Have you been dreaming of a New Zealand honeymoon? This guide will give you everything you need to plan the honeymoon of a lifetime.
In many ways, New Zealand is the ideal honeymoon destination. This compact country offers a staggering diversity of landscapes, friendly locals, exquisite luxury hotels and resorts, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences perfect for celebrating the start of a lifetime together. And with a favorable NZD to USD exchange rate, you’ll be surprised by how many indulgences you can afford.
This guide is designed to provide inspiration and recommendations to help you plan the perfect honeymoon experience. We will cover:
- Why choose New Zealand for your honeymoon?
- The most romantic destinations in New Zealand
- The best honeymoon resorts in New Zealand
- Iconic New Zealand experiences perfect for a honeymoon
- The best romantic couples’ activities in New Zealand
- Tips to make your honeymoon even more memorable
- Recommended New Zealand honeymoon itineraries
Read on to begin planning the honeymoon of a lifetime.
Why choose New Zealand for your honeymoon?
Imagine secluded golden-sand beaches, picturesque vineyards nestled in rolling countryside, and indulgent treehouse accommodation. Picture breathtaking mountain peaks, majestic fiords, deep blue glacial formations, and uninterrupted views of the night sky with millions of stars twinkling overhead.
New Zealand offers all of this and much more.
Better still, since New Zealand is a compact country, you can sample dozens of unique landscapes and experiences without sacrificing time to relax and enjoy your first days together as newlyweds.
These are a few of the top reasons to choose a New Zealand honeymoon:
- Escape the frantic pace of life with a stay at a sumptuous luxury lodge
- Choose from an endless array of activities, from immersive wine tours to outdoor adventures
- Marvel at the vast diversity of breathtaking natural wonders
- Sample world-renowned New Zealand food and drink, from manuka honey and crayfish to Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
- Indulge in once-in-a-lifetime romantic experiences such as helicopter picnics and intimate stargazing evenings
With a well-developed luxury travel scene and an abundance of hidden wonders to discover, New Zealand is the ideal destination for any type of honeymoon, from exclusive, bespoke romantic escapes to action-packed adventure honeymoons.
The Most Romantic Destinations in New Zealand
As you daydream about your perfect New Zealand honeymoon, begin with this list of top romantic destinations. Craft your honeymoon itinerary around the destinations that best suit your vision of an ideal honeymoon.
The most romantic destinations in New Zealand include:
- Queenstown
- Abel Tasman
- Rotorua & Taupo
- Marlborough
- Mt Cook & Lake Tekapo
- Wanaka
This guide will break down the romantic highlights of each region. You can choose the destinations that best suit your honeymoon travel style.
Queenstown
Stunning mountain and lake views, a thrilling variety of experiences, a mix of vibrant city life and secluded wilderness retreats, and convenient access to many of New Zealand’s most beautiful natural areas are all on offer in Queenstown.
This region has perfected the best of New Zealand travel, from exquisite luxury lodges to the most exciting adventure activities.
Choose Queenstown for a range of honeymoon experiences, from rejuvenating luxury escapes to action-packed adventure honeymoons.
The Queenstown Wilderness Escape Honeymoon
Stay at a romantic luxury chalet at Blanket Bay Lodge. This exclusive retreat is located in the secluded beauty of the Glenorchy region just 45 minutes from downtown Queenstown. Spend your days hiking the stunning nearby trails, touring Mt Aspiring National Park and Fiordland National Park by helicopter, and sampling the activities on offer in Queenstown. In the evenings, relax by the open stone fireplace in your private chalet and indulge in pre-dinner drinks and a superb nightly degustation menu.
For your honeymoon at Blanket Bay Lodge, you will be welcomed with a bottle of champagne and flowers. Enjoy an intimate private dinner in the Wine Cave on the first night of your stay, plus a complimentary lunch on the afternoon of your choice.
The Queenstown Adventure Honeymoon
For your adventure honeymoon, stay at a 5-star hotel downtown to make the most of everything Queenstown has to offer. Pick and choose your favorite adventures to start married life off on a high. Jet-boating, skydiving, whitewater rafting, hiking, “funyaking” (inflatable kayaking on rivers), ziplining, canyoning, and much more are on offer. Pack your days with excitement and spend the evenings sampling the best Queenstown bars and restaurants.
To elevate your adventures to a once-in-a-lifetime experience, try heli-rafting, heli-biking, heli-hiking, or hot air ballooning, or take a helicopter flight to Milford Sound followed by an overnight cruise on the Fiordland Jewel.
The Queenstown Ultimate Luxury Honeymoon
Choose Matakauri Lodge, one of New Zealand’s top luxury lodges, for your truly exclusive, indulgent honeymoon experience. Spectacularly situated on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, Matakauri Lodge is just 10 minutes from downtown Queenstown. Nonetheless, this exquisite luxury lodge feels secluded and private. Spend a leisurely day sampling top vintages on a Central Otago wine tour. Celebrate the beginning of a joyous life together with an unforgettable heli picnic. Or choose from the wide range of exclusive tours and activities on offer in Queenstown.
The honeymoon experience at Matakauri Lodge includes a welcome bottle of champagne and a spa credit for each of you to use towards the relaxing treatment of your choice.
Abel Tasman
If secluded beach retreats are your idea of a honeymoon in paradise, Abel Tasman is the destination for you. This remote stretch of coastline boasts idyllic golden-sand beaches, luxury retreats nestled in lush forest, charming native wildlife, and scores of adventure and relaxation activities on offer.
The Rejuvenating Abel Tasman Honeymoon Retreat
Stay at Split Apple Lodge for an unforgettable beach honeymoon in the Abel Tasman. Experience peace, serenity, and tranquility at the retreat, where you will find an abundance of opportunities for relaxation and pampering.
Explore the nearby beaches from two private access tracks, or fill your days with exclusive boat tours and helicopter excursions. Opportunities abound for kayaking, scenic walks, and wildlife viewing.
Rotorua & Taupo
The central North Island offers staggering variety packed in a small region. Rotorua and Taupo serve as the main bases for exploring this region, with world-renowned luxury lodges tucked away in stunning native forest nearby.
Relax in secluded geothermal springs, sail on crystal-clear lakes, tour volcanic formations by helicopter, mountain bike on forest trails, or enjoy memorable walks.
Rotorua and Taupo are also close to the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, the Hobbiton Movie Set, and Tongariro National Park. Whether you dream of visiting Middle Earth in real life or exploring a glowworm cave on a thrilling blackwater rafting tour, the central North Island is a rewarding honeymoon destination.
The Relaxing Rotorua Honeymoon
Stay at Solitaire Lodge and enjoy an unrivaled romantic retreat on your Rotorua honeymoon. Situated in idyllic wilderness on the shores of Lake Tarawera, Solitaire Lodge serves as the perfect escape. Spend your days cruising the pristine waters of Lake Rotoiti on the luxury yacht Tiua. Soak in secluded geothermal springs on the lakeshore, discover the volcanic crater of Mt Tarawera by helicopter, and explore the native bush surrounding Solitaire Lodge.
Finish off your days with pre-dinner drinks and canapes followed by a sumptuous five-course meal created from fresh seasonal ingredients. From your suite, enjoy breathtaking views over Lake Tarawera.
The Taupo Adventure Honeymoon
Stay at the world-renowned Huka Lodge for your Taupo honeymoon. Or choose a 5-star hotel set on the shores of Lake Taupo. During your stay, sample the superb variety of activities on offer nearby, including rafting, hiking in Tongariro National Park, adventure caving, jet-boating, and fishing.
If you choose to stay at Huka Lodge, indulge in a romance package including New Zealand champagne, couples’ massages, pre-dinner drinks and canapés, a nightly five-course meal, and daily breakfast.
The Lord of the Rings and Hobbit Honeymoon
Base yourselves at luxury accommodation in Rotorua or Taupo as you explore the Lord of the Rings highlights nearby. First, you cannot miss touring the Hobbiton Movie Set–the Hobbiton Evening Banquet Tour makes for a memorable romantic experience. After that, visit the volcanic terrain that film crews used for Mordor. You can encounter this very special landscape on a flightseeing tour over Tongariro National Park. Or embark on a hike along the Tongariro Alpine Crossing.
If you don’t mind rugged facilities, a stay at Underhill’s romantic hobbit-themed glamping accommodation makes for a Lord of the Rings experience to remember.
After your stay in the central North Island, catch a flight down to Queenstown to explore further Lord of the Rings filming highlights.
Marlborough
This idyllic region combines New Zealand’s top wineries with undulating stretches of lush, secluded coastline. On land, explore the vineyards and the Queen Charlotte Track; by boat, cruise the picturesque Marlborough Sounds.
You will find romantic luxury retreats nestled along the coast, abundant native wildlife ranging from dolphins to colourful parakeets, superb fresh seafood and cheese to pair with the local wines, and activities that include hiking, biking, and swimming with dolphins.
The Wilderness & Wine Marlborough Honeymoon
Stay at The Sounds Retreat or Bay of Many Coves Resort for an idyllic honeymoon escape. Nestled in peaceful native forest with views over the Marlborough Sounds, these two luxury retreats offer romance, relaxation, and indulgence as you start your life together.
Spend a day sampling exquisite wines on a private or group Marlborough wine tour, and enjoy the beauty on offer in the Marlborough Sounds for the remainder of your stay. Choose from experiences ranging from luxury cruises and spa treatments to kayaking, fishing, Queen Charlotte Track day walks, swimming with dolphins, and bird sanctuary island visits.
Mt Cook & Lake Tekapo
For couples seeking dramatic wilderness and peaceful solitude, the Mackenzie Basin is the perfect honeymoon destination.
Ringed by New Zealand’s highest peaks and home to two brilliant turquoise lakes, the Mackenzie Basin offers stunning views of the nighttime sky, unforgettable scenic flights, and outdoor activities such as hiking and biking.
The Mt Cook Wilderness Honeymoon
Stay at Lakestone Lodge and enjoy breathtaking views across the turquoise waters of Lake Pukaki to Aoraki/Mt Cook. For a special honeymoon experience, indulge in Central Otago champagne, New Zealand chocolates, breakfast in bed, and a three-course dinner featuring local cuisine.
During your stay, explore the dramatic mountains and glaciers of Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park on a helicopter flight to a mountain ridge, where you will land and share a romantic lunch with a gourmet picnic hamper including the finest New Zealand produce and a choice of wine, bubbles, or beer. In the evening, take part in an unforgettable stargazing experience with complimentary mulled wine, hot chocolate, tea, or coffee.
Wanaka
Set beside a picturesque lake surrounded by mountains, Wanaka is a smaller, more relaxed version of Queenstown. Here you will find a range of fantastic experiences on offer, from adventure tours to romantic excursions.
Wine tours, high country farm visits, hiking, fishing, winter sports, skydiving, and via ferrata waterfall climbs are some of the highlights of a Wanaka honeymoon.
The Wanaka Highlights Honeymoon
Stay at Mahu Whenua, an exclusive luxury homestead 20 minutes from Wanaka. Alternatively, opt for a 5-star hotel close to the compact town centre. Spend your days relaxing and soaking in the views or sampling the best the region has to offer.
For an even more memorable honeymoon experience, choose heli excursions that combine breathtaking views with memorable activities. Try heli hiking, heli biking, heli wine tours, heli fishing, and heli skiing.
The Wanaka Mountain Retreat Honeymoon
For outdoor lovers, no destination offers a more immersive honeymoon than Minaret Station. This secluded luxury lodge sits in a remote glacial valley surrounded by towering peaks, accessible only by helicopter. Your romantic chalet includes an outdoor hot tub and private deck where you can relax and stargaze. During your stay, indulge in exquisite dining, including multi-course gourmet dinners with paired wine.
Minaret Station opens up the wonders of New Zealand’s backcountry through a range of tours and helicopter excursions. Choose a full-day Fiordland helicopter traverse featuring a gourmet BBQ picnic lunch, a ridgetop champagne helicopter excursion perfect for celebrating the start of your life together, or a heli hike. Other experiences on offer include heli skiing, heli mountain biking, hunting, backcountry fishing, and helicopter tours to the West Coast and Aoraki/Mt Cook.
The Best New Zealand Honeymoon Resorts
New Zealand honeymoon resorts are intimate luxury lodges that take indulgence to the next level. Typically these exquisite retreats include gourmet dinner and breakfast daily, with sumptuously appointed suites and a wide range of exclusive experiences on offer.
New Zealand luxury lodges are nestled in stunning locations, offering privacy, tranquility, and breathtaking views. Every detail is taken into consideration, making a stay at one of these top honeymoon resorts truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
The top honeymoon resorts in New Zealand include:
- Matakauri Lodge, Queenstown
- The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs, Bay of Islands
- Hapuku Lodge + Tree Houses, Kaikoura
- Solitaire Lodge, Rotorua
- Split Apple Retreat, Abel Tasman
- Blanket Bay Lodge, Queenstown
- Huka Lodge, Taupo
- Eagles Nest, Bay of Islands
- The Farm at Cape Kidnappers, Hawkes Bay
- The Sounds Retreat, Picton
- Bay of Many Coves Resort, Marlborough
Matakauri Lodge Queenstown
Spectacularly situated on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, Matakauri Lodge is the ultimate honeymoon destination. From your sumptuous suite, gaze out over the clear waters to The Remarkables, Cecil Peak, and Walter Peak.
Your stay includes: Pre-dinner drinks, dinner, breakfast, lunch, and a complimentary non-alcoholic minibar.
The honeymoon package includes: A $70 spa credit per person, a welcome bottle of New Zealand sparkling wine, and a romantic turndown on your last night.
The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs Bay of Islands
Discover untouched coastline and sophisticated luxury at The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs. The opulent suites are set in cottages nestled in native New Zealand forest, with panoramic views across the Pacific Ocean.
Your stay includes: Multi-course dinner, breakfast, and lunch; pre-dinner drinks and canapes; complimentary non-alcoholic mini-bar; and access to lodge facilities including gymnasium and swimming pool.
The honeymoon package includes: A romantic picnic at one of the private beaches at Kauri Cliffs or at the foot of a picturesque waterfall, a $70 spa credit per person, a welcome bottle of New Zealand sparkling wine, and a romantic turndown on your last night.
Hapuku Lodge + Tree Houses Kaikoura
Hapuku Lodge + Tree Houses offers contemporary luxury in its unique tree houses and lodge suites. Nestled between the Seaward Kaikoura Range and the rugged Kaikoura coastline, the warm, inviting elevated tree houses perch amidst the canopy of a kanuka grove. Beyond, take in breathtaking views over the surrounding deer farm and coast. Romantic touches include fireplaces, deep bathtubs, and expansive windows.
Your stay includes: Three-course gourmet dinner and full breakfast.
The honeymoon package includes: A bottle of French champagne, organic fair trade chocolate, a five-course wine match tasting menu one evening of your stay, a massage for each of you, and a romantic turndown service each night.
Solitaire Lodge Rotorua
Solitaire Lodge enjoys breathtaking views over Lake Tarawera, with a volcanic mountain forming the backdrop. Tucked in lush native bush, the lodge is designed to bring the outdoors in, inviting couples to unwind and discover the tranquility of this secluded setting. Each of the luxurious suites offers privacy and sweeping lake views. Nearby, natural treasures such as waterfalls and hot springs wait to be explored.
Your stay includes: Pre-dinner drinks and canapes, five course dinner, full country breakfast, light lunch, complimentary mini bar stocked with alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and snacks, and use of lodge dinghies and kayaks.
Split Apple Retreat Abel Tasman
Spectacularly situated on the border of Abel Tasman National Park, Split Apple Retreat offers relaxation, pampering, gourmet Asian-Mediterranean fusion cuisine, and easy access to the coastal treasures of the Abel Tasman region. Luxury suites offer an oasis of tranquility, with private balconies and gardens. Meanwhile, the retreat facilities include a saltwater infinity pool, 8-seat theatre, and yoga pavilion.
Your stay includes: Gourmet breakfast and dinner plus full use of lodge facilities.
Blanket Bay Lodge Queenstown
Set on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, ringed by rugged snow-capped peaks, Blanket Bay offers an enticing blend of unparalleled luxury, service, adventure, and relaxation. Breathtaking views and serene solitude combine to make this remarkable lodge an unforgettable honeymoon destination.
Your stay includes: Pre-dinner drinks, gourmet dinner and breakfast, and use of all lodge facilities and sports equipment.
The honeymoon package includes: A bottle of sparkling wine and fresh flowers in your suite upon arrival, private dinner in the Wine Cave on the first evening of your stay, and one complimentary lunch on the afternoon of your choice.
Huka Lodge Taupo
Regarded as one of the world’s top luxury lodges, Huka Lodge is nothing short of remarkable. The elegantly landscaped riverside grounds create a welcoming haven where generous hospitality meets sophistication and style. Decadent lodge suites allow the beauty of the landscape to dominate, with every last detail carefully considered.
Your stay includes: Pre-dinner drinks and canapes, five-course gourmet dinner, full country breakfast, use of all lodge facilities, and complimentary transfers from Taupo Airport if required.
The honeymoon package includes: A chilled bottle of Louis Roederer Champagne; a one-hour in-room couples spa treatment; and gifts of orange souffle biscuits, tea lights, bath salts, and a pair of Huka Lodge branded stainless steel hydro flasks.
Eagles Nest Bay of Islands
Set atop a private ridgeline in a 75 acre estate, Eagles Nest offers five world class villas designed in sleek contemporary elegance. Each luxury villa boasts uninterrupted coastal views and a jacuzzi and home cinema. Four are equipped with private infinity pools.
Your stay includes: A self-catering kitchen, with the option to add evening meals cooked by a personal chef.
The honeymoon package includes: A bottle of Louis Roederer Champagne and box of handmade local chocolates, a fresh seasonal fruit platter, two one-hour massage therapy sessions, a 35-minute private helicopter coastal discovery flight, a full day private sailing charter with romantic lunch on board, nightly 2 course a la carte dinner prepared by a personal chef and served with a bottle of selected wine, and gourmet breakfast provisions.
The Farm at Cape Kidnappers Hawkes Bay
Perched atop rolling hills, The Farm at Cape Kidnappers takes in expansive views of rugged cliffs that give way to the glittering Pacific Ocean and an ever-present horizon. Warm and enveloping, Cape Kidnappers is home to both a working farm and one of the world’s top golf courses. The generous lodge suites offer sumptuous comfort and awe-inspiring views.
Your stay includes: Multi-course dinner, breakfast, and lunch; pre-dinner drinks and canapes; complimentary non-alcoholic mini-bar; and access to lodge facilities including gymnasium and swimming pool.
The honeymoon package includes: A romantic picnic, a $70 spa credit per person, a welcome bottle of New Zealand sparkling wine, and a romantic turndown on your last night.
The Sounds Retreat Picton
Designed by renowned architects, The Sounds Retreat blends seamlessly into its surroundings, accentuating the beauty of the Marlborough Sounds. The location offers total privacy and seclusion, along with ample opportunities for exploring the Marlborough region.
Your stay includes: Full breakfast, dinner accompanied by drinks including wines and spirits, evening turndown, fully stocked mini-bar with non-alcoholic beverages, welcome bottle of Marlborough wine, and snacks and handmade chocolates.
The honeymoon package includes: Chilled champagne upon arrival; a ninety-minute massage for each guest; a three-hour Queen Charlotte Sound cruise aboard the ‘Lady Karen,’ with morning tea and fresh scones on board and a picnic hamper at a secluded beach; use of the lodge BMW Mini Cooper S Convertible; and all alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
Bay of Many Coves Resort Marlborough
Set in the heart of the Marlborough Sounds, the Bay of Many Coves Resort is nestled in picturesque native bush above the shore of a tranquil bay, accessed only by water or by air. Immerse yourself in the pristine natural setting with a stay at one of the luxury suites and discover the myriad experiences at your doorstep in the Marlborough Sounds.
Your stay includes: Full a la carte breakfast and access to all resort facilities. Option to include a nightly three-course gourmet dinner.
The honeymoon package includes: Sparkling wine and a gourmet cheese platter on arrival, one three-course a la carte dinner, and return water taxi transfers between the resort and Picton.
Iconic New Zealand Experiences Perfect for a Honeymoon
Despite its small size, New Zealand offers a breathtaking diversity of landscapes, wildlife, and culture. Iconic New Zealand experiences take in the best of the country’s unique offerings. For example, these include glacier landings, cruises in dramatic fiords, glowworm cave tours, and volcanic excursions.
Many of these iconic New Zealand activities make for unforgettable honeymoon experiences. And in many cases, you have the opportunity to upgrade your tour for an even more memorable honeymoon excursion.
Iconic experiences perfect for a New Zealand honeymoon include:
- Milford Sound Cruises
- Glacier Helicopter Flights
- Wine Tours
- Tongariro National Park Flights
- Glowworm Cave Tours
- Whale-Watching Tours
Read on to learn more about these ideal honeymoon experiences.
Milford Sound Cruises
Fiordland National Park is one of the natural highlights of New Zealand. Vast, wild landscapes of steep mountains, deep lakes, cascading waterfalls, and towering fiords remain virtually untouched by humans, with only one road cutting through the park.
To fully experience the grandeur of Fiordland, a cruise will take you up close to pounding waterfalls and tranquil coves, with charismatic wildlife encounters and magnificent views along the way.
By far the best way to experience Fiordland is on an overnight cruise. Once the daytime crowds return home and the sun sinks in the sky, the dramatic fiords reveal their most captivating aspect.
A luxury overnight cruise on Milford Sound aboard the Fiordland Jewel is one of New Zealand’s most romantic experiences. Indulge in fine cuisine on board, stargaze from the deck-top hot tub, and retreat to sumptuous quarters at night. For an even more exclusive experience, make your way from Queenstown to Milford Sound by helicopter, landing aboard the Fiordland Jewel. By air and by water, Fiordland National Park is more breathtaking than ever.
Glacier Helicopter Flights
New Zealand is home to more than 3,000 glaciers, making the compact island nation one of the best places in the world for a glacier encounter. Awe-inspiring in size and grandeur, New Zealand’s glaciers are best experienced from the air. Below, a rugged world of snow-encrusted peaks and smooth glaciers beckons.
A helicopter flight with a glacier landing makes for the perfect romantic experience. Both affordable and luxurious, a glacier flight will stand out forever as one of the highlights of your New Zealand honeymoon.
To elevate your helicopter tour to the next level, select a longer experience or an excursion with multiple landings. Choices range from full-day helicopter tours encompassing a vast diversity of mountain splendour to heli-hikes that give you the opportunity to explore unique ice formations using crampons and ice axes.
Wine Tours
From the sun-kissed shores of Waiheke Island to the rugged mountains of Central Otago, New Zealand’s wine regions are quickly gaining world recognition. The country’s ten major wine destinations produce a staggering range of varietals, from Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir to Riesling and Gewurtztraminer. Bold, bright flavours and a smooth taste characterise New Zealand wines, many of which have gained worldwide acclaim.
What better way to celebrate the start of your life together than with a wine tour? Indulge in the finer things in life and discover what makes New Zealand wine so special. You can elevate your afternoon among the vines with a private wine tour or a heli wine experience.
Tongariro National Park Flights
One of the world’s most dramatic volcanic regions, Tongariro National Park captivates visitors with towering volcanic cones, deep craters, and jewel-coloured lakes. Unless you wish to hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, the best way to explore the dramatic volcanic vistas of the central North Island is from the air.
Floatplane and helicopter flights soar high above the peaks of Mt Tongariro and Mt Ruapehu, offering a breathtaking glimpse at the rugged landscape below. To round off your unforgettable floatplane flight over Tongariro National Park, add a romantic dinner at the Taupo lakeshore.
Glowworm Cave Tours
Glittering on the walls of caves like an underground galaxy, New Zealand’s unique glowworms inspire awe in any who see them. Whether you prefer an adventurous glowworm cave tour, such as the iconic “blackwater rafting” experience, or a more sedate encounter, a glowworm cave tour makes for a very different and memorable honeymoon experience.
Whale-Watching Tours
If the excitement and joy of spotting majestic whales off the coast inspires you and your partner, you’ll find no better place for a whale-watching tour than New Zealand. With resident whales present year-round and countless migrating species passing through depending on the season, Kaikoura is the perfect destination for marine mammal encounters.
Cruise or fly just off the Kaikoura coast, suspense building as your guide searches for the telltale fluke or burst of spray. And when the resident whales reveal themselves at last, share in the thrill of encountering such grand, mysterious creatures in the wild.
The Best Romantic Couples’ Activities for a New Zealand Honeymoon
In addition to showcasing the highlights of New Zealand, a honeymoon is the perfect opportunity to indulge in romantic experiences you rarely have a chance to enjoy. And New Zealand offers these in abundance.
A few of the top romantic activities in New Zealand include:
- Stargazing
- Soaking in a private hot pool
- Helicopter picnics
- Hot air balloon flights
- Couples’ massages
- Private degustation meals
You will find many of these offered around the country, so pick and choose the experiences you most wish to enjoy together and schedule them into your itinerary wherever possible.
Tips to make your New Zealand honeymoon even more memorable
No matter what your budget or interests, there are several ways to enhance your honeymoon experience in New Zealand.
1. Tell your hotels (or travel agent) you are on a honeymoon
Many hotels in New Zealand offer a special gift to honeymooners, from a box of chocolates to a bottle of wine. If you let your hotels know at the time of booking that you are on your honeymoon, they will see if they can arrange anything to make your stay special. This sometimes includes room upgrades, subject to availability.
If you book through New Zealand Luxury Escapes, we advise all accommodation operators that you are celebrating your honeymoon, so you may find a surprise waiting for you in several locations.
2. Indulge in at least one luxury hotel or lodge stay
Regardless of your budget, you can find a luxury hotel or lodge to suit. If you are trying to save costs, choose one notable destination for a 5-star hotel or luxury lodge upgrade and indulge in the best New Zealand has to offer. A bit of decadence will round off your honeymoon beautifully.
3. Splurge on once-in-a-lifetime activities
From helicopter flights to overnight cruises, you may be surprised by how affordable New Zealand’s luxury experiences can be–especially if you are traveling from somewhere like the US, where the currency exchange rate works in your favour.
Even if your dream experience is a bit pricier than you expected, now is the time to indulge. You won’t regret it.
4. Allow time for relaxation
After the bustle of your wedding, a honeymoon offers the perfect chance to unwind and let go of any lingering stress. No matter how much you want to see and do, leave time in your schedule for a bit of relaxation. And when you have time to spare, relish in the chance to explore picturesque trails, savour delectable meals, and take in the stunning scenery.
Recommended New Zealand Honeymoon Itineraries
As you plan your New Zealand honeymoon, we recommend choosing from the romantic destinations described above. Select locations based on your interests, and plan your honeymoon around the experience you want.
From relaxing week-long stays in Queenstown to adventure honeymoons that encompass the top experiences on both islands, New Zealand offers the perfect honeymoon regardless of what you dream of seeing and doing.
Our romantic escapes itineraries serve as a good starting point as you begin planning.
Or choose any luxury itinerary that catches your eye–we will customise it to create the honeymoon of your dreams.
