Romance can be found everywhere you look in New Zealand’s breathtaking landscapes, where couples can stroll hand-in-hand on picturesque spots that rarely see visitors, ride a hot air balloon above its majestic fjords, sip wine in luxury lodges or explore pristine nature alongside Maori people.
Venture off the beaten path and kayak to Whenuakura Island, create your own natural jacuzzi at Hot Water Beach or admire Rotorua’s array of geothermal features for something truly memorable – perfect experiences for honeymooners! These experiences offer something truly memorable.
1. Akaroa
While honeymoons typically conjure images of luxurious European resorts and five-star dinners, New Zealand provides an off-grid option full of unforgettable experiences. Miriam Geiser of KK Travels Worldwide’s New Zealand specialist division advises honeymooners that the best time for visiting New Zealand to honeymoon would be November through April when temperatures are at their warmest and crowds are smaller.
Start your New Zealand honeymoon in Auckland, the gateway to its North Island. After taking a quick ferry ride over, stay two nights on Waiheke Island at the luxury Boatshed Hotel overlooking its pristine beaches and vineyards of Oneroa for award-winning wines, spa treatments or relaxing on one of its secluded beaches.
Start off your adventure in New Zealand’s Coromandel region on a kayak to Whenuakura Island – revered by Maori people – or visit Hot Water Beach when the tide is low to dig your own Jacuzzi in the sand and build your own Jacuzzi on Hot Water Beach! After, fly back to Christchurch for three nights of glamping in Coromandel or Banks Peninsula exploration.
2. Abel Tasman
New Zealand honeymoons offer couples a wide range of luxury lodges and tailor-made experiences, making for the ultimate experience for couples on their travels together. Relax on golden beaches or hike together up Franz Josef Glacier; no matter which activity is chosen, your tour will surely be unforgettable.
New Zealand boasts incredible natural environments from glaciers to wine regions – with glaciers, waterfalls, stunning waterfalls and glaciers, uncut mountain regions, alpine scenery, stunning waterfalls and glaciers, pristine lakes and gorgeous fjords tucked within its relatively small borders. It offers breathtaking natural beauty to all its visitors! From glaciers to wine regions and beyond! The country packs an astonishing amount of natural splendor into its small size: uncut mountain regions, alpine scenery, stunning waterfalls and glaciers – plus stunning waterfalls and glaciers among many more features!
Abel Tasman National Park in New Zealand is known for its idyllic beaches and lush native forests, making it one of the most gorgeous national parks. Explore this picturesque area on a guided walk, kayak along its tranquil seas or try river rafting together; for more thrilling experiences try river rafting while taking in breathtaking scenery; for something more relaxing head to Hot Water Beach where tide-dependent private hot pools await!
3. Marlborough Sounds
Marlborough Sounds can be found near the northern tip of New Zealand’s South Island and offers honeymooners an idyllic labyrinth of native islands that draws them in with its mesmerizing natural landscape and exciting outdoor activities such as water sports and hiking. Locals return year after year as they take pleasure from its mesmerizing splendor.
This idyllic paradise is also home to rare native wildlife. Witness Hector’s dolphins playfully playing in the Pacific Ocean while keeping an eye out for seals, albatross, and seabirds. And don’t forget the wine-oenophiles among you: this region produces 75% of New Zealand’s vino production!
Couples looking for an extra romantic touch during their New Zealand honeymoon will find comfort at 970 Lonely Bay Lodge, situated 200 metres from Cooks Beach and offering beachside accom, breathtaking views and total serenity. Speak with one of Ker & Downey’s designers about personalizing your luxury New Zealand honeymoon by creating private dinners, spa days or other unforgettable experiences – book today to begin planning the vacation of a lifetime!
4. Rotorua
New Zealand’s breathtaking natural landscape has long been known to inspire romance, and you can experience these exquisite surroundings at your own pace by planning a bespoke luxury honeymoon for two with Ker & Downey designer. Your designer can organize exclusive experiences such as private dinners and exclusive spa days throughout your vacation.
Connect with nature at Rotorua’s volcanic geothermal fields, with their painter’s palette features, geysers, mud pools and silica terraces beckoning exploration. Or experience Maori culture through an authentic hangi feast or performance of traditional songs and dances!
On the shores of Lake Taupo, enjoy dining at an original floating restaurant that overlooks dramatic volcanic scenery. After that, relax at Solitaire Lodge; this premier luxury lodge focuses on bringing nature indoors through subtle design features that open out onto outdoor living space. This honeymoon destination provides plenty of activities and adventure, as well as offering everything imaginable for an idyllic romantic retreat experience.
5. Queenstown
New Zealand’s South Island provides unforgettable moments. Its breathtaking landscape, luxurious lodges and fully personalized activities set it apart from other honeymoon destinations. Working with your Ker & Downey designer, you can arrange private dinners and spa visits that truly personalise your New Zealand honeymoon experience.
Queenstown is New Zealand’s adventure capital. Set against a picturesque mountain backdrop and Lake Wakatipu, its abundant activities range from skiing and snowboarding to gourmet cuisine and wine tours, making this destination far more costly than most parts of New Zealand but well worth every cent!
Couples seeking a leisurely honeymoon should head to Raglan in relaxed surfy New Zealand, where you can stay in luxury glamping tents at Solscape or their “Tipi Forest.” Or venture further afield and visit Marlborough Sounds where bird sanctuary islands await as well as experiencing New Zealand’s geothermal activity via mud baths, painter’s palette features and fumaroles – there is sure to be something exciting happening there!