New Zealand Honeymoon destinations like Rotorua and Queenstown are heavily promoted and well documented in other travel blogs, but do Honeymooners know about the gorgeous and lesser known places in New Zealand? These Top 10 New Zealand honeymoon destinations and activities are for fun seeking, nature-loving Honeymooners.
Where to begin with your honeymoon in New Zealand?
As most international travellers begin their trip in Auckland and finish in Christchurch, we’ll start from North to South and add links for easy reference and information access.
1 – Waiheke Island off the coast of Auckland – for wine lovers
Only a short 50 minutes ferry ride from downtown Auckland, Waiheke Island is a gorgeous, relaxed gem surrounded by the bluest waters. It’s actually hard to imagine that New Zealand’s largest city is so close!
Waiheke Island Wine Tours
Friendly locals and remote, empty beaches welcome as you arrive at the ferry terminal. You can either rent a car locally for the day or join a vineyard/scenic small group tour. Handy Hint: Take the 10am ferry ex Auckland harbour and back at 4pm from Waiheke ferry terminal. Read more .
2 – Hahei Beach Coromandel Peninsula – Kayaking and hiking
The question from our travellers is a this, “shall we go to the Bay of Island or the Coromandel Peninsula” ?We have written another travel blog on this subject (link). The key advantage with the Coromandel is there is less driving and the scenery is just as lovely as the Bay of Islands. Read more .
Picture by Cathedral Cove Kayaks
You’ll get the same warm climate, the giant Kauri Trees and golden beaches on the eastern side of the peninsula. Hahei Beach is one of those top locations with beach access to the Cathedral Cove Walk and the glorious Kayaking from the Hahei Beach Village.
3 – Blackwater Rafting Waitomo Caves
Now this really is a “classic Kiwi” adventure. Established in the mid 1980’s (I did my first trip there in 1988) it’s now seen as one of the top adventure things to do in New Zealand. It’ll be easier for you to see the video to get a sense of the adventure – but it’s safe, fun and an activity that’s probably unique to New Zealand. Be warned, you’ll get wet, but a shower and BBQ is provided after the tour. The tour takes about 4 hours. All you need is swimwear and a towel and the fun is guaranteed. Read more .
4 – Orakei Korako Flight + Walking excursion
The area between Rotorua and Taupo is the most geothermal active region in New Zealand. There are many “reserves” you can easily visit – Waiotapu, Waimangu, Te Puia etc. With Orakei Korako you can combine a scenic flight from Rotorua over the area (in a fixed wing aircraft) plus a guided walk thru the volcanic wonderland. The big ‘plus’ is that you’ll get away from all the truckloads of tourists at the other reserves. Have good walking shoes and a rain jacket (just in case). Read more .
5 – Abel Tasman Region – Vineyard Cottage stay
The Abel Tasman region and honeymoons are a perfect match for romance and for sheer intimacy, a vineyard cottage stay is such a wonderful way to celebrate your first time together as a couple.
Stay at least 2-3 nights, relax and enjoy this beautiful – and mostly sunny – Abel Tasman region. A fine example of a romantic setting can be found at places like the Kina Beach Vineyard Cottage, conveniently located between Nelson and the Abel Tasman National Park. Here, you can walk thru the vinegrape rows down the beach or just sit on your veranda amidst the privacy and scenery. Read more .
6 – Remote West Coast Beaches and rainforest
The West Coast of the South Island can rightly be called ‘Paradise’ It’s wild, lush and underpopulated – the perfect place to explore and find new experiences.
Take the drive thru the Buller Gorge with lots of stopping options (e.g. swing bridges, walks, historic sights). Then the Cape Farewell Seal Colony (with Walk). Of course you’ll need to check out the iconic “Pancake Rocks” at Punakaiki (best to do at high tide). And if you’re after a great hosting experience and stunning views over the Tasman sea, consider a stay at The Breakers Boutique B & B . Plan on a 2-night stay.
7 – Heli-hiking Fox Glacier
The glaciers in New Zealand are different in that they flow a lot faster than other glaciers throughout the world. It’s only about 25 kms from our highest peak – Mt. Cook, 3654 metres – to the Tasman Sea. In between you have (a) the high alpine country – glaciers with a lengh of 12 kms, (b) lush rainforest with stunning walks and (c) beach and lagoon walks along the sea. And you can do this all in one day!
Start with the Heli-hiking in the morning, it’s worth every penny as you get 2 x short helicopter flights and 2 hours walking on a safe part of the Fox Glacier with a local guide. Special ice equipment is provided. Bring your own sunglasses and a good jacket. Read more .
8 – Rob Roy Valley Walk – a magic valley near Wanaka
For those Honeymooners keen on one-day hikes, the Rob Roy Valley Walk is definitely a highlight walk. Stay in Wanaka for two nights and travel for about one hour up the West Matukituki Valley in your rental car or with a transport operator. The walk is about 5 hours return and crosses a classic NZ swing-bridge. You’ll gain access to the hug “valley bowl”, a perfect place for lunch and meet the local “Kea” birds.
9 – Dart River Safaris – with Lord of the Rings From Queenstown
You’ll enjoy travelling to Glenorchy in your car – it’s a very scenic drive. From there, the Dart River Safari tour begins and takes you to a place actually called “Paradise”. This is an informative tour with stops on the way (learn interesting and funny facts about the filming for the Lord of the Rings in the area).
Next you’ll take a thrilling jetboat ride in a jetboat down the Dart River back to Glenorchy. I highly recommend this trip as you really get the best overview between the Fiordland and Mt. Aspiring National Parks. Read more .
10 – Dunedin – nature discovery with albatross and penguins
Nature tours don’t get much better the Elm Wildlife Tour on the Otago Peninsula! You’ll be collected from your accommodation in Dunedin. The first stop is at Tairoa Head (right at the end of the peninsula) to view the Southern Royal Albatross colony. It’s the only nesting site in the world close to a human settlement for these giant birds (up to 2.5 metres wing span!).
Photo: Glenda Rees
A guide will drive you onto a private farm property beach. You’ll then take a 20 min walk to the nesting area of the Yellow-Eyed-Penguins. It’s one of the most incredible sights to see these birds returning from fishing in the evening and walking up the beach to their nests to feed their chicks. Also, there are seals, sea lions and sometimes even sea elephants. You’ll be right in the middle of this gathering! Note, between mid August and 24 November it’s nesting time for the birds and access to the bird nests is not permitted. Read more .
Most travellers come to New Zealand to experience nature, wildlife and adventure activities. Honeymooners will find that these special locations – beautiful, romantic hideaways – are perfect for starting out a wonderful life together.
Happy Honeymoon in New Zealand!
