New Zealand Elopement – 7 Day Itinerary

Day 2 Lake Pukaki

Driving time Christchurch to Lake Pukaki – 4 hours 

The Mackenzie Basin is home to some of New Zealand’s most sublime scenery. From towering peaks (including New Zealand’s tallest, Aoraki/Mt Cook) to brilliant turquoise lakes and shimmering glaciers, the Southern Alps are an awe-inspiring destination. Your first glimpse of the glacial lakes is at Lake Tekapo, a picturesque settlement surrounded by mountains.

Continuing south, you will pass by the breathtaking southern shores of Lake Pukaki before arriving at Lakestone Lodge, a purpose built, six bedroom, off grid, luxury lodge positioned in a spectacular location on the shores of Lake Pukaki. Your stay includes a three-course dinner and cooked breakfast, a perfect location for your upcoming Elopement.

Stay 2 nights in Lake Pukaki.

Accommodation: Lakestone Lodge Lake Pukaki

Day 3 Lake Pukaki Elopement

Enjoy the red carpet treatment today; with your celebration held at Lakestone Lodge.

Your Elopement Package at Lakestone Lodge includes:

• A selection of outdoor and indoor locations for your ceremony
• Wedding Celebrant
• Three-course dinner both nights. Option for private dining on your wedding night.
• Daily cooked and continental breakfast
• A bottle of Central Otago bubbly for celebrating after the ceremony
• Flowers in your room on arrival
• Two witnesses

There is also the option to add on hair and make-up, flowers, helicopter transfers and a photographer for your special day.

Day 4 Queenstown

Driving time Lake Pukaki to Queenstown 211 km / 131 miles, 3 hours

Today your journey takes you over Lindis Pass to Queenstown, the ultimate luxury destination on New Zealand’s South Island. From world-class luxury lodges to indulgent spa experiences, superb cuisine and exclusive tours, Queenstown is the ideal New Zealand honeymoon destination.

Your accommodation in Queenstown is at Hulbert House, regarded as one of the most beautiful luxury boutique lodges that Queenstown has to offer, Hulbert House provides both luxury accommodation in Queenstown and a luxury experience suitable for all discerning travellers. Situated just a short walk from Queenstown’s vibrant centre, Hulbert House is imbued with a sense of serenity and historic elegance. Your accommodation includes breakfast, refreshments, pre-dinner drinks and canapés, and personal concierge service.

Stay 4 nights in Queenstown.

Accommodation: Hulbert House

Day 5 Queenstown + Milford Sound Experience

A scenic flight connection to Milford Sound is the ultimate way to experience the drama and vastness of New Zealand’s dramatic alpine scenery. The aircraft are specifically designed for mountain flying and pilots are specially trained.

Upon reaching Milford Sound, you will enjoy a 2.5 hour Milford Sound Nature Cruise. With specialist nature guides on board, Real Journeys Nature Cruises offer a close-up experience of Milford Sound’s rainforest, soaring rock walls, towering snow-capped mountains, cascading waterfalls, hanging valleys and wildlife… words just don’t do it justice, you have to see it for yourself! Throughout the cruise, the guides share stories of the fiord’s history and are happy to answer your questions. A delicious picnic lunch is also included in your tour.

After your cruise, relax on the flight while your pilot delivers you back to Queenstown.

Featured: Milford Sound

Day 6 Queenstown + Gourmet Wine Tour

An indulgent and varied full-day tour seeing local sights, enjoying fresh cuisine and tasting a selection of fine wines, cheeses and handcrafted chocolates. You will be greeted at your Queenstown accommodation by your own personal guide for your Gourmet Wine excursion. Venture into the heart of Central Otago and enjoy exclusive tastings at 4 vineyards over 2 contrasting wine sub-regions. Included is a tour of New Zealand’s largest underground wine cave, a splendid cheese and wine presentation, a delightful platter with a premium glass of wine.

Featured: Gourmet Wine Tour

Day 7 Queenstown

Explore Queenstown today, with the option to take a day trip to Glenorchy. At the Head of Lake Wakatipu, Glenorchy is nestled between the Richardson (east) and Humboldt (west) Mountain Ranges and overlooked by the mighty snow-capped Mount Earnslaw in the north. From Glenorchy you can travel on to a number of fantastic valleys, including Rees Valley, Paradise Valley, Dart Valley, and Routeburn Valley. These valleys border both Mt Aspiring National Park and Fiordland National Park, and they are ringed by some of the most dramatic mountains in New Zealand.

The tiny Kinloch township lies further along the road; this is an excellent spot to enjoy a coffee while taking in the views over the stunning shores of Lake Wakatipu. The two main industries in Glenorchy are farming and tourism, which have enabled the town to thrive while still maintaining its unique qualities and southern kiwi culture. Home to approximately 200 people, Glenorchy is a welcoming and vibrant town offering a range of cafes, restaurants, bars, shopping, hiking, fishing, and much more. Glenorchy’s surrounding landscape has become a prime location for film scouts, and was chosen to depict many scenes in the award-winning Lord of the Rings movies. More recently, the area has featured in The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe, Prince Caspian: The Return to Narnia, Hercules, and countless adverts.

Enjoy your final evening in paradise, and raise a glass to a perfect New Zealand elopement and honeymoon!

Day 8 Depart Queenstown

As your unforgettable holiday draws to a close, soak in the views one last time before departing Queenstown at your leisure.