12 BEST New Zealand Honeymoon Destinations + Activities & Hotels

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So, you’re thinking about planning a honeymoon in New Zealand – lucky you! New Zealand is a beautiful country and the perfect place to celebrate your recent marriage with your loved one on a romantic holiday.  

Sure, New Zealand is known for its adventurous activities, rugged outdoor landscapes, and of course, the Lord of the Rings. And while these things may not sound like the most “romantic” honeymoon activities, there are actually a ton of great things to do in New Zealand on your honeymoon! 

In this blog, I’m going to break down all of the most important information you’ll need to know before planning your New Zealand honeymoon. I’ve included the best honeymoon destinations as well as the best things to do at these destinations (romantic activities and more!) I’ve also highlighted my personal favorite honeymoon hotels across the country as well as included some honeymoon packages. 

So, if you’re ready for the most in-depth NZ honeymoon guide..then here we go! 

Romantic New Zealand Honeymoon Destinations (& the BEST Romantic Activities!)

There are so many amazing places to visit in New Zealand it can be hard to know where to even start when deciding exactly where you’re going to visit. So for that reason, I’ve outlined the best destinations for honeymooners below as well as the top attractions so you can decide what sounds appealing to you, and, what you might consider skipping.  

1. Auckland 

Auckland is an obvious first choice for a place to visit on your honeymoon in New Zealand. First of all, Auckland has the largest international airport in NZ so most international visitors start their adventure here.

But besides being convenient, Auckland is a beautiful city with a ton to offer travelers. In fact, the list of the things to do in Auckland is HUGE – but below I’ve compiled it into the absolute best:

Visit the Sky Tower

The Sky Tower is the tallest building in Auckland and as such, it offers the best view of the city! From 220 meters in the sky, you have 360-degree views of Auckland. Visiting at sunset is especially beautiful.

You can buy your ticket to visit the Sky Tower online in advance to secure your place and skip the line.

Day trip to the West Coast Beaches 

Only an hour from Auckland are some pretty spectacular black-sand beaches. These beaches line the North Island’s rugged West Coast and are some of the best beaches in all of NZ!

The most popular beaches include Piha Beach, Bethells Beach, and Muriwai Beach. All of these beaches are great for surfing and have famous black sand which is formed from volcanic activity many years ago.

You can easily drive to any of these beaches yourself, or jump on a guided day tour such as this one that visits Piha Beach with a departure from Auckland! Besides Piha Beach, this 7-hour tour also includes stops at a lush rainforest and swimming in a waterfall!

Auckland War Memorial Museum

The Auckland Museum is huge and offers three different floors of exhibits! From historical artifacts to animals to Maori culture, this museum is amazing and you could easily spend a few hours here.

The Auckland Museum is located at the Domain, which is a beautiful area to walk including around the gardens. You can reach it in 5 minutes from downtown by taxi or bus. Buying your admission ticket online is also a great way to skip the line and save some time!

Waiheke Island

For wine lovers, Waiheke Island is a must-visit honeymoon destination in New Zealand. This gorgeous island is located only a short 30-minute ferry ride from the harbor in downtown Auckland. It boasts pristine beaches, and you guessed it, tons of wineries!

Waiheke Island is one of the best day trips from Auckland, and you can either visit on your own or join an organized day tour. If you want to go on your own you can buy your ferry pass with a hop-on-hop-off bus pass here (which is the best way to get around the island.)

Alternatively, this premium wine tour includes your transport on the island to three different boutique wineries, wine tastings, locally produced snacks such as olive oil and artisan cheese, and a lunch platter. It’s a tour that is perfectly suited to couples who love food and wine!

You can also choose to spend a night or two on Waiheke Island (which we highly recommend!) There are some really beautiful hotels to choose from on Booking.com!

Cruise through the Harbor

One of the most romantic things to do in Auckland for honeymooners is to go on a dinner sunset cruise in the harbor. It doesn’t get more beautiful than enjoying a sunset on the water with the city in the distance and a glass of wine in hand while you wait for your 3-course dinner to be served! You’ll pass by famous landmarks including the Sky Tower and Auckland Harbour Bridge.

Auckland Honeymoon Hotel Recommendation: Fable Auckland is in the perfect location offering luxurious rooms perfect for couples!

If you decide on spending a couple of days in Auckland here are some additional ideas to do while you are visiting!

2. The Coromandel Peninsula  

The Coromandel Peninsula is the perfect New Zealand destination for beach lovers on their honeymoon! Here, you will find some of the most pristine beaches in the entire country including some famous movie film locations and of course, the iconic Hot Water Beach! 

Here are some ideas for romantic things to do on the Coromandel Peninsula: 

Sample Wines at Mercury Bay Estate Winery & Restaurant

This boutique winery is simply gorgeous. Located up on a hill the views from the winery are unmatched and it makes for the perfect setting to enjoy a glass (or two!) of wine.

Mercury Bay Estate is located about a 10-minute drive from the town of Hahei.

Walk to Cathedral Cove 

Cathedral Cove was used as a film location in the Narnia series, which made this unique rock formation and beach famous. Tourists from all over the world visit Cathedral Cove to snap photos and relax at the beach. It is free to visit but do be warned, it gets very busy in summer.

You can reach Cathedral Cove by an hour-long walk starting in the town of Hahei or you can join a kayaking tour. Alternatively, you can take a more relaxing option and hop on a boat cruise from Whitianga. This custom build boat even has comfortable cushioned seats so you shouldn’t have any complaints about this experience! Plus, there’s snorkel gear inside the boat for you to use if you want to when it anchors up.

Climb Mount Paku

Mount Paku is a small mountain offering amazing views of the bays in and around the Coromandel. You can find the trailhead location on Google Maps and although the trail is steep, it is short and the entire hike (there and back) can easily be done in under an hour.

Visit Hot Water Beach 

A visit to Hot Water Beach is one of my all-time favorite things to do in New Zealand! This beach is unique because along the shoreline there are specific spots where if you dig a hole, hot water comes seeping out! So, head to the beach and dig your own natural hot spa right in the sand with ocean views – it’s amazing!

There are a few things you need to know before visiting to ensure you find the hot water spots, read our Hot Water Beach blog for all the detailed information!

Note: It is possible to visit the Coromandel on a guided tour from Auckland. This option is good for those who are short on time or don’t care to spend a few days relaxing at the beach. This specific tour visits both Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach in just one day and they give you around 2 hours at each spot so you won’t feel rushed. On the way there expect several quick photo op stops that will keep you entertained!

Coromandel Honeymoon Hotel Recommendation: Tatahi Lodge Beach Resort is absolutely stunning and has amazing reviews. It is located amongst gardens but within walking distance of town including a brewery, restaurant, and the beach!

3. Hobbiton 

That’s right, the famous Hobbiton gets its very own spot on this list of the best honeymoon destinations in New Zealand! This is where the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit movies were filmed, and where you can explore the very large and detailed set of Hobbiton! For many tourists, Hobbiton is well worth a visit! 

Hobbiton is a one-day activity. You can visit Hobbiton on a day trip from Auckland, Rotorua, Tauranga, or choose to spend a night at a nearby hotel in the small town of Matamata.  

There are a few different ways to enjoy Hobbiton. The different tours you can choose from are: 

• Standard Hobbiton Move Set Tour – This is the standard tour offered. You must drive yourself out to the Hobbiton movie set where you will then start your tour. The tour is approximately 2 hours long and includes lots of opportunities for photos with the hobbit holes, as well as a drink at the Green Dragon pub. I will admit though, this tour does make you feel like herded sheep.

• Early bird Hobbiton tour – This tour includes transport from Auckland and gives you early access to the Hobbiton movie set. This means fewer people and a more relaxing tour! You’ll also be back in Auckland by 2:30 pm allowing time for other afternoon activities.

• Hobbiton tour with lunch – This tour includes transport from Auckland and the standard Hobbiton tour with a little something special – a Hobbit lunch!

• Hobbiton tour with Waitomo Glowworm Caves tour – this full-day tour from Auckland visits both Hobbiton for their standard movie set tour, as well as stopping at the world-famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves. If you haven’t seen glow worms before then this tour is a must!

Related Read: After checking out the Waitomo Caves you’ll also want to add the FREE Waipu Caves to your list!

4. Lake Taupo 

Lake Taupo is one of the most romantic places in all of New Zealand. This trendy town sits on the edge of a massive lake with mountains on the horizon. But besides that, there are tons of natural hot springs around! Plus, you can easily snag a hotel room with its own natural spring-fed hot tub in the room! 

There are a few must-do activities in Lake Taupo including: 

Drive the Thermal Explorer Highway

Between the towns of Taupo and Rotorua sits the Thermal Explorer Highway. Along this road, there are tons of different hot springs and attractions to check out. Just go for a drive and follow the posted signs for attractions!

Visit Huka Falls 

Just on the outskirts of Taupo town is Huka Falls. This free attraction features a boardwalk to explore overlooking the falls!

Enjoy boutique shopping and cafes in town 

Taupo is a cute town with lots of tiny boutique stores and trendy cafes and restaurants. Definitely hit the streets one night and wander around this cute town before going out for a romantic honeymoon dinner.

Go Skydiving

Skydiving in New Zealand is a must! And well, Taupo is the perfect place to do it! Skydiving in Taupo allows you to take in some seriously epic views from the air before getting a huge rush of adrenaline as you take a leap of faith. There are jumps from 9,000ft, 12,000ft, and 15,000ft, the choice is yours!

Stay in a hotel room with a natural spring-fed hot tub 

What is more romantic than enjoying your own private hot tub (with natural spring-fed water) in your own hotel room? Well, Taupo is one place you can actually do this and I have a feeling it will be one of the highlights of your NZ honeymoon!

Many of the hotels in Taupo offer this feature. Some of my personal favorite hotels include VU Thermal Lodge where their one-bedroom and king studio rooms have private hot tubs, Taupo Debretts Spa Resort with tons of public and private thermal pools with a spa, or Gables Lakefront Motel’s one-bedroom apartment is another great choice!

Lake Taupo Honeymoon Hotel Recommendation: VU Thermal Lodge offers lake views in a central location. This hotel also has rooms with private hot tubs which are simply gorgeous!

5. Wellington 

Did you know that Wellington is New Zealand’s capital city? That’s right, not Auckland, but Wellington. This city is often compared to San Francisco in the United States with its rolling hills and border with the ocean. Expect beautiful gardens, nearby beaches, and sunsets – perfect for your honeymoon!  

You can get to Wellington from Auckland on a road trip stopping at a few amazing places along the way. Then, once you’ve arrived in Wellington, you could easily spend a few days in Wellington ticking off these things to do and see: 

Tour the Weta Cave

The Weta Cave is a place for anybody who loves the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Here, you can look at many of the props used in the movie and shop at the onsite store. For a real treat, join the Weta Cave workshop tour where they’ll let you in on some of the Lord of the Rings filming secrets!

You can also join a half-day Lord of the Rings guided tour that visits the Weta Cave and so many other filming and post-production buildings! If you and your loved one like LOTR, then this is one honeymoon activity not to miss!

Take to Cable Car to the Botanic Gardens

One of the best things to do in Wellington, and something I suggest to everyone passing through the city, is to ride the historic cable car up to the Botanic Gardens. Not only is riding the cable car a unique experience but the view is amazing! A return ticket costs only $11 NZD per person.

Enjoy Cuba Street

Cuba Street is a vibrant street in downtown Wellington full of stores, restaurants, and bars. There is a section of the street that is blocked off from vehicles and is completely a walking street. During evenings and weekends, there is often live music here and lots of outdoor seating – the perfect place to go for a few honeymoon beers!

Visit Te Papa Museum

This museum is seriously impressive. I’m not a huge museum fan generally, but the Te Papa Museum is amazing! The exhibits were interesting and in most cases, interactive. The museum is free for local residents but costs $35 NZD per person for international visitors over 16. International visitors under 16 go free.

For more Wellington ideas, check out our blog about all of the free and cheap things to do in Wellington. Or, consider taking one of these amazing day trips from Wellington.

Wellington Honeymoon Hotel Recommendation: QT Wellington is centrally located only a couple of minute’s walk from Te Papa Museum and Oriental Beach (both pictured above.) The design is modern and there is a hot spa and sauna onsite.

6. Marlborough Sounds 

If you’re traveling from the North Island to the South Island you might jump on a ferry that takes you across the Cook Strait. As you approach the South Island you will see lots of tiny lush islands, this area is the Marlborough Sounds. The region is absolutely stunning and is known for wildlife including rare birds and dolphins, and some spectacular beaches and walks.  

As one of the most unique regions in New Zealand, the Marlborough Sounds is all about being outside in nature. Here are some of the best ways to enjoy the Marlborough sounds on your honeymoon: 

Walk the Queen Charlotte Track

The Queen Charlotte Track is one of New Zealand’s most popular hikes. This 72 kilometer-long (45 miles) track can be tackled in full over several days, or in part by walking the first few kilometers of the trail from the beginning near Picton, or completing a section from one of the remote lodges.

Wildlife or nature cruise 

The absolute best activity you can do on your honeymoon in the Marlborough Sounds is to go on a boat cruise. There are lots of different cruises available, but my personal favorite is the wildlife cruise! Dan and I loved this particular cruise that gave us a chance to spot some New Zealand fur seals and included a stop at one of the bird sanctuary islands and a nature walk on Motuara Island.

For more in-depth information about all of the different cruises available check out our complete guide to Marlborough Sounds boat cruises!

Spend time at the beach  

There are some really nice beaches around the Marlborough Sounds. To best enjoy the beaches I recommend booking a hotel or lodge with its own private beach! This would be a very relaxing and romantic way to spend a couple of days in the region! Check out Te Mahia Bay Resort or Bay of Many Coves, you can’t go wrong with either of these luxurious hotels right on the water.

Marlborough Sounds Honeymoon Hotel Recommendation: Bay of Many Coves is an absolutely gorgeous resort to spend your honeymoon. This isolated hotel is only a 30-minute ferry ride from Picton and features a pool, day spa, and onsite restaurant bar stocked full of local NZ wines! The resort is right on the water’s edge in the calm Arthur’s Bay – beautiful!

7. Blenheim 

Of course, an epic honeymoon in New Zealand simply could not be complete without wine – lots of wine! Blenheim is a small city situated close to many wineries and vineyards and the perfect place to stop for a night or two if you want to try some local Sauvignon Blanc (the most popular variety in the region). 

To be honest, there isn’t much else to do in Blenheim other than wineries. However, there are a couple of different wine experiences you can choose from: 

• Half-day wine tour – This tour includes transport and stops at a few different wineries in the region. It lasts for approximately 5 hours. For an upgrade, you’ll have the option to book reservations for one of the cellar door restaurants on the list. The tour comes to a close with chocolate sampling from a local chocolate factory!

• Full-day wine tour – For wine lovers, this is the tour to do! It is a full day of wine tasting broken up with a vineyard lunch. You’ll try the region’s best Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, and Reisling, as well as some of the lesser-known specialties. This tour has a badge of excellence on Viator so you can’t go wrong with it!

Blenheim Honeymoon Hotel Recommendation: Scenic Hotel Marlborough is located only a ten-minute walk from central Blenheim and features an onsite pool and restaurant.

8. Franz Josef 

Traveling from Nelson to Franz Josef is an adventure on its own, with plenty of scenic places to check out along the way. But once you get to Franz Josef town, you will be met with tons of other adventures to be had.  

Franz Josef town is the perfect place to base yourself for a few nights. From here you explore many different attractions in the area including – you guessed it – the Franz Josef Glacier! But besides that, there are lots of other fun things to do in Franz Josef if you’re on a honeymoon including: 

Walk to Lake Matheson

Just on the outskirts of Franz Josef town is Lake Matheson. Here you can walk a 2.5-kilometer (1.6 miles) loop track around the lake with views of the mountain reflected in the lake (on a calm day of course.) The trail is fairly flat so it is suited to all fitness levels. If you want, there is also a guided nature tour available that will teach you all about the local ecosystem. If you need additional layers of clothing or boots you can call ahead and they will add them on for free!

Relax at the Franz Josef Hot Pools

After a day or hiking and exploring, the best way to relax on your NZ honeymoon is in some beautiful hot pools! The Franz Josef Hot Pools are my personal favorite hot springs in New Zealand because they are really clean, peaceful, and beautiful.

You can purchase an entrance ticket for the public pool for $28 NZD per person. Or, if you want something a little more special, you can book the private pool for two people for 45 minutes for $90.

Visit the Wildlife Centre

The Wildlife Centre in Franz Josef town is great! Here you can see many rare New Zealand animals that you likely won’t spot in the wild – including Kiwi birds!  

The Wildlife Centre is open daily from 9 am to 4 pm and your entrance cost is $34 NZD per adult. Booking online will save you $2!

Visit the glaciers

There are two glaciers near Franz Josef town and they are both worthy of a visit on your honeymoon. The closest is Franz Josef Glacier, whereas Fox Glacier is about a 25-minute drive away.

At both glaciers you can do a fairly easy walk to a viewpoint, however, this does not get you very close to the glaciers. If you want to get up close, you’re going to have to go on a guided tour (such as this one at Franz Josef and this one at Fox.) Glacier guides ensure every step you take is safe and allow you to pass the boundary line for public access.

Of course, a scenic flight over the glaciers is a great way to view them too if you’re not much of a hiker!

Franz Josef Honeymoon Hotel Recommendation: Rainforest Retreat provides the perfect relaxing honeymoon escape located inside the rainforest, there are spas and saunas on the property but it is also right in town making it easy to get popular attractions like the hot pools. The hospitality is highly rated and the rooms and private suites are modern, bright, and cozy.

9. Wanaka 

Wanaka is one of my personal favorite places in New Zealand. In fact, if I was to move to New Zealand again, I would base myself in Wanaka – it’s the cutest town ever!  

Wanaka is an ideal New Zealand honeymoon destination because the town in itself is very romantic. It is surrounded by towering mountain peaks and one of the most gorgeous lakes you’ll ever see. Be sure to allow yourself at least 2 nights in Wanaka to accomplish at least some of the best things to do and see: 

Visit the Wanaka Tree

The Wanaka Tree is an iconic symbol of Wanaka and New Zealand in general. This tree was made famous by photographers, but even if you’re not into photography it’s well worth checking out. My suggestion is to go for a walk along the lakefront in Wanaka and make your way to the tree. This is a nice way to spend an hour while in Wanaka on your honeymoon.

Wine and Dine at Bistro Gentil

Bistro Gentil is one of the best restaurants in Wanaka and it has the perfect romantic setting. Be sure to book your table in advance though as it is often fully booked!

Go hiking

Hiking is definitely one of the best things to do in Wanaka in the summer months. My personal favorite hike in the area is Roys Peak, however, it is a challenging one. If you’re after something slightly easier check out the Diamond Lake Walk.

Go skiing or snowboarding

My personal favorite ski field is located just outside of Wanaka, Cardrona Ski Resort! Of course, this is only an activity for the winter months (May to October.) You can book your ski passes with rental gear in advance online. Or if you don’t ski, don’t worry, you can still visit with just on other tours such as this scenic ATV tour.

Visit the Wanaka Lavender Farm

If you’re visiting Wanaka in the months of December (late December is best), January, February, or March then you need to visit the Wanaka Lavender Farm. This place is beautiful and there is also an onsite petting zoo and little cafe that specializes in things made with, you guessed it, lavender (try the lavender ice cream!)

Wanaka Honeymoon Hotel Recommendation: Club Wyndham Wanaka is located just across from the Wanaka Tree! There is a heated outdoor pool, hot tub, and sauna on site along with a cafe and bar.

10. Queenstown 

I lived in Queenstown for 6 months once, and I loved it! As the adventure capital of New Zealand, many might assume that it isn’t the best honeymoon destination. That couldn’t be more false.  

Visiting Queenstown on your honeymoon is a must-do. With a combination of romantic activities for couples (with some of the most stunning scenery in the world) and adventure activities, Queenstown could have you busy for weeks! Literally, you could spend two weeks in Queenstown and still not run out of things to do or see.  

While there are tons of things to do in Queenstown, I’ve picked my top choices for honeymoon activities below: 

Onsen Hot Pools 

The Onsen Hot Pools are located just outside of Queenstown and offer private hot pools for couples. The service here is impeccable and the views of the mountains are gorgeous. They also offer packages with wine and nibbles! Do be warned though, this place is almost always fully booked, so book well in advance!

Otago Wine Region 

Just on the outskirts of Queenstown is the Otago wine region where you can try some of the world’s best Pinot Noir. Dan and I have gone on a couple of different wine tours in the area and this one is our absolute favorite!

On this tour, you’ll drink lots of wine, have a wine and food matching experience for lunch, enjoy vineyards with some of the most beautiful views I’ve ever seen, and even get to head down into a wine cave in Gibsonton valley. Plus, wine tours are always a fun activity for couples and you’ll often meet a fun few other people on the tour too!

For more information, check out our full blog about the best wineries near Queenstown!

Scenic Cruise 

One of the best ways to enjoy the beauty around Queenstown is on a boat cruise on Lake Wakitipu. Jump on the TSS Earnslaw historic steamship for a scenic cruise and BQQ lunch you’ll be able to enjoy from the Colonel’s house and an optional choice to watch a sheep shearing demonstration at the end before finishing up the 3.5-hour cruise. Or, take the more affordable and quicker 1.5-hour ride in the Spirit of Queenstown catamaran that makes a stop at Bob’s Cover and then passes by many other scenic views of the mountains and alps.

Drive to Glenorchy 

The drive from Queenstown to Glenorchy is simply stunning. With tons of lookouts and walks along the way, this drive is a must-do activity.

Once in Glenorchy, be sure to visit the jetty, Mrs. Woolly’s General Store, and maybe even drive further on to Paradise or the Routeburn Track.

Crazy adventure activity

Queenstown is the adventure capital of New Zealand. So, if you ever wanted to go bungy jumping or skydiving then this is the place to do it! The Nevis Highwire Bungy Jump is the 3rd highest jumping platform in the world!!! There’s also the original Queenstown Bungy Jump that is stationed off of a bridge over the Kawarau River. On the jump you can choose to hover over the water, be dipped, or even be submurged into the river.

For a more relaxed yet thrilling adventure activity, consider jet boating! There are so many different options that we’ve written a seperate post all about all the best jet boating tours in Queenstown that breaks down the pros and cons of each one to help you make the best decision.

Hiking 

There are some incredible day hikes in Queenstown! For something easy, try the Mt Crichton Loop Track or Bob’s Cove. For something a little more challenging, try Queenstown Hill or Ben Lomond. No matter which hike you choose though, you’re not going to be disappointed!

Skiing or snowboarding 

If you are on a New Zealand winter honeymoon, then the Queenstown ski season is perfect for you! From Queenstown, there are two ski resorts, Coronet Peak and the Remarkables, that are within a 45-minute drive. You can jump on a bus from Queenstown and ski the day away!

Queenstown Honeymoon Hotel Recommendation: Hilton Queenstown is the perfect place to stay in Queenstown on your honeymoon. Dan and I stayed here once and it was gorgeous! Our room had lake views and we could just jump on a water taxi to get across the lake to town or get in their free shuttle. There is an onsite pool, hot tub, sauna, day spa, and of course restaurant and cocktail bar! If you want more options, check out our blog about where to stay in Queenstown!

11. Mount Cook National Park 

I know I said Wanaka was my favorite town, and while that is true, Mount Cook is my favorite national park! Mount Cook National Park is named after its crown jewel and the tallest mountain in New Zealand, Mount Cook. In the national park, there are lots of hikes to do, and if hiking isn’t your thing, you can take in the mountain views on a Mount Cook helicopter flight!  

The most popular activity in Mount Cook National Park is hiking. On pretty much any trail you choose, you’ll be continuously reaching for your camera. You can read about all of our favorite photo locations in Mount Cook National Park here! Here are our favorite hiking trails: 

• Mueller Hut Hike – This hike is best done in the summer months. I personally recommend spending a night at the Mueller Hut to really enjoy this hike – it’s one of the best huts in New Zealand!

• Hooker Valley Trail – This 10-kilometer-long hike is the most popular in Mount Cook. It’s fairly flat and well worth checking out!

• Tasman Glacier – This hike is only a short 20-minute trail that provides views of Tasman Lake and Glacier.

• Sealy Tarns  – If climbing a couple of thousand stairs isn’t off-putting, then this trail is for you. Although a workout, the views are amazing!

Mount Cook Honeymoon Hotel Recommendation – While Mount Cook can be visited on a day trip from Christchurch or Queenstown, we highly suggest staying the night to fully soak in all its glory! However, there are very limited options for places to stay in Mount Cook National Park, so be sure to book as far in advance as you can. For your honeymoon, I personally recommend booking The Hermitage Hotel – it is the most luxurious hotel in the village and offers stunning mountain views! 

12. Milford Sound 

Milford Sound is one of the most visited destinations in all of New Zealand, and for good reason, it is stunning! The fjord offers visitors the unique combination of viewing the ocean and mountains together in one place all while spotting some pretty cool wildlife.  

You can easily visit Milford Sound on a day trip from Queenstown, or, you can opt to spend one or two nights at the Milford Sound Lodge (the only hotel in the area.) If you love the mountains or photography then spending at least one night would be my recommendation.  

While in Milford Sound there are a couple different things you can do: 

Visit the Milford Sound Swing 

The Milford Sound Swing is a popular place for tourists to take photos and enjoy the views of Milford Sound. Although the walk to the swing is easy, it can be hard to find, so check out our blog all about finding the Milford Sound Swing for all the details!

Go on a cruise 

The absolute best way to enjoy Milford Sound is from out on the water on a cruise. There are tons of different Milford Sound cruises to choose from, so it’s hard to know which one to pick.

Well, Dan and I have done quite of few of them and personally can recommend this specific wildlife cruise. It includes a small boat nature cruise, a visit to the underwater observatory, kayaking, and lunch! The ultimate Milford experience if you ask me!

Explore Milford Road 

The road through Fiordland National Park from the town of Te Anau to Milford Sound is beautiful. There are tons of viewpoints and walks to stop at and enjoy. My favorite attractions along the road to Milford are Mirror Lakes, Pop’s Lookout, the Chasm, and the hike to Lake Marian.

For more info, read our full blog about 18 different things to do in Milford Sound!

New Zealand Honeymoon FAQs

5 Reasons to Honeymoon in New Zealand

If you’re not quite in the planning phase, and still deciding if a honeymoon in New Zealand is right for you, here are some great reasons to pick NZ for your special romantic holiday:

1. Picture-perfect landscapes

You’re going to want to get some amazing photos to remember your honeymoon with – right?! Well, New Zealand has some of the world’s most photographed places creating the perfect backdrop for plenty of stunning photos of you and your newlywed partner!

2. Beautiful (and varied destinations)

From towering mountain peaks to white-sand beaches New Zealand really has it all. There are volcanoes, hot springs, fjords, islands, vineyards, lakes, snowy mountains, and so much more! There is no other country in the world that offers such diverse destinations all within such a small area. One day you’ll be skiing, and the next you could be on a beach!

3. Safety

You want to choose a safe honeymoon destination so you don’t have to worry at all on your holiday. New Zealand was rated by the Global Peace Index as the second safest country in the world! There is very little crime in New Zealand and the local people really do appreciate tourists and help them whenever possible.

4. Food and wine

Nothing says honeymoon like delicious food and wine. New Zealand has both! You can visit many different wineries and vineyards in New Zealand on your honeymoon and try all of their local (and world-famous wines.)

There is also some great food that is typical to New Zealand. Locally made cheese is one of my personal favorites (when paired with wine of course), but you also have things like lamb and seafood that sure is tasty!

5. Tons of romantic things to see and do!

It doesn’t matter if you’re planning to spend one week in New Zealand for your honeymoon or a whole year, you won’t run out of romantic and exciting things to do!

Don’t believe me?

Well, just keep reading this blog and you’ll come to my epic list of New Zealand honeymoon destinations with tons of different things perfect for couples to do in each destination!

New Zealand Honeymoon Packages vs. Planning Your Own Trip

If you’re planning a trip to New Zealand for your honeymoon you are faced with two very different choices. Do you book a honeymoon package, or plan your very own trip? 

This is a tough decision with a few different pros and cons to either choice. So, before we get into the nitty-gritty of planning out your NZ honeymoon itinerary, I think it’s important that we break down the difference between a honeymoon package and a self-planned trip.  

New Zealand Honeymoon Packages: Pros and Cons 

Honeymoon packages in New Zealand are widely available. They are great because of the simple fact that the planning process for your trip is done for you. Simply choose a package to suit the number of days you want to spend in New Zealand and the places you want to visit.  

For those who don’t want to spend lots of time planning driving routes, booking rental vehicles or transport, and securing hotels this is a great option! However, this convenience doesn’t come cheap and you will pay significantly more booking a honeymoon package rather than booking the entire trip independently.  

In terms of a company to book with, I can personally recommend Kiwi Motorhomes’ Wedding Vow honeymoon Package. This small family-run business does not cut corners on anything.

They plan your entire vacation for you including a luxury NZ motorhome rental (the best way to travel around New Zealand) and will even help you prepare for your trip including ensuring you have the right driver’s license and Insurance. They also give our readers 5% off the rental price if you use the code “DEST5” when you book.

For more information, check out our complete Kiwi Motorhomes company review! This blog tells you all about the company and what sets them apart from other companies in NZ.

Planning your own New Zealand Honeymoon: Pros and Cons

If you’re planning your own New Zealand honeymoon then you have the freedom to design the perfect holiday you’ve always dreamed of. This freedom doesn’t come easily though. You will need to dedicate a lot of hours to plan your trip and do it well in advance.  

But with that said, you’ll save some serious coin! 

For me personally, I enjoy the challenge and freedom of planning my own holidays, and if you are in the same boat, then I’ve laid out all of the best destinations to check out on your honeymoon below!

Related Read: If you’re planning an NZ road trip, then check out our blog that includes ten different New Zealand road trip itineraries all including detailed day-by-day activities, destinations, and driving routes!

Thanks for reading!

As you can see from the above, a honeymoon in New Zealand is nothing short of amazing. The best part is, it’s also a crazy adventure that you and your loved one will cherish forever!

I really hope this blog has helped inspire you to plan your New Zealand honeymoon! If you have any questions, feel free to comment below and I will get back to you. Happy honeymooning!

If you found this blog useful, some of our other in-depth New Zealand blogs will be helpful too including:

New Zealand South Island 14-day Itinerary

Guide to Renting a Campervan in New Zealand

33 ABSOLUTE BEST Things to do in New Zealand