southern Alps making for a very pretty setting. Here you can whale watch from a plane, swim with dolphins, experience authentic Maori culture, horseback ride, or explore the countryside on ATVs. However, you may not want to leave your lodgings as you'll be staying in a tree house at the beautiful Hapuku Lodge. Perched above in the trees, these units offer stunning views of the mountains, sea, orchards, and wildlife.

After Kaikoura it's on to Christchurch - you'll have...

the afternoon to explore this charming city and you will spend the night at the George Hotel, the city's finest. Get a good night sleep because you'll have to get up early to catch the TranzAlpine train across Arthur's Pass! This scenic journey takes you from one coast of the country to the other. From your car, or even better the open air viewing carriage, you'll see the Canterbury Plains, farmland, lots of sheep, spectacular gorges and river valleys. You'll end in the town of Greymouth.

From there you'll pick up your rental car and...

make your make down to New Zealand's glacier country. Your base for exploring Franz Joseph and Fox Glaciers will be the homey and comfortable Westwood Lodge. You will have the opportunity to take a guided walk on the glaciers, or better yet take a helihike - a helicopter will take up to remote parts of the glacier where you'll have the chance to explore the glaciers on foot!

You'll now journey on to Queenstown, the capital of...

adventure and outdoor activity on the South Island. On your way in you'll pass the bridge where bungee jumping was invented - take the plunge, if you dare, or watch others with your hearts in your mouths! Take the opportunity to explore many of the region's wineries, try the jet boats, parasail over Lake Wakatipu, explore many of the local walking trails, or try your hand at white water rafting. Here you'll stay at the Central Ridge Boutique Hotel, just a 3 minute stroll from downtown.

Did you miss something? Don't worry - you'll be...

returning in a few days, but now, you'll drive south to quaint Te Anau and B&B accommodations, your base for exploration of the southern Fiordlands. You'll spend a day at Milford Sound, or, if you plan ahead and want to stay a bit longer, hike the Milford Track and reward yourselves with a cruise on the Sound. Spend a day kayaking on Doubtful Sound - no less beautiful, much less touched by humanity.

You'll return to Queenstown for your final night, where you can relax before your return home. Catch up on your postcards if you like, wander the mountain range, or do some shopping prior to your departure home from Queenstown via Auckland.

You will by now have taken several gigs of digital photos. But you had to… this is such an amazing country! They'll remind you of warm memories and experiences for years to come.

Who will enjoy this trip:

Couples who enjoy getting outside and love to experience wide open spaces. People who want a some adventure but don't want to rough it in a tent. For those who would like to collect some experiences not always had by other travelers to New Zealand.

Who should avoid this trip:

If you want to see the North Island, an itinerary more like All Around New Zealand Highlights would fit the bill. If you are into luxury, pampering and want to experience the gourmet aspect of New Zealand, New Zealand's Famous Lodges would be better. Contact us and we can help you find what is best for your needs.