New Zealand doesn’t need a reference to Middle Earth to depict its beauty – the pictures speak for themselves. Whether you’re after a relaxed honeymoon or an action-packed couples adventure, our Pacific neighbour has a lot to offer newlyweds.
What time of year should we go?
The best thing about honeymooning in New Zealand is that there is always something to do – no matter what time of year you choose to travel. In summer, you can enjoy the plethora of beaches that New Zealand’s coastline has to offer, go whale-watching in Kaikoura, swim with dolphins or go sailing off Auckland’s harbour. In winter you can rug up together in a romantic cabin in the mountains after a day in the snow, pamper yourselves at one of the country’s many mineral hot spring spa locations, or gorge on seafood in its most plentiful season. With so much on offer all year round, the timing of your trip can be decided around what works best for you and your partner.
North or South Island?
The best way to get a great picture of New Zealand is to visit both of its stunning islands.
If you’re a wine-loving couple, you’ll find beautiful full-bodied reds in the North Island’s Hawkes Bay region and fragrant sav blancs in the world-famous Marlborough region of the south.
For foodies there are dozens of great restaurants in the country’s biggest city, Auckland, and on its neighbouring Waiheke Island. You’ll also find some of the world’s best oysters in Bluff – the southernmost point of the South Island – although these are of course available all over the country during oyster season -from March to August each year.
If it’s action-packed adventure you’re after, much of it can be found in the North Island’s Rotorua, although there is a considerably bigger selection of activities among the South Island’s varied terrains. From quad biking to skydiving, adrenaline junkies won’t be short of ways to get their hearts racing. A hiker’s paradise, New Zealand is also a great place for couples to enjoy walks together – whether they’re slow and romantic or something more challenging.
The benefit of New Zealand’s modest size is that you can quite comfortably see a lot of the sights in just a few weeks. Hiring a car and travelling on land is a great way to experience New Zealand’s diverse surrounds.
Honeymoon Hotels
New Zealand has a large range of accommodation options available for your romantic honeymoon. If you want something other than the usual hotel suite, you’ll find a vast selection of luxury bed and breakfasts, as well as lavish holiday homes situated among New Zealand’s varied and breathtaking landscapes.
Holiday homes are a great option for newlyweds, as there are many websites that supply virtual tours of the houses on offer, meaning you can really pick a place that fits your nature and needs as a couple.
Looking for the perfect honeymoon destination? Find it on the Bride Directory.