honeymoon packages > romantic retreat

7 Night Romantic Retreat in New Zealand

Day 1:  Arrive Auckland Massage at East Day Spa, Auckland On arrival at Auckland airport you collect your rental vehicle before making your way to your accommodation.  Known as the 'City of Sails', Auckland is New Zealand's largest and most vibrant city offering an array of cosmopolitan experiences.  This afternoon you unwind as you enjoy a relaxing one hour massage for two.  This massage is a memorable experience to be shared with a special partner.  One spacious room filled with the ambience of candlelight allows you to indulge in two simultaneous massages side-by-side.  Day 2:  Auckland to Taupo & Scenic Flight Farewell Auckland as you make your way along the southern motorway.  Suburban scenery gradually gives way to the farmland of South Auckland as you travel to Bombay, a major market gardening area.  The Waikato River will then accompany you for much of your journey through the green countryside as you travel to the inland city of Hamilton, a city carved in two by the mighty Waikato River.  Your journey then continues through the fertile Waikato region before arriving at the popular lakeside resort of Taupo, home to New Zealand’s largest lake and the spectacular Huka Falls.  This afternoon you enjoy a scenic flight, which is a truly magical experience!  This journey takes in Lake Taupo's scenic spots on the way to Mount Ruapehu's steaming Crater Lake, set amongst snow covered peaks.  You will be able to photograph the stunning lava flows, glacial valleys and colourful volcanic formations that are only visible from the air.  Enjoy an alpine landing in the Kaimanawa ranges before heading back up the shoreline of Lake Taupo on your way back to the Flight Centre.  Duration is 90 minutes. Whirinaki Forest Day 3:  Privately Guided Walk in the Whirinaki Forest Today's full day tour provides a window-look into the uses of this ancient rainforest by the early Maori inhabitants of Te Urewera, the vast wooded mountain country between the Central Plateau and the East Coast of the North Island of Aotearoa New Zealand.  Included in this tour is a leisurely walk of about 4.5 hours’ duration, graded easy and suitable for all ages.  During your time, Maori guides will tell you something of the tribal history of this isolated region, and provide flora and fauna interpretation.  A relaxing luncheon on the banks of the picturesque Whirinaki river is included, providing an opportunity to experience the solitude and tranquillity of one of the least-used wilderness areas in Aotearoa. Day 4:  Taupo to Hawke's Bay Depart today for the Hawke's Bay town of Napier.  The major entertainment on the road from Taupo to Napier is the fantastic scenery.  There's a bit of everything - rugged hills, beautiful valleys, gentle plains and huge vistas.  The town of Eskdale heralds your arrival in Napier.  In 1931 a devastating earthquake nearly levelled this city.  It was rebuilt in the style of the times, and is now considered the Art Deco Capital of the world.  It is also a region where local produce reigns supreme, from its award-winning wines to the freshest range of quality primary produce you will find anywhere.  This evening enjoy pre-dinner cocktails with hors d'oeuvres and a four course dinner. Picnic in a Hawke's Bay Vineyard Day 5:  Exclusive Discover the Best of the Bay! Today explore the Hawke's Bay and discover Food & Wine, Art Deco, Artists in their Studios and Maori Culture.  This exclusive tour is an authentic New Zealand experience.  Meet wonderful characters, hear their stories and have fun.  Walk amongst the diverse collection of art deco buildings in Napier.  Visit fascinating artists working in their studios, spend time with interesting Maori, talk with wine specialists, sample special wines, meet food producers, taste delicious foods and explore stunning coastal scenery.  Your guide will craft this full day tour to follow their interests and will take you on a special journey to find the true essence of this beautiful country.  A picnic lunch is included. Day 6:  Hawke's Bay to Palliser Bay Drive south today to the Wairarapa, a rural retreat in the very heart of New Zealand.  Highly recommended is a stop at Martinborough where you will find the Martinborough Wine Centre which showcases all wines from the region in a comfortable environment.  It provides you with the opportunity to taste wines from most of the regions 30-plus wineries as well as providing a wide range of local food products.  Later travel on to reach your destination of Palliser Bay.  This evening enjoy a cocktail hour and superb grand gourmet dinner. Day 7:  Palliser Bay Today enjoy the surroundings of Wharekauhau and move as the mood takes you.  Experience the New Zealand outdoors or simply relax and unwind.  Wharekauhau Country Estate offers guests activities to suit all tastes.  Whether you’re feeling adventurous, or in need of a rest, at Wharekauhau the choice is yours: sit back and savour the tranquillity, or take on the great New Zealand outdoors.  This evening enjoy a cocktail hour and superb grand gourmet dinner. Day 8:  Palliser Bay to Wellington and Depart Travel to Wellington today where on arrival, sadly your holiday is at an end as you return your rental vehicle to the airport for your onward flight.  Here, we bid you a fond farewell to your homeland and hope you leave with many happy memories of your stay in Aotearoa, New Zealand.

Inclusions - this package is inclusive of the following: Accommodation as follows: 1 night at the Westin Auckland in a Deluxe Room 2 nights at Acacia Cliffs Lodge in a Lakeview Room 2 nights at The Master's Lodge in a Guest Room 2 nights at Wharekauhau Country Estate in a Guest Cottage Meals as follows: All breakfasts Pre dinner drinks with canapés on days 2, 3, 4, 6 & 7 Gourmet dinners on days 4, 6 & 7 Lunch on your Whirinaki Forest excursion Picnic lunch on your Best of the Bay tour all activities as follows: One hour massage of choice in Auckland 90 minute scenic helicopter flight in Taupo Privately guided day trip in the Whirinaki Forest Privately guided Best of the Bay tour in the Hawke's Bay including transport & tastings  Transportation by self drive rental vehicle including unlimited kilometres & daily insurance Detailed travel itinerary in both electronic and hard copy format Arrival documents including information on the regions you are visiting Driving directions & maps 24 hour on call assistance during your vacation Optional discounted travel insurance through Comprehensive Travel Tariff - please contact us for details and pricing. This package has been prepared by Luxury Vacations to help you plan your honeymoon in New Zealand.  All of our packages are fully flexible, from the date you travel to the accommodation you stay at, the activities and sightseeing you experience to your mode of transport.  We also offer a free itinerary planning service so you can design your dream honeymoon.  We’ll match your interests, budget and time frame to find that perfect balance just for you - all the while backed by our specialist advice. If you’d like further information and pricing on this honeymoon package, please email us and be sure to let us know your proposed month of travel. Or if you’d like us to help you plan your own individually tailored holiday, simply fill out our free enquiry form with as much information as you can and one of our experienced staff will be in contact.