The Most Beautiful Honeymoon Destinations in New Zealand

This stunning wine-making region is the perfect getaway for those wanting to learn more about the local viticulture while indulging themselves in a full gourmet experience. For a truly romantic retreat, the luxurious Marlborough Lodge is right up your alley. The Marlborough Sounds is also quite a good option for the couple who loves to get active. Cyclists can explore the various vineyards through the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail and the Queen Charlotte Track is a local must-do for hikers.

If you’re reaching New Zealand’s shores via Auckland, consider catching a ferry to Waiheke Island for the ultimate honeymooning treat. This is a great option for newlyweds who love their food, wine and nature. Besides being home to an array of boutique vineyards and hotels, the island is also filled with wonderful beaches, scenic forested areas, and some cool adrenaline-inducing experiences to try out.

Gunning for a summer honeymoon? Then embrace one of the North Island’s most beautiful coastal stretches. The Coromandel Peninsula offers a trove of tranquil, pristine beaches and picturesque spots to marvel at. Cathedral Cove, Hot Water Beach, and Hahei are just some of the places to put on your radar. For a more decadent getaway there’s always the 970 Lonely Bay Lodge, an elegant villa within 5-minute walking distance from Cooks Bay that is renowned for beauty and luxury.

The Bay of Islands micro-region is filled with lovely beaches and interesting attractions – making this the ideal destination for a tranquil, sun-kissed holiday. As a bonus, the region is also home to some of the nicest eco-friendly resorts and lodges in the country. If you like your nature activities, there are dolphin encounters and cruises you can take near the coastal towns of Paihia and Russell.

You don’t have to be an adrenaline junkie to appreciate the Waitomo Caves. Hop on a guided boat tour to bask in the shimmering beauty of the glowworm-lined limestone formations. If you are on the extreme adventure side of the spectrum, some of the must-tries include spelunking, black water rafting, and abseiling. For ideas on where to stay, check out this list of accommodation options in the area.

Occasionally lauded as the eighth wonder of the world, the Milford Sound is one of New Zealand’s most popular – and most breathtaking – destinations. It is a definite must-visit for avid hikers as well as nature-loving couples. Milford Sound Lodge is the only accommodation option in the area (besides camping) and offers plenty of beautiful facilities that are guaranteed to make your visit worthwhile.

Here’s a treat for the winter newlyweds. Hop on a helicopter to get up close and personal with New Zealand’s most accessible glaciers, the Fox and Franz Josef. Guided tours offer a glimpse of the local history and also allow its adventurous guests to walk around these wondrous icy terrains. Once you’ve finished exploring you can always pamper yourself with a visit to the Glacier Hot Pools.

If you’re planning on hiring a car, the Forgotten World Highway is one of the best driving routes to explore in the North Island. Along its 150-kilometre (93.21-mile) length, the highway offers plenty of historic stopovers, gorges, and forested reserves to pique all travellers’ interests. At the top of the rugged Stratford Saddle you’ll be able to catch a glimpse of Mount Taranaki and Tongariro National Park from a faraway distance.