honeymoon packages > ultimate escape

9 Night Ultimate Escape in New Zealand

Day 1:  Arrive Auckland & on to Waiheke Island On arrival at Auckland airport you will be met by our representative and transferred by private vehicle to join your private helicopter flight across Auckland's Hauraki Gulf to Waiheke Island, a magical island paradise in the treasure trove of Auckland's Hauraki Gulf Islands.  Later today you each enjoy a one hour aroma massage at your accommodation to relax and unwind after your flight. Day 2:  Waiheke Island Vineyards Mid morning you depart on your privately guided tour of Waiheke Island Vineyards as you visit three of the Island's best boutique wineries.  The secrets of Waiheke's stunning world wide success in fine reds will be revealed and you will come away with a deep appreciation of the vintner's art.  Today you also enjoy a sumptuous lunch at Mudbrick Vineyard & Restaurant.  Dinner this evening is included at your accommodation. Day 3:  Waiheke Island to Rotorua After a leisurely breakfast this morning, your hosts will transfer you to join the ferry to Auckland where on arrival you will be met and transferred by private vehicle to collect your rental vehicle for your journey to Rotorua today.   Included for the duration of your car hire is an innovative commentary system.  Imagine driving around New Zealand automatically gaining an in-depth knowledge of the history of the towns and regions you pass through, hearing ancient Maori myths and legends, listening to stories told by the characters that shaped our history, learning of the unique wildlife, geographical landmarks and scenic attractions that you see as you travel.  Packed with over 2,000 audio commentaries, KRUSE® is guaranteed to keep you entertained and informed everywhere you go on your New Zealand self-drive holiday.  As an added bonus, from the 1st of March 2011 the KRUSE system also includes GPS navigation. Suburban scenery gradually gives way to the farmland of South Auckland as you travel south to the inland city of Hamilton.  Your journey then continues through the fertile Waikato region before reaching your accommodation. Day 4:  Orakei Korako Hidden Valley Landing & Tour Depart on your scenic flight from Rotorua by floatplane and fly over the Crater Lakes District and the volcanic rift of Mt. Tarawera.  Here you view the massive crater rifts caused by this 1886 eruption.  You then continue south via the Waimangu and Wai-o-tapu Thermal Areas to land at the Hidden Valley of Orakei Korako.  Here you transfer by boat across the lake to explore a world of gushing geysers, hot springs, bubbling mud pools and some of the largest and most amazing silica terraces in the world.  Orakei Korako is a unique visitor attraction, not to be missed.  It's a geothermal wonderland, one of nature’s true gifts.  You then rejoin your aircraft for the return trip to Rotorua.  Duration is approximately 2 ½ hours. Day 5:  Rotorua to Queenstown Time at leisure this morning before returning your car to the airport and joining your scheduled flight to Queenstown.  On arrival you collect your new rental vehicle and make your way to your accommodation.  Perhaps the most famous of all South Island cities, Queenstown’s pulse thumps to the beat of action, adrenalin and visual wonder.  Alive with activity all year round, there is enough activity to keep you entertained all day and all night. Day 6:  Discover Central Otago Wines Late this morning you depart for a privately guided afternoon out in the company of a senior wine guide and enjoy superb scenery, gourmet food and the finest wine.  You’ll see real drama in the scenery, hear the pristine silence of the high country, savour the scent of pure clean air and feel the pulse of the heart of Central Otago.  Taste wines at four of the best vineyards in the Gibbston, Bannockburn and Cromwell regions and enjoy a fascinating insight into the region.  For lunch you relax in the delightful setting of Carrick’s winery overlooking Bannockburn Inlet and enjoy a gourmet platter lunch.  An excellent afternoon out! Day 7:  Queenstown Today is at leisure to relax or explore Queenstown.  Whether it's bungy jumping, white-water rafting, heli-skiing, fly-fishing, hang gliding, horse riding or scenic flights, you will find thrills and excitement in every way imaginable. Meanwhile, other activities such as exploring historic Arrowtown, scenic walks, eco-tours, shopping, galleries, cafes and an exciting nightlife provide something for everyone all year round. Queenstown is unique in comparison to other international resorts by virtue of its distinct four seasons giving pleasant temperatures with plentiful sunshine, accompanied by abundant activities and sports to match the season. Day 8:  Queenstown to Christchurch Depart Queenstown and travel through the historic Central Otago region before arriving at the small town of Twizel.  Then continue north to arrive at Lake Tekapo before crossing the fertile Canterbury plains to arrive in the Garden City of Christchurch.  Vibrant and cosmopolitan, Christchurch enjoys exciting festivals, theatre, modern art galleries, great shopping and award winning attractions.  Internationally known for its award winning gardens, Christchurch is a graceful city that values its culture and heritage.  Day 9:  Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Flight & Leisure Time Early this morning you enjoy a hot air balloon flight.  There is no other place in the world where it is possible to fly from the centre of the city, in view of the sun rising out of the ocean, toward snow-capped mountains.  Enjoy hands on help preparing the balloon before enjoying a hour long flight in the sky with spectacular views and photo opportunities.  Then after landing in a farmer’s field enjoy a celebratory glass of chilled champagne or orange juice before returning to your accommodation where the rest of your day is at leisure for optional sightseeing and to explore what Christchurch has to offer.  Day 10:  Depart Christchurch Sadly, your holiday is at an end as you return your rental vehicle to the airport today 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: 2 nights at The Boatshed in a Boatshed Suite 2 nights at Nicara Lodge in a Lakeside Room 3 nights at The Spire in a Guest Room 2 nights at The George Hotel in a Premium Executive Room Meals as follows: All breakfasts Lunch at Mudbrick Vineyard & Restaurant Dinner included on day 2 at The Boatshed Lunch on your Boutique Wine Tour in Queenstown  Activities as follows: Scenic  private helicopter flight to Waiheke Island One hour aroma massage each at The Boatshed Privately guided tour of Waiheke Island vineyards including tastings Ferry from Waiheke Island to Auckland Orakei Korako hidden valley landing & tour by floatplane Privately guided half day tour of Queenstown vineyards Sunrise hot air balloon flight in Christchurch Meet & greet at Auckland airport and transfer by private vehicle to join your helicopter charter Transportation by self drive rental vehicle including unlimited kilometres & daily insurance from day 3 KRUSE commentary system for the duration of your car hire (including GPS from 01 March 2011) Scheduled flight from Rotorua to Queenstown (subject to availability) 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.