10 Romantic Destinations For New Zealand Honeymoon

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Planning your honeymoon in New Zealand? Do not miss out these most romantic destinations for your New Zealand Honeymoon itinerary.

Mesmerizing natural beauty inclusive of snowy alps, tranquil lakes, epic glaciers, volcanoes, farms, wineries and greenness, New Zealand gives you all the reasons to fall in love with it. It is a dream honeymoon destination for many couples. With plenty of places to visit in New Zealand, it might be overwhelming for you to choose the perfect honeymoon destination in the country. To help you plan your honeymoon, here are the most romantic destinations in New Zealand.

Best Romantic Destinations For New Zealand Honeymoon

Rotorua

If you’re looking to heat up your honeymoon, visit the geothermal hotspot of Rotorua. Located in the Pacific Rim of Fire on New Zealand’s North Island, Rotorua is filled with epic romantic adventures, from soaking in hot springs to seeing shooting geysers, from a walk through the redwoods to a gondola ride high in the sky.

You could spend your entire vacation in Rotorua soaking in the hot springs, since there are so many. If you’re on a budget, check out Kuirau Park, a free public park where you can explore the geothermal activity in the mud pools and hot springs and soak your feet in the relaxing foot pools. For a splurge, visit the Polynesian Spa, which features both public and private pools, as well as spa services, including massages and mud treatments.

For a different perspective of Rotorua, you have a few options to get a view up high. The Redwoods Treewalk is a cool series of suspended bridges that literally lets you walk among these giant trees. To enjoy a romantic sunset, take the Skyline Gondola which soars above the city. All the natural beauty makes Rotorua a wonderful romantic destination on its own, and it’s also a great stop on a longer New Zealand North Island road trip if you have more time to explore while on your honeymoon.

By Allison from She Dreams Of Alpine

Franz Josef Glacier

New Zealand contains many romantic destinations, but Franz Josef is one of the most romantic destinations you can visit in New Zealand. Franz Josef, a small town on the western coast of the South Island, offers a plethora of activities to enjoy. The main attraction of this area is the glaciers scattered along the coast.

Visitors can opt to hike to the Franz Josef Glacier or have the experience of a lifetime and go on a heli-hike. A heli-hike offers the opportunity to take a helicopter and land on a glacier! From there, a guide teaches you how to move about the glacier using crampons (spikes to help you walk on ice). Then, you get to spend a couple hours hiking around the glacier. It is a great activity for the adventurous couple!

Another romantic opportunity in Franz Josef are the Franz Josef hot pools. This complex contains three main pools, or you can opt for a private pool for two people. It is the perfect romantic way to unwind after a day of hiking around the glacier. Franz Josef is also home to several restaurants and bars that are perfect for a romantic night out.

By Francesca Makana from Homeroom Travel

Mount Cook

Mount Cook, known as Aoraki in Maori, is the tallest mountain in New Zealand. Set within Mt Cook National Park, it is easily one of the most romantic destinations in New Zealand. From the start of the journey to Mt Cook, you will be rewarded with breathtaking scenery. As you wind along Mt Cook road, sweeping vistas will appear around you. With the azure water of Lake Pukaki to your right and the Southern Alps stretched out before you, it is one of the most spectacular roads in the world and shouldn’t be missed on any New Zealand South Island itinerary.

There are a number of easy day hikes within Mt Cook National Park, or even longer multi-day hikes if you’re an adventurous couple! However, what really makes Mt Cook one of the most romantic places in New Zealand is the night skies. It is the only international dark sky reserve in the southern hemisphere and the views of the stars here are unparalleled. What could be more romantic than cozying up with your new spouse under a blanket of a thousand stars?

For a truly once in a lifetime experience, scenic flights are available over Mt Cook with snow landings. This is a fantastic way to truly appreciate the vastness and beauty of the mountains. Accommodation is available in Mt Cook village, located at the base of the mountain. While it is a small place and there are not too many options, all are very well rated and offer incredible mountain view rooms.

By Sophie and Adam from We Dream Of Travel

Queenstown

Queenstown is undoubtedly the most beautiful and incredible town in New Zealand. Surrounded by stunning alps, lake shores and lush greenness, Queenstown offers some gorgeous landscapes to explore. The town is also considered to be the adventure capital of New Zealand. The Skyline Gondola ride to the Bob’s peak to soak in the amazing panoramic views, and then taking a luge down the hill is one of the best things to do in Queenstown. Skydiving, Shotover jet boat riding, river rafting, heli-skiing and bungee jumping are some more exciting adventure activities in Queenstown. It is truly an ideal honeymoon destination for an adventure loving couple.

If you are not on the adventurous side, you could visit the nearby wineries, take a drive to the wonderful Glenorchy (Lord of the Rings tour) and Arrowtown, cruise along the scenic lake Wakatipu and visit the country farms. Also do not forget to try the famous fergburger.

Wanaka

Wanaka is a gorgeous and a fairytale lake town in New Zealand. Located at just and hour away from Queenstown, Wanaka offers many adventure activities, cruising, skiing, scenic landscapes and vineyard tours to it’s visitors. The beauty and mesmerizing views of the town make it one of the most romantic places to visit in New Zealand. You can see the majestic peaks from a helicopter ride that lands on one of it’s glaciers.

Located on lake Wanaka, the Mou Waho island is a must visit where you get a chance to see the diverse bird life which includes the little Weka, an extinct bird that disappeared from the mainland of New Zealand. If you are visiting during the summers, do not miss out the pretty lavender farm, it’s a sight to behold.

Waiheke Island

Coromandel

The soaring coastline of the Coromandel peninsula makes it a beautifully romantic destination. With stunning blue waters broken only by rock formations that break the surface, views alone sell this location. But there is a lot to do here too!

Fancy a romantic spa day? Head to Hot Water Beach during low tide – the sand has hot water running beneath the surface. Dig a hole and create your own natural hot tub overlooking the ocean! The other must-do activity in the Coromandel is the Hahei Beach to Cathedral Cove walk. The boardwalks and path are beautifully maintained with wonderful views over the coastline, and ends at the famous Cathedral Cove beach and rock formation.

Outdoorsy couples could plan a day hiking The Pinnacles, scuba diving at Cathedral Cove Marine Reserve or kayaking around the coastline. Or have a quiet evening watching the sunset from a romantic rainforest retreat, beachside hotel or keep active and hike up Paku Hill which has a panoramic sunset view.

By Cassie Bailey from Cassie The Hag

Milford Sound

Few destinations compare to the beauty and romance of Milford Sound, making this an easy choice as a honeymoon destination. Famous for its towering mountains, waterfalls, and rainforest, visitors are usually spoilt for choice in this large ocean inlet that is flanked by imposing peaks. Situated on the west coast of the South Island, hours from the nearest town, the seclusion afforded only adds to its romance and appeal. The landscape offers adventurous couples an array of activities. Soak in hot springs, enjoy gourmet food, or take a scenic cruise.

The Milford Track is one of the country’s best trails, offering a very different way of experiencing the region. Other top sights include Mitre Peak, Harisson Cove, and the Underwater Observatory. Animal lovers will enjoy the colonies of fur seals, penguins, dolphins, and other marine life. This natural landscape feels like it’s hundreds of miles away from civilisation, providing an escape that is both unique and exclusive.

By Rai from A Rai Of Light

Lake Tekapo

The town of Tekapo is a perfect romantic destination in New Zealand’s south island. Located in the southern alps, it’s dazzling turquoise coloured lake is one of the prettiest in New Zealand and there are plenty of luxury lakeside chalets available to stay in.

If you are in Lake Tekapo between November to December, it is one of the best times to visit as you will get to see hundreds of beautiful colored lupins in full bloom on the coast of the lake. Even though it is a small town, there are a few lovely things to do in Lake Tekapo. There are plenty of romantic lakeside walking routes, and the hot springs are a really enjoyable way to spend an afternoon unwinding in soothing geothermal waters. You can also visit the hot Springs at night as part of a stargazing tour.

Lake Tekapo is a UNESCO Dark Sky Reserve, one of only two in the southern hemisphere, making it one of the best spots in the world for stargazing, due to very limited light pollution. Part of the tour involves relaxing on a floating hammock in the hot pools, whilst watching the thousands of bright stars above you.

By Caroline Keyzor from CK Travels

Marlborough Sounds

The Marlborough Sounds is the perfect place to spend your New Zealand honeymoon. This region is home to some of the best coastal views in New Zealand and there are plenty of ways to enjoy them. You can relax on a cruise, hit the hiking trails or do some incredibly scenic drives. Highlights include the drive out to French Pass and Bulwer, the Queen Charlotte Track (it’s a multiday hike but you can do a small section if you’re short on time) and staying at one of the luxury lodges scattered around the sounds.

Picton is the main town in the Marlborough Sounds and it’s an awesome place to base yourself. You can get there on a ferry from Wellington and it has all eating, drinking and sleeping options you’d expect from a popular tourist town. If you prefer to rough it a bit there are heaps of camping grounds in the Marlborough Sounds, some of which have some amazing views. There’s a honeymoon experience to suit everybody in the Marlborough Sounds!

By Jon Algie from See The South Island