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.
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.
