New Zealand is a spectacular holiday spot at the top of many international destination lists. Those of us who are lucky enough to live here are proud of that fact, but we tend to forget it when it comes time to plan our own holidays. So when you’re deciding on your honeymoon destination, try thinking a little differently. Your own backyard has an abundance of beautiful places to explore.
Saving money – and stress
Staying in the country for your honeymoon is obviously a lot better for your budget. Without international flights to pay for, you can instead ask your guests to contribute towards luxury accommodation, delicious meals out, and activities galore – meaning that their generous gifts given through your Honeypot Registry can stretch a lot further!
Wedding planning is stressful enough, and planning a honeymoon while you’re in the lead up to the wedding can just add to that (hence why so many take their honeymoon months after the wedding). With a wedding in your home country, there’s no need to worry about foreign currency, travel insurance, and all the other tricky things that can get a bit overwhelming when you’re busy planning a wedding as well. Plus, flying is the single most ecologically costly act of individual consumption, so a New Zealand honeymoon is a great choice if you’re environmentally conscious.
So many spots, so little time
Finding somewhere in New Zealand for a romantic trip isn’t hard. Obviously Queenstown is a favourite spot for both destination weddings and honeymoons – and for good reason! The gorgeous scenery, exciting adventures, and amazing hospitality make it a ridiculously romantic spot for a honeymoon.
For a relaxed honeymoon, try Raglan, a small beachside town just two hours south of Auckland. It was recently named New Zealand’s best looking town by Lonely Planet thanks to the dramatic black coastline that surrounds it. Raglan is a foodie haven with a strong creative community, so there’s no shortage of original art and great locally roasted coffee. The town also provides many opportunities to get outdoors, with a range of stunning walks including the Bridal Veil Falls trail.
For a real culture fix, Napier is a great honeymoon destination choice. The vast majority of the town was destroyed by an earthquake in the early 1930s, and as a result Napier is one of the purest Art Deco cities in the world. If you ever get tired of admiring the architecture, you can move onto the many art galleries, try out rafting on the Mohaka River, and relax at one the many Hawke’s Bay wineries.
If you’re after a truly adventurous honeymoon, a visit to Blue Lake is in order. Located in the Nelson Lakes Region, this destination can only be accessed by a two-day advanced tramp. But if you’re up to the challenge, it will be well worth your efforts. Blue Lake holds the title of the world’s clearest lake, meaning you’ll get to witness breathtaking blue-violet hues and visibility of up to 80 metres – a sight you will certainly never forget!
