New Zealand Romance Escape - Marlborough Sounds, Tekapo & Queenstown
12 Days | 9 Nights
Price per person from
$6,399pp
*Based on double occupancy
Air/Land Inclusive
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Experience South Island romance with whale watching in Marlborough Sounds, stargazing in Tekapo's Dark Sky Sanctuary, and alpine adventures in Queenstown, combining tranquil luxury with breathtaking landscapes.
- Round-trip airfare from Los Angeles to Blenheim, returning from Queenstown
- 9 Nights Superior/Deluxe Accommodation
- 4 Experiences including a Whale Watching Flight, Dark Sky Summit Experience, Milford Sound and a Funyak Safari
- 6 Days Intermediate Car Hire
- Transfers in Blenheim and Picton
Description
Embark on an unforgettable romantic journey through New Zealand’s stunning South Island, where every experience is crafted to spark connection, awe, and adventure. From the serene beauty of the Marlborough Sounds to the majestic alpine landscapes of Queenstown, this escape weaves together luxury, discovery, and romance at every turn.
Your getaway begins with a flight into Blenheim, followed by a scenic transfer and ferry crossing into the serene Marlborough Sounds. Here, you’ll spend three nights at the secluded Bay of Many Coves Resort, an intimate hideaway surrounded by lush native bush and crystal-clear waters. Spend your days soaking in the peace of the Sounds, enjoy leisurely breakfasts together.
The journey continues south with a leisurely drive through down the coast to Kaikoura where you will take to the skies on a 30-minute whale-watching flight, where spotting gentle giants in their natural habitat becomes a shared memory to treasure. Continue to the Wairarapa wine region for two nights, staying at the romantic Greystone Purepod. Here, you’ll be enveloped in nature with floor-to-ceiling glass walls, where sunsets and starry skies are yours to enjoy in total seclusion, complete with a gourmet food hamper on arrival for the ultimate private indulgence.
Continue through the rolling landscapes to Lake Tekapo, where you’ll stay two nights at Peppers Bluewater Resort. By day, admire the turquoise waters framed by snow-capped peaks, and by night, experience the magic of the Dark Sky Summit. Under one of the clearest night skies on Earth, you and your partner can marvel at the stars, constellations, and galaxies in an unforgettable celestial encounter.
Your adventure concludes in Queenstown, New Zealand’s alpine playground, with three nights at the stylish QT Queenstown. Here, romance meets exhilaration with experiences like the Milford Sound fly-cruise-fly, where dramatic fiords and waterfalls unfold beneath you, and the Funyak Safari, where you’ll paddle together along glacier-fed rivers surrounded by pristine wilderness.
From tranquil retreats to awe-inspiring adventures, this South Island journey invites couples to share not only the beauty of New Zealand but also the joy of discovering it together.
Price
Travel Dates |
Price* | |
|---|---|---|
| *Based on double occupancy | ||
| Apr 1, 2026 - Apr 30, 2026 | from $6,899pp * | |
| May 1, 2026 - Jun 25, 2026 | from $6,399pp * | |
| Jun 26, 2026 - Jul 25, 2026 | from $6,849pp * | |
| Jun 26, 2026 - Sep 30, 2026 | from $6,599pp * | |
| Oct 1, 2026 - Oct 27, 2026 | from $7,299pp * | |
| Oct 2, 2026 - Dec 4, 2026 | from $7,299pp * | |
| Dec 5, 2026 - Dec 12, 2026 | from $7,599pp * | |
| Dec 13, 2026 - Dec 23, 2026 | from $9,349pp * | |
| Dec 24, 2026 - Jan 3, 2027 | from $8,849pp * | |
*Prices are quoted in USD and are ‘from’, per person, based on double occupancy. Single supplements apply. Valid for weekday departures and weekend. Transpacific departures Fri – Sun incur a $50 fee each direction. Advertised pricing reflects low season pricing. Seasonal surcharges apply for travel outside this season. Must be booked by June 30, 2026. Black-out dates may apply. Prices are current at time of posting (3/17/2026) and may differ when you book your travel and are not guaranteed until full payment is received and processed, due to fare increases and currency fluctuations. All pricing is strictly subject to availability. All prices, itineraries and routing are subject to change without notice. Please call for our current prices. CA CST: 2076233-40 | WA ID: 601 684 531 | PC-1282498.
Inclusions
- Round-trip airfare from Los Angeles to Blenheim returning from Queenstown
- One-way transfer from Blenheim Airport to Picton Ferry Terminal
- Round-trip ferry transfer from Picton to Bay of Many Coves Resort
- 3-nights Marlborough Sounds, Bay of Many Coves Resort, One Bedroom Apartment including breakfast
- 6-days Intermediate car hire including unlimited mileage
- 2-nights Waipara, Greystone Purepod including a food hamper on arrival
- 30-Minute Whale Watching Flight
- 2-nights Tekapo, Peppers Bluewater Resort, Hotel Room
- Dark Sky Summit Experience
- 3-nights Queenstown, QT Queenstown, Alpine King Room
- Milford Sound Fly/Nature Cruise/Fly
- Full-day Funyak Safari
- US/foreign taxes & fees including September 11 Security Fee
Exclusions
- Car Rental excludes additional insurances, petrol, bond, additional drivers (NZ$5+GST per day up to a maximum of NZ$25 +GST for the entire length of rental), Standard Insurance Excess (payable direct) and miscellaneous charges
- New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) NZ$17 on free App or NZ$23 if completed online PLUS the IVL of NZ$100. Payable on application.
Map
Itinerary
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Day 1 - Depart USA
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.
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Day 2 - International Date Line
During your flight, you will cross the International Date Line.
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Day 3 - Arrive Blenheim
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.
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Bay of Many Coves
(Deluxe)
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Bay of Many Coves
(Deluxe)
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Day 4-5 - Marlborough Sounds (B)
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.
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Bay of Many Coves
(Deluxe)
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Bay of Many Coves
(Deluxe)
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Day 6 - Waipara (B)
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 Kaikōura'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 Kaikōura 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.
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Greystone Purepod
(Superior)
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Greystone Purepod
(Superior)
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Day 7 - Waipara (B)
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.
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Greystone Purepod
(Superior)
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Greystone Purepod
(Superior)
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Day 8 - Tekapo (B)
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.
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QT Queenstown
(Deluxe)
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QT Queenstown
(Deluxe)
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Day 9 - Queenstown
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.
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Day 10 - Queenstown
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.
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QT Queenstown
(Deluxe)
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QT Queenstown
(Deluxe)
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Day 11 - Queenstown (L)
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.
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QT Queenstown
(Deluxe)
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QT Queenstown
(Deluxe)
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Day 12 - Depart Queenstown
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.