Contributed By Erina Pindar

Planning the celebratory travel arrangements following the most important day of your life can be a daunting concept. We’ve saved you the hassle, so you can go ahead and close the 30 tabs you have open in your internet window.

Trip Notes:

• Duration: 9 nights, 10 days
• We Love it For: couples who loves to mix adventure with stunning scenery and world-class dining
• Trip Style: adventure + foodie
• Agent Notes: we combined this amazing nine night itinerary with four nights in Fiji, and it was the perfect relaxing/adventurous balance that we love.

Where to Stay:

1. Wharekauhau Country Estate, Palliser Bay.
2. Otahuna Lodge, Christchurch.
3. Annandale, Pigeon Bay.
4. Minaret Station Alpine Lodge.
5. Matakauri Lodge, Queenstown.

Trip Highlights:

1. ATV adventure along the black sand beaches at Wharekauhau.
2. Gorgeous dinner by Chef Jimmy at Otahuna Lodge.
3. Complete privacy and seclusion at the stunning Annandale.
4. Bungee jumping at the original home of bungee at A.J.Hackett Bungy on Kawarau Bridge.
5. The ultimate day of helicopter adventure with Minaret Station exploring Fiordland, wildlife viewing, a ridge hike, and wrapped it all up with a picnic.

9 Night, 10 Day Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival, Wharekauhau Country Estate

Arrive in Auckland, New Zealand. A meet and greet will be arranged with private vehicle transfer to Auckland Airport Domestic Terminal, for your scheduled flight from Auckland Airport Domestic Terminal (AKL) to Wellington Airport (WLG).

Upon arrival, a private vehicle transfer will be arranged to Wharekauhau Country Estate (2 hours).

Overnight Wharekauhau Country Estate: Breakfast, Pre Dinner Drinks and Dinner

Day 2: Wharekauhau Farm Tour & Leisure Activities

A visit to Wharekauhau is not complete without a tour of the surrounding farm, so today accompanied by your guide, you will enjoy a farm excursion in a comfortable 4-wheel drive vehicle. This classic New Zealand Romney sheep station features all the activities that have created New Zealand’s legendary farming heritage, including sheep shearing demonstrations, sheep dogs in action and daily farm events. Bordered by the Rimutaka Ranges and Pacific Ocean, the working sheep station tour is fascinating – an absolute must!

Afternoon at leisure to explore the estate and participate in activities right on Wharekauhau like: clay target shooting, archery at Wharekauhau, quad biking, or simply relaxing at the spa.

Overnight Wharekauhau Country Estate: Breakfast, Pre Dinner Drinks and Dinner

Day 3: Arrival, Otahuna Lodge & Leisure Activities

The morning starts with breakfast followed by a quick 15 minute private helicopter transfer to Wellington Helipad.  From here, you will board a scheduled flight from Wellington Airport (WLG) to Christchurch Airport (CHC).

Upon arrival in Christchurch, your driver will meet you at your gate and take you to Otahuna Lodge. Enroute, enjoy an Orientation Tour of Christchurch.

Afternoon at leisure, spent at a cooking class with Chef Jimmy or massage therapy at the gorgeous Otahuna Lodge spa.

Overnight Otahuna Lodge: Breakfast, Pre Dinner Drinks and Dinner with Wine Pairing

Day 4: Otahuna Garden Tour & Departure to Annandale

Morning at leisure, spend the morning by the pool or exploring Otahuna’s gardens and orchards.

This afternoon, a private helicopter transfer will be provided to Annandale Seascape Villa, you’ll get a panoramic view of Pigeon Bay where the Annandale estate is located.

Your private chef will arrive 45 minutes before dinner to start prepping for your private dinner for two at the Seascape Villa this evening.

Overnight Seascape at Annandale: ‘We Create, You Serve’ Breakfast and Dinner

Day 5: Leisure & Optional Activities at Annandale

With all Annandale has to offer, a full day at leisure is a must. We recommend any of the below experiential activities:

1. Farm Experience at Annandale
2. Nature Cruise in Pigeon Bay
3. Annandale’s Cooking Class
4. Clay Target Shooting at Annandale
5. Art in your Villa

Overnight Seascape at Annandale: ‘We Create, You Serve’ Breakfast and Dinner

Day 6: Sightseeing Tour & Arrival, Minaret Station Alpine Lodge

This morning, an Annandale lodge representative will pick you up at your villa for a private vehicle transfer to Annandale reception for check out. After, a private vehicle transfer will be provided to Christchurch Airport. Enroute, enjoy a regional sightseeing tour of the surrounding area. You will be driven via the scenic route of the extinct volcano and will able to explore Akaroa, for Little River Gallery and Cafe where you will view local professional works of art and craftsmanship, as well as enjoying some of the fine cafe food they have to offer for lunch.

An afternoon flight will be scheduled from Christchurch Airport (CHC) to Queenstown Airport (ZQN). Upon arrival in Christchurch, meet your Minaret Station representative for a helicopter transfer to Minaret Station.

After a busy day of traveling, it’s time to spend a leisurely evening relaxing.  Explore the Minaret Valley and after, get ready for drinks and dinner in the main house.

Overnight Minaret Station Alpine Lodge: All Meals, Selected Beverages and Onsite Guide

Day 7: Leisure & Optional Activities at Minaret Station Alpine Lodge

Wake up at leisure and head to breakfast back at the main house to fuel up before your adventure for the day.  Your options are endless, from some of the best heli-skiing in the world to exploring the nearby Fiordland and heli-hiking the mountain ridge.

Dubbed “the pinnacle of all Heli-Adventures”, the Fiordland Heli Traverse provides indescribable scenic views of the Southern Alps, the South Island’s West Coast and Fiordland. In half a day, you’ll be able to experience the many beautiful landscapes of New Zealand from the sky and on land, in the most comfortable, convenient and fashionable way. The helicopter adventure includes multiple landings, a guide and a picnic.

Overnight Minaret Station Alpine Lodge: All Meals, Selected Beverages and Onsite Guide

Day 8: Arrival, Matakauri Lodge & Leisure Activities

After breakfast this morning, get ready to leave Minaret Station for Queenstown.  Hop on the helicopter transfer to Wanaka Airport, then an hour drive to Matakauri Lodge in Queenstown.

Enjoy your afternoon at leisure.

Overnight Matakauri Lodge: Breakfast, Pre Dinner Drinks and Dinner

Day 9: Adventure Day in Queenstown

Get ready for a day of adventure in *the* adventure capital of the world! Queenstown is known for its plethora of adventure options as well as its stunning sceneries.

Start your morning with a Thrill-Ride Farm Expedition. Experience the thrills and excitement of this off-roading excursion as you overlook the beautiful landscapes through the rugged terrain. Your driver will give you an exclusive buggy ride on a few of the many trails there is to offer, whilst engaging you in the mountain views, goldmining history and sheep farming in the surrounding area.

Once you’ve had your fill of the farm expedition, check-in for your Shotover Jet Boat Ride (shared basis). This is a thrilling thirty minute jet boat ride you’ll never forget! The Shotover Canyon walls tower over you as your driver skillfully whips the boat past rocky outcrops, and skims around crags and boulders!

A beautiful lunch at Amisfield Winery & Bistro is waiting for you. The Amisfield Winery is located in an iconic stone building with stunning views of snow covered mountains and the beautiful Lake Hayes. Amisfield has a daily changing menu as all dishes are chosen by the chef based on the freshest ingredients available on that given day. Amisfield Bistro is regarded as one of the best winery restaurants in New Zealand.

Next, you’ll check-in for your Kawarau Bridge Bungy. Visit the Kawarau Bridge Bungy to take the plunge — 141 feet (43 metres) into the canyon below. The Kawarau Bridge is where A.J. Hackett, a New Zealander who became a worldwide cult hero after jumping off the Eiffel Tower on a bungy rope, first set up shop. You’ll soon understand why this site is the most popular bungy spot in the world. Located at the Bungy Bridge is also the Kawarau Zipride, where we highly recommend the Superman ride!

If you have some additional time, don’t miss a stroll around the idyllic Arrowtown.  Charming and quirky, this delightful gold rush village nestled below the beautiful peaks that surround the sparkling Arrow River and is filled with gorgeous little shops as well as bars and restaurants.

At the end of the day you will be returned to Matakauri Lodge.

Overnight Matakauri Lodge: Breakfast, Pre Dinner Drinks and Dinner

Day 10: Depart, Auckland, New Zealand

On your final morning, get ready to leave Matakauri Lodge and Queentown after breakfast.  Take your final private vehicle transfer to Queenstown Airport (30 minutes), followed by a scheduled flight from Queenstown Airport (ZQN) to Auckland Airport Domestic Terminal (AKL).

Evening private vehicle transfer to Auckland Airport International Terminal. Depart Auckland, New Zealand to head home.