6 superb spots for a honeymoon in New Zealand!
If you’re planning to celebrate your honeymoon in New Zealand, you may be looking for romantic parts of the country to visit. Read ahead for our top suggestions that’ll have you feeling lovey-dovey in no time!
Congratulations on your recent or upcoming nuptials! If you’ve found your way here, you’re surely on the hunt for gorgeous honeymoon locations in New Zealand. And who could blame you? Boasting glimmering lakes, tons of adventure activities, and several wonderful spas, we’re a complete romantic hotspot!
Covering everything from metropolitan cities like Auckland to chilled-out wine regions like Marlborough, this list includes something for everyone, even for first time visitors to Aotearoa.
Let’s dive in and help you uncover a honeymoon holiday spot that you’ll never forget.
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The Best Spots for a Romantic Honeymoon in New Zealand
From north to south, these are our favourite honeymoon destinations in NZ.
Bay of Islands
Couples who adore water-based activities, hiking, and gorgeous panoramas will want to add the Bay of Islands to their shortlist of destinations for a honeymoon in New Zealand!
The quaint town of Russell is the perfect place to visit for balmy beaches and a touch of history.
But we recommend spending the bulk of your time on the water, and this mostly happens from over in Paihia.
Start your adventure with the Bay of Islands Water Taxi which will give you an excellent overview of the area, before taking the plunge with an exciting scuba diving trip with Paihia Dive.
If you’d prefer to stay dry, why not head on a romantic sailing cruise that’ll allow you to discuss your future together at length? The Rock also offers the best adventure cruise, especially for the young at heart.
Feeling more radical? Take to the skies on a tandem skydiving trip [promo code NZTTPLAY to save 10%] that will truly take your breath away (for all the right reasons!)
Should you find your muscles seriously aching after all that action, book in for a couple’s massage at La Spa Naturale – one of the most luxurious spots in the area.
Where to Stay in the Bay of Islands
Considering how beautiful the Bay of Islands is, there are plenty of affordable accommodation options for a honeymoon in New Zealand. For those on a tighter budget, the Paihia Beach Resort & Spa is fantastic.
If you have the cash to spare, The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs or The Landing Residences (in nearby Kerikeri) are both excellent (and romantic) choices.
Where to Eat
If you’re looking for the ultimate romantic restaurants on the Bay of Islands, try Sage Restaurant at the Paroa Bay Winery which offers panoramas over the entire area.
Auckland
Auckland is one of the most popular spots in New Zealand for international travellers, as most flights pass through this vibrant metropolis.
And it certainly helps that Auckland is blessed with milder temperatures and plenty of appealing attractions!
If you’re planning a bumper honeymoon in New Zealand, it’s a great idea to head to the Viaduct Harbour to drink in the coastal views and vibrant atmosphere. Oh, and don’t forget the bars, cafes, and world-class restaurants in this area that boast incredible waterfront views. Nearby Wynard Quarter also makes for a great dining option.
If you’d like to get on the water, we suggest booking an exciting sailing experience or heading over to Waiheke Island where you’ll be treated to amazing views, beaches and wineries.
Talking about wineries, we have a number of memorable options including:
- Heron’s Flight (which specializes in Italian pours) in Matakana, North of Auckland
- a number of great vineyards in Kumeū, West Auckland
- and most iconic of them all, Waiheke Island’s wineries.
Or, if you’d rather let someone else plan it all for you, join Bush and Beach for their Auckland Wine Country Tour. They have amazing guides, you can drink to your heart’s content (with no worries about driving) your tour includes lunch. All that, and you’ll also enjoy a discount as a member of NZTT!
Before finishing your stint in Auckland, make sure you pack a picnic and take in the beautiful sunset at Takapuna Beach, or up one of our many volcanic peaks.
Should you be bona fide morning people, why not grab a strong cup of coffee and watch the sunrise instead?
Whatever you choose to do in Auckland, you’re bound to agree that it’s one of the top places for a honeymoon in New Zealand! And if ever you want to head North and explore Paihia, there are more stops that you can visit when driving that’ll make your trip exciting.
Where to Stay in the City of Sails
If money is no object, we suggest staying in the super bougie Delamore Lodge for a night or two, which is tucked away on Waiheke Island.
For something more affordable, the Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour and Cordis are both pleasant and romantic, while also being far cheaper!
Where to Eat
If you’re on the hunt for fabulous restaurants in Auckland, you can’t go wrong with the romantic ambience inside La Marée. For bistro fare in a chic dining room, DeBretts Kitchen is the way to go!
Rotorua
Rotorua is a truly beautiful destination for a honeymoon in New Zealand – in fact, it’s probably our favourite place in the North Island.
If you’re wondering why, it’s because it offers several award-winning hotels, restaurants and a range of geothermal springs that are perfect for a spot of TLC. Plus, there’s plenty of adventure to be had if that’s your idea of romance.
This spot is best known for its volcanic geysers and mud pools, but it’s also a fascinating place to visit if you’re interested in learning about Māori culture.
You can start your honeymoon in New Zealand by visiting at Te Pā Tū, where you’ll be taught all about myths, legends, traditions and everything in between.
After that, you can spend your time kayaking on Lake Rotoiti or zipping through the forest canopy.
Finish your trip with a romantic stroll amongst the redwoods at the Rotorua Treewalk (which is beautifully lit up at night!) and a geothermal soak at the Polynesian Spa [discounted] or Secret Spot [which is also discounted to our members].
Talk about an affair to remember!
Where to Stay
Our favourite places to stay for a honeymoon in Rotorua are the Black Swan Lakeside Boutique Hotel for its sprawling gardens and the Regent of Rotorua for chic and contemporary décor that’s surprisingly affordable.
Where to Eat in Rotorua
There are several wonderful restaurants in Rotorua, but Atticus Finch is our favourite thanks to its inventive local flavours and classy atmosphere.
If you’d prefer dinner with a view, you can’t beat the Stratosfare Restaurant and Bar which is on Mount Ngongotaha.
Marlborough
At the top of the South Island, we recommend you pay a visit to Marlborough.
This spot is known as the place to be for incredible pours, as it produces a remarkable 75% of New Zealand’s top-notch wines. Just follow the Marlborough Wine Trail and let your senses guide the way.
Indeed, if you both appreciate smooth and delicious wines, then this is our top suggestion for places to go for a honeymoon in New Zealand this year!
But don’t write this spot off if you’re not into wines, as there’s so much more to this area than meets the eye.
Not only can you kayak through the glimmering waterways, but you can also head on an amazing Seafood Odyssea Cruise [promo code NZTTPLAY] that will take you through the best of the Queen Charlotte Sound.
It departs from Picton and serves the most incredible Cloudy Bay clams, greenshell mussels, and regal salmon that every couple is bound to love.
We also highly recommend joining Beachcomber Cruises on the mail run cruise or for a walk on the Queen Charlotte Track. As you do this, you’ll walk between some of the most romantic lodges in the Marlborough Sounds, while enjoying unbeatable scenery. It’s the perfect way to connect with your special someone.
Where to Stay
For a luxurious stay, you’ll want to check out the stunning lodge, The Marlborough. It’s highly regarded for its contemporary rooms and wonderful food, making it the perfect pitstop on a New Zealand honeymoon.
Where to Eat in Marlborough
You’ll need to hop in the car for a great meal around here, but Arbour Restaurant and Harvest Restaurant that is located in Blenheim are both incredible picks for a romantic atmosphere.
Queenstown
There are several top-notch wineries in Queenstown, but it’s also considered the adventure capital of New Zealand. Because it offers so much to so many, we only thought it’s right to include it on our list of incredible spots for a honeymoon in New Zealand! Here’s a highlight of some of the best things to do in Queenstown.
You can spend your mornings and afternoons jetboating and white water rafting before bungy jumping to your heart’s content just before sunset.
If you’d rather take in the next-level vistas from above, why not check out the Skyline Queenstown which takes you 450 metres above ground level to a panoramic restaurant?
You can even embrace your inner child by luging back down and in a competitive race against your beloved!
Of course, you’ll also want to enjoy a romantic sailing on the TSS Earnslaw (and a delicious meal), a scenic flight to Milford Sound (or even a memorable overnight sailing on Doubtful or Milford Sound) and a soak at the Onsen Hot Pools. All of which are 10% off using the promo code NZTTPLAY – yes!
When you need to refuel after several adrenaline rushes, you can head to any of the award-winning restaurants and bars that locals and visitors adore.
Where to Stay on Your Queenstown Honeymoon
The Spire is tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the main town, and it’s the pinnacle of 5-star luxury.
If you’re looking for something even more luxurious, why not check out Eichardt’s for a stay that would make even royalty swoon?
Where to Eat
There are tonnes of excellent restaurants in Queenstown, but we adore Fergburger for mindblowing burgers or Blue Kanu and Flame Bar & Grill if you’d like something a bit more sophisticated.
Dunedin
Dunedin is a stunning spot for a honeymoon in New Zealand as it perfectly blends adventure activities with relaxing hikes, animal encounters, and even excellent bars.
After you’ve spent time exploring the breathtakingly beautiful Otago Peninsula and walked through the iconic Botanic Garden, why not grab afternoon tea at Larnach Castle?
This incredible venue oozes elegance and sophistication, and nothing screams romance like a delicate spread of finger foods and a glass of champagne!
Nature lovers will also love visiting the penguin or albatross colonies. Or pay a visit to Tunnel Beach with your significant other.
At certain times of the year, you can even see the southern lights from Dunedin – honestly, we can’t think of anything more romantic!
Once you’ve exhausted the best things to do in Dunedin for couples, why not relax and unwind at one of the area’s award-winning restaurants?
Whether you fancy farm-to-table cuisine or delicious locally sourced meals, you’re bound to find something you love.
And hey, maybe you’ll even be able to grab an aphrodisiac or two! Just make a beeline for those chocolate desserts and the bowl of oysters.
Where to Stay
Fable Dunedin is a gorgeous 5-star location that’s tucked in the centre of town, but you can also check out Camp Estate by Larnach Castle which is right on the Otago Peninsula.
Where to Eat in Dunedin
Bracken is a reliable local spot that serves high-quality, fine-dining fare that any visitor will enjoy.
Looking for more loved-up inspiration? We highly recommend booking a stay in a PurePod or heading to Mount Cook to stay in the Hermitage (be sure to book a mountain view room).
Whether you’re looking for a taste of adventure or an entire week of R&R, we hope that you’ve picked up a few ideas for a honeymoon in New Zealand!
Do you have any suggestions for beautiful spots to visit for couples? We’d love to hear about them in the comments below.
