Travel – New Zealand – The perfect honeymoon destination

Now it is legal in New Zealand for same-sex marriage, Bent predicts that couples will be flocking there to take advantage of the situation and to enjoy the fantastic scenery that films like The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit have introduced to a huge audience. New Zealand has it all, a place that will leave you both touched to the soul and refreshed. Not just a place for outdoors fanatics, but for the passionate and romantic as well. New Zealand promises to make the start of your new lives together memorable for all the right reasons.

As wedding season approaches and couples plan their big getaway, Tourism New Zealand has compiled a guide to some of the most romantic Honeymoon destinations. Whether you are looking for classic romance, city cool, wildlife adventures or want to hit the open road, there is sure to be something for you.

Classic Romance

Coromandel Peninsula
With its pristine beaches, native forests and laid-back vibe, The Coromandel marries relaxation and beauty to perfection. A romantic walk from the north end of the Hahei Beach takes you to Cathedral Cove /, where a naturally formed, cathedral like arch awaits. This is arguably one of the most picturesque parts of the Coromandel Peninsula, providing newlyweds with the idealistic seclusion a romantic honeymoon needs. The beach is sandy with shady pohutukawa trees along the foreshore, whilst the Hot Water Beach in the Coromandel allows you to relax in the warmth of your very own spa pool.

Where to Stay
The 970 Lonely Bay Lodge offers luxury boutique accommodation in the area. Their premier two bedroom honeymoon suite provides guests with plush facilities surrounded by bush or water views of the Purangi Estuary and Cooks Beach.

Roturua
The Mud Spa in Hell’s Gate,  Roturua, provides some of the most unique experiences New Zealand has to offer. Home to 700 years of interaction between the Maori people and European Settlers, this incredible place features erupting waters, steaming fumaroles, pools of boiling mud, a mud volcano and the largest hot waterfall in the Southern Hemisphere.

Where to Stay
Perfectly located on the eastern shores of Lake Rotorua, Wai Ora Lakeside Spa Resort is a contemporary, culturally-themed resort featuring luxurious accommodation.

Food & Wine
Marlborough Sounds
Couples looking for a combination of wine and adventure can explore this famous region through the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail. The relaxed nature of the bike ride helps work up a thirst for some of the most famous wines the world has to offer. The tranquil touring route takes you off the beaten track to discover five of New Zealand’s most scenic regions, accompanied by some fantastic flavours, varied but beautiful surroundings and lots of fun.

Where to Stay
The Sounds Retreat is a new luxury lodge for two, located on the edge of Queen Charlotte Sound, Marlborough. Enjoy native forest walks right on the doorstep, dining on the deck under a canopy of stars, decadent cuisine by the in-house chef and if you’re lucky, you may catch a pod of dolphins swimming by.

Waiheke Island
For an intimate experience that combines wine tasting with privacy, couples should consider the Waiheke Island Wine Tours. After a short ferry ride across the sparkling waters of the Hauraki Gulf, couples will enjoy a scenic tour of Waiheke Island in comfort, visiting three top vineyards. Surrounded by rich Maori history, the experience is a blend of wonder and luxury.

Where to Stay
The intimate Boatshed Hotel is one of New Zealand’s best loved boutique hotels. Luxury designer suites are each totally private with panoramic ocean views. Walk on the beach, read a book in the sun, relax and be pampered.

Adventure
Queenstown
There is no better time to visit Queenstown than now, as the city celebrates the 25th Anniversary of bungee in New Zealand. Couples can travel to where it all began and celebrate their marriage in true Kiwi style by taking a final leap of faith from the Nevis Bungee, the highest in Australasia.

Where to Stay
The Kohara Lodge is an award winning stand-alone house set into the hillside. Relaxed inside living is complimented by wonderful outdoor luxuries.

Waikoto

Honeymooners looking to escape completely can lose themselves in the underground world of the Waitomo Caves. After descending 100 meters below the surface of the earth, couples will find themselves in unique and inspiring surroundings, including thousands of tiny glow worms. The beauty and grandeur of the giant cavern of this lost world is unsurpassed and will be a true highlight of any honeymoon adventure.

Waoku Lodge
The Waoku Lodge / invites its guests into the beautiful, rugged and unspoilt West Coast of New Zealand with a luxurious accommodation option. Set in 12 acres of covenanted native bush, peace and tranquillity surround this unique venue with breath-taking views across the Tasman Sea.

Culture
Te Papa
Couples can immerse themselves in true Maori Culture through the Māori Experience Tour and Kapu Tī Tour at Te Papa. Guests will discover Te Papa’s taonga Māori (cultural treasures), and hear stories of how these are a living part of Māori history. Maori hospitality will not be spared as traditional food and drink is generously served during the Tour.

Where to Stay
Couples looking for the perfect environment to relax, celebrate and refresh should head to the Te Nikau Forest Retreat. Enjoy an incredible indoor-outdoor flow with huge barn doors that open up to native bush, the sound of birdsong and a luxurious treehouse spa overlooking a mountain stream.

Waitangi
Waitangi is one of New Zealand’s most significant historic sites. The Treaty of Waitangi was signed here in 1840 between the British Crown and more than 500 Maori chiefs. With such a rich cultural history this is truly a place of learning and interest. It is also a beautiful place to explore, from the small semi-formal garden that surrounds the Treaty House to the six-kilometer forest walk that leads to Haruru Falls.

Where to Stay
Copthorne Hotel and Resort commands a superb waterfront location in the heart of the Bay of Islands, offering uninterrupted bay views surrounded by 60 acres of subtropical gardens as part of the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds.

Open Road
Forgotten World Highway
Forgotten is its name, but this route is really a journey of remembrance. Along its length there are constant reminders of settlers who tried to scratch out a living in the wild, isolated hill country. From the top of the ragged Strathmore Saddle you’ll see the three volcanoes of Tongariro National Park to the east and the snow-topped cone of Mount Taranaki to the west. The Forgotten World Highway is the perfect adventure for couples wanting to venture into the beautiful unknown.

Where to Stay
Motorhomes are the best way to experience the true open road on your honeymoon in New Zealand. You can include bike hire in your rental allowing you to freely cycle back country roads and enjoy the fabulous landscapes. Visit Discovery Motorhomes which offers a comprehensive guide including all you need to know to book your perfect motorhome holiday in beautiful New Zealand.

City Cool
Auckland
Auckland is any shopaholic’s paradise, with everything from top-end designers to open air street markets. While  there, couples can enjoy the city’s diverse cafes, restaurants and nightlife. Visit Sky Tower, one of New Zealand’s most spectacular attractions offering panoramic views of City and Twin Harbours. For fine-dining, newlyweds can experience Auckland’s only 360 degree revolving restaurant, Orbit or for an adrenaline rush they can SkyWalk around the Sky Tower pergola or SkyJump off the tower.
A must-do experience whilst on your honeymoon visiting Auckland is Rangitioto Island, the largest and youngest of Auckland’s volcanoes boasting the finest 360 degree views that the Auckland region has to offer from its 260 metre high summit.

Where to Stay
The Hotel De Brett offers a unique luxury boutique experience, right in the heart of Auckland city.

Dunedin
Newlyweds can head to Dunedin, a beautiful and historic city celebrated for its Victorian and Edwardian buildings. Take part in the romantic Architecture Walk where you will have the chance to view contrasting architectural styles and visit key buildings including First Church, St. Paul’s Cathedral and Dunedin Railway Station.
Dunedin is surrounded by rugged landscapes and home to world-renowned wildlife encounters.

Where to Stay
Stay at Hotel St Clair luxury suites and apartments.

Wildlife
Stewart Island
Stewart Island is a definite must-see for nature enthusiasts. You can experience where some of the rarest plants and birds in the world thrive and stately native trees have stood for centuries. These, along with white, sandy beaches and sparkling turquoise waters, make the island a memorable spot for nature lovers.
Stewart Island also offers some of the best sea fishing in New Zealand as well as great walking tracks, star gazing and the stunning Southern Lights in winter. For those short on time, a scenic flight over Stewart Island offers a chance to see the natural wonder of the Island and the Rakiura National Park.

Where to Stay
Stay at Stewart Island Lodge, situated just five minutes’ walk from the village at Halfmoon Bay.

Kaikoura & Akoroa
The picturesque coastal town of Kaikoura is all about adventure on or near the sea. Watch whales, snorkel with seals or tuck into a plate of crayfish. Whale watching trips leave the town several times a day and the local seal colony is always entertaining.

A must-do experience in Akoroa is a cruise around Akaroa Harbour where you will visit spectacular sea caves, volcanic formations, high cliffs and bird nesting sites and see rare Hector’s dolphins, seals, penguins and many sea birds.

Where to Stay
Stay at the Hapuku Lodge, a luxury lodge accommodation 10 minutes north of Kaikoura.