New Zealand Romance Escape

This evening make your way to the Los Angeles Airport for your overnight flight aboard Air New Zealand to Auckland. Enjoy a dining experience full of super fresh ingredients and flavors and an extensive range of premium New Zealand wines to complement each meal. Relax in the ergonomically designed seats that create generous personal space to ensure a comfortable journey. Take control of the on-demand entertainment and enjoy a wide range of audio and video and a collection of the very best music.

During your flight, you will cross the International Date Line.

On arrival in Auckland, transfer to your flight to Blenheim. Disembark and transfer to Picton by private vehicle to connect with a scheduled water taxi to Bay of Many Coves. Dubbed ‘the jewel of the Marlborough Sounds’ indulge your passions and challenge your senses and try things you’ve always dreamt of doing. Nestled in the Marlborough Sounds, Bay of Many Coves offers couples kayaking across tranquil waters, scenic bush walks, and spotting dolphins or native birds. Indulge in spa treatments, savor gourmet dining with local wines, or simply unwind on the private deck, soaking in breathtaking views of secluded coves.

Spend your mornings kayaking or paddleboarding across the calm bay, followed by a gourmet dinner paired with local wines (additional cost). Take a relaxing bush walk on the Queen Charlotte Track, where native birdsong and lush forest set the scene. In the afternoons, you can rejuvenate with an optional spa treatment or simply unwind on your deck. As the sun sets, toast to serenity with panoramic views and world-class cuisine.

Spend your mornings kayaking or paddleboarding across the calm bay, followed by a gourmet dinner paired with local wines (additional cost). Take a relaxing bush walk on the Queen Charlotte Track, where native birdsong and lush forest set the scene. In the afternoons, you can rejuvenate with an optional spa treatment or simply unwind on your deck. As the sun sets, toast to serenity with panoramic views and world-class cuisine.

After breakfast, transfer by water taxi to Picton. Collect your rental vehicle and head down the coast to Kaikoura to experience the beauty and wonder of Kaikoura's marine wildlife from above. Take in the best views! as we slowly orbit around nature’s largest animals. The 30-minute experience is the perfect way to view the magic of Kaikoura from above. Continue to Waipara for an unforgettable experience of seclusion and connection with nature. Set high above Greystone’s organic vineyard in Waipara Valley, the glass-walled Greystone Purepod cabin immerses you in sweeping views of rolling hills, vines, and endless sky. By day, wander among the vines or sample award-winning wines; by night, watch the stars glitter overhead from the comfort of your bed. With no distractions—no Wi-Fi, no television, this is a retreat designed for couples to slow down, savor gourmet local provisions, and fully embrace the beauty and stillness of New Zealand’s wine country.

During the day at Greystone Purepod, couples can explore the Waipara Valley’s acclaimed wine region, starting with tastings at Greystone’s cellar door just below the cabin. Stroll through vineyard trails, cycle quiet country roads, or enjoy a gourmet picnic among the vines. For nature lovers, nearby walking tracks reveal rolling hills, wildflowers, and sweeping alpine vistas. Those seeking adventure can venture further afield to discover limestone formations, boutique wineries, or even coastal drives to charming North Canterbury beaches. Returning to the Purepod, unwind with a glass of wine on the deck, soaking in the peace, sunshine, and uninterrupted countryside views.

Leaving the Greystone Purepod, the journey to Lake Tekapo is a scenic drive through the heart of Canterbury, unfolding vistas of rolling farmland, braided rivers, and distant snow-capped peaks. As you approach Tekapo, the turquoise lake and the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd welcome you to this alpine paradise. This evening, experience the Dark Sky Project Summit Experience at Mount John Observatory is a breathtaking journey into the cosmos. Guided by expert astronomers, you’ll explore some of the clearest skies on Earth, viewing constellations, planets, and distant galaxies through powerful telescopes. It’s an awe-inspiring encounter with the universe, unique to Lake Tekapo.

Enjoy the drive from Lake Tekapo to Queenstown is one of New Zealand’s most picturesque journeys, winding through the golden Mackenzie Basin, past the vivid waters of Lake Pukaki and Aoraki/Mount Cook on the horizon. Crossing the dramatic Lindis Pass, the road then descends into Central Otago’s valleys before arriving at Queenstown’s alpine beauty. The drive should take around 3-3.5 hours, but be sure to stop along the way to appreciate the beauty of the South Island.

This morning, begin with a breathtaking scenic flight over alpine peaks, glaciers, and cascading waterfalls before boarding a small boat to cruise the fiord’s sheer cliffs and wildlife-rich waters. Conclude with a return flight, capturing unforgettable views from above. The remainder of the day is free to explore Queenstown at leisure.

On your final day in Queenstown, join a Funyak Safari for a unique blend of adventure and tranquility. After a scenic jet boat ride through the Dart River’s dramatic landscapes, you’ll paddle your own inflatable canoe downstream, exploring hidden streams, pristine pools, and ancient beech forests, a perfect finale to your journey.

There is free time this morning to relax and explore before heading to Queenstown Airport to return the rental vehicle prior to boarding your return flight to the US.