Three destinations, one love story: New Zealand’s cinematic landscapes, the Maldives’ impossibly clear lagoons, and Bali’s temples and jungles. This 20-day romantic itinerary balances nature and city life, with handpicked foodie stops, wine tasting, breweries, beach time, nightlife, and unique local experiences perfect for a honeymoon.

New Zealand sets the tone with Māori heritage, volcanic hills, black-sand beaches, and Central Otago wines. The Maldives slows the pulse: sandbanks, manta rays, and calm local-island life near Malé. Bali closes with jungle sanctuaries, terraced rice fields, cliffside sunsets, and sultry evenings by the sea.

Expect morning travel between hubs, realistic flight times, and mid-range choices with a few special-occasion splurges. Pack a light layer for New Zealand’s changeable weather, modest beachwear for local Maldivian islands (no alcohol there), and temple-ready attire for Bali. Bring an appetite—this route is a feast.

Auckland

Auckland blends harbors and hills, Polynesian roots and a buzzing dining scene. Sail-framed Waitematā Harbour meets volcanic cones like Mount Eden; west, the Tasman Sea hammers black-sand beaches at Piha and Karekare.

It’s also New Zealand’s largest city—great coffee, a flourishing brewery scene, and easy day trips to Hobbiton, glowworm caves, and Waiheke’s vineyards. For a romantic first chapter, think coastal sunsets, modern Kiwi cuisine, and a glass of Syrah by the marina.

Days 1–3: City, coast and a dash of Middle‑earth

• Iconic sights: Stroll the Viaduct Harbour and Wynyard Quarter; climb Mount Eden for a sunset crater view; browse contemporary works at Auckland Art Gallery; and ferry to Devonport for colonial villas and North Head tunnels.
• Wild west beaches: Let the wind whip your hair at Piha and Karekare, then wander the ferny tracks of the Waitākere Ranges. Consider this private SUV tour for a cozy, two‑person day:
  Auckland City and West Coast Black Sand Beach Full Day Tour

  

• Hobbiton + Waitomo: Make a day of it—hobbit‑hole photos, then glowworms drifting like stars overhead:
  Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Guided Day Trip from Auckland incl lunch

  

• Coffee & breakfast: Amano (baked goods and seasonal brunch), Bestie (light‑filled loft, ricotta hotcakes), Daily Bread (sourdough, croissants). For third‑wave coffee, swing by Eighthirty or Atomic.
• Lunch: Auckland Fish Market (poke and paella stalls; try Market Galley’s fish & chips), Kai Eatery (Taiwanese fried chicken), Federal Delicatessen (Kiwi‑NY deli mashup).
• Dinner: Ahi (NZ produce with fire‑kissed finesse), Depot Eatery (small plates, tuatua clams), Cassia at SkyCity (modern Indian date‑night favorite), Tanuki’s Cave (yakitori, sake). For cocktails, Caretaker (speakeasy) and Clipper (tiki‑leaning fun).
• Breweries & wine: Brothers Beer City Works Depot (rotating taps), Urbanaut (creative sours), Hallertau Riverhead (brewpub garden). If time allows, ferry to Waiheke Island for cellar doors like Mudbrick and Cable Bay.

Where to stay (honeymoon‑friendly picks):

• The Hotel Britomart (eco‑elegant, steps from the harbor)
• Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour (spa, marina views)
• Haka Lodge Auckland or Haka Hotel Newmarket (budget‑savvy)
• Novotel Auckland Ellerslie and The Sebel Auckland Viaduct Harbour (mid‑range)
• Browse apartments: VRBO Auckland or hotels: Hotels.com Auckland

Getting there and onward: Search long‑haul flights to Auckland on Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com. Expect 12–15 hours nonstop from the U.S. West Coast, or 24–30 hours with connections from Europe.

To Queenstown: Fly Auckland–Queenstown (~1h50m–2h20m, typically USD 80–200 per person) via Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com. Morning departures keep the day open.

Queenstown

Ringed by the Southern Alps and Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown marries alpine drama with a compact food and nightlife scene. It’s a gateway to Fiordland—Milford and Doubtful Sound—and to Central Otago’s pinot noir.

By day: hikes, jet boats, gondola views, and vineyard tastings in Gibbston Valley. By night: candlelit dinners, craft brews, and stargazing on the lakefront.

Days 4–8: Fiords, wine, adrenaline and cozy evenings

• Milford Sound day out: Let someone else drive the epic alpine road, then drift under waterfalls on a small‑boat cruise (picnic included):
  Premium Milford Sound Small Group Tour & Cruise from Queenstown

  

• Lake cruise + farm BBQ: Cross Wakatipu for a gourmet grill at Walter Peak. Note: the historic Earnslaw steamer pauses for maintenance May 19–Oct 1, 2025; alternative boats operate:
  Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Lunch & Queenstown Lake Cruise

  

• Adrenaline for two: Spray and spins on the Shotover River are a Queenstown rite of passage:
  Shotover River Extreme Jet Boat Ride in Queenstown

  

• Wine & walks: Book tastings at Gibbston Valley, Amisfield, Peregrine, and Akarua; pair with the Arrow River Trail to historic Arrowtown. Ride the Skyline Gondola for sunset and consider a soak at Onsen Hot Pools (book ahead).
• Food & drink: Vudu Cafe (brunch bowls), Fergburger (line worth it), Rātā (modern NZ), The Bunker (fireplace romance), Botswana Butchery (lamb), Blue Kanu (Pacific‑Asian plates). Breweries: Altitude Brewing (lakefront), Searchlight (creative IPAs), Canyon Brewing (Shotover views).

Where to stay:

• Eichardt's Private Hotel (heritage glamour on the lake)
• Heritage Queenstown (alpine‑chic, pools)
• Pinewood Lodge or JUCY Snooze Queenstown (LyLo) for value
• Browse chalets: VRBO Queenstown or hotels: Hotels.com Queenstown

To the Maldives: Fly Queenstown→Auckland→Malé (common routes via Sydney/Melbourne + Singapore). Total travel time ~18–24 hours, typical economy fares USD 700–1,200 pp when booked early. Compare on Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com.

Malé

The Maldives’ compact capital piles mosques, markets, and maritime history onto a tiny island. Spend a night to feel the city’s rhythm—call to prayer, tuna at the fish market, and a sunset stroll along Rasfannu Beach—before heading to a local island for reef time.

Days 9–11: Touchdown, culture, and a peek under the sea

• City orientation: Visit the Grand Friday Mosque, Sultan Park, and the bustling fish market with a guide who folds in island lore:
  4 Hour Highlights of Malé Walking Tour

  

• Underwater without getting wet: Descend 100 feet in air‑conditioned comfort to watch reef life drift past your window:
  2-Hour Maldives Submarine Tour From Male

  

• Foodie notes: Try garudhiya (fragrant tuna broth) and hedhikaa (savory bites). For a casual night: Symphony (local institution), Seagull Cafe House (ice cream), Shell Beans (coffees and wraps). Remember: no alcohol in Malé.

Where to stay (1 night): Somerset Inn or Hotel Octave Maldives for value. For a celebratory splurge close to the airport with sunset bars, consider Kurumba Maldives (resort island).

Onward to a local island: Shared speedboats run from the airport pier to Maafushi frequently (30–45 minutes, ~USD 20–30 pp). You can pre‑book:
Maafushi: Airport Transfer By Speedboat

Maafushi

Maafushi is a budget‑friendly, honeymoon‑happy base with bikini beaches, snorkeling trips, and day boats to sandbanks—perfect if you want Maldives magic without overwater‑villa prices.

Days 12–14: Sandbanks, manta rays, and slow island life

• Snorkel and island hop: Glide over reefs, lunch on a local island, and chase turquoise sandbanks:
  Maafushi: Full Day Snorkeling and Island Hopping Experience

  

• Manta moment: In season, snorkel with graceful manta rays—an unforgettable honeymoon memory:
  Snorkeling with Manta Rays from Maafushi

  

• Sandbank picnic & dolphin watch: Soft white sand, crystal shallows, and a chance to spot spinner dolphins:
  Sandbank, Snorkeling, Dolphin Cruise, Picnic, Local Island Tour

  

• Eat & unwind: Breakfast at Kaani Palm’s Sky View; smoothies at Fine Bake by Suzy; grilled reef fish at Stingray Beach Inn’s garden; sunset dinner toes‑in‑sand at Arena Beach Hotel’s seafront.

Where to stay (great value): Kaani Palm Beach, Arena Beach Hotel, or Kaani Village & Spa. Looking for quieter islands? Consider Fulidhoo with Plumeria Maldives or Thundi Guest House.

To Bali: Fly Malé (MLE) → Denpasar (DPS) via Singapore or Kuala Lumpur; 9–12 hours total, fares often USD 250–500 pp. Compare on Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com.

Ubud

Bali’s cultural heart is all emerald terraces, temple shrines, and artisan studios. It’s ideal for spa days, gentle adventure, and candlelit dinners among the palms.

Days 15–18: Temples, rice terraces, waterfalls and spa time

• Best‑of‑Ubud private day: Monkeys, holy springs, rice terraces, and a waterfall—tailored to your pace:
  Discover The Best of Ubud: All-Inclusive and Private Guided Tour

  

• Ubud highlights with a swing: Add a jungle swing over palm valleys and stop at Tegenungan or Tukad Cepung fall:
  Best of Ubud Full-Day Tour with Jungle Swing

  

• Nusa Penida day trip (optional): Snorkel with manta rays, then dramatic cliffs and beaches (private fast boat avoids crowds):
  Nusa Penida day trip: boat, 4 snorkeling, Manta rays & Land tour

  

• Eat & drink: Breakfast at Seniman Coffee Studio (roastery), Alchemy (raw treats), and Milk & Madu (brunch staples). Lunch at Warung Babi Guling Ibu Oka (roast pork), Clear Cafe (colorful bowls). Dinner at Hujan Locale (spice‑driven Indonesian), Room4Dessert (tasting menu), and CasCades (jungle‑view fine dining).

Where to stay:

• Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan (iconic jungle‑ringed suites; honeymoon dream)
• Puri Garden Hotel & Hostel (social, stylish, great for value)
• M Boutique Hostel (budget‑friendly) • Browse villas: VRBO Ubud or hotels: Hotels.com Ubud

Driver on call: For ultra‑flexible days, hire a private driver by the day:
Experts Bali Driver : Best Bali Private Driver for Tour in Bali

To Uluwatu: Private car Ubud→Uluwatu 1.5–2.5 hours depending on traffic (ask your driver to stop at a coffee plantation or beach along the way).

Uluwatu

Wave‑carved cliffs, temple silhouettes, and gold‑hour skies—Uluwatu is Bali’s sultry finale. Spend your last days beach‑hopping and toasting the sunset above the Indian Ocean.

Days 19–20: Clifftop sunsets and seaside dinners

• Sunset ritual: Tour the temple and watch the Kecak fire dance before a seafood feast on Jimbaran Beach:
  Private Uluwatu Temple and Kecak Fire Dance Evening Tour in Jimbaran Bay

  

• Beaches: Padang Padang (iconic cove), Melasti (turquoise bay with clifftop road), Bingin (surf vibe). For a glam afternoon, try pool clubs Ulu Cliffhouse or Savaya; sunset drinks at Single Fin.
• Dining: Breakfast at Drifter Surf (smoothies, coffee), Suka Espresso (brunch). Jimbaran seafood warungs like Menega Cafe or Made Bagus for grilled snapper. For a polished date night: Cuca (Jimbaran, creative tapas) or head to Seminyak for La Lucciola or KU DE TA.

Where to stay (South Bali)

• The St. Regis Bali Resort (Nusa Dua; legendary service, private beach)
• Bali Dynasty Resort (Kuta; family‑friendly value, central)
• Browse villas: VRBO Uluwatu or hotels: Hotels.com Uluwatu

Suggested 20‑Day Flow at a Glance

• Days 1–3: Auckland (city, west coast, Hobbiton/Waitomo)
• Days 4–8: Queenstown (Milford Sound, wine, jet boat, lake cruise)
• Day 9–11: Fly to Maldives; Malé culture + submarine
• Days 12–14: Maafushi (snorkeling, sandbanks, manta rays)
• Day 15: Fly to Bali (DPS)
• Days 15–18: Ubud (temples, terraces, waterfalls, spa)
• Days 19–20: Uluwatu (beaches, Kecak dance, Jimbaran dinner)

Budget tips for a 49/100 spend

• Mix stays: boutique hotels in cities, guesthouse on Maafushi, and one splurge night (Kurumba or St. Regis) for the honeymoon glow.
• Book Milford and Nusa Penida as shared small‑group options; hire a driver in Bali for flexible, cost‑effective days.
• Eat like a local at markets and warungs, then save one or two Michelin‑aimed dinners for special nights.

To head home from Bali, check fares from Denpasar (DPS) via Singapore, Tokyo, or the Middle East on Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com. Allow 2.5–3 hours at the airport.

From volcanic skylines to coral gardens and jungle temples, this itinerary balances nature and city life with romance stitched throughout. Savor the moments—sunsets on three seas, clinking glasses in two hemispheres—and let each place add a chapter to your honeymoon story.