New Zealand Honeymoons

New Zealand is a country in the south-western Pacific Ocean, consisting of two large islands, North Island and South Island and many smaller islands. New Caledonia, Fiji and Tonga are its neighbors to the north, while on the northwest it has Australia, separated by the Tasman Sea. Its residents are mainly European with Maoris forming a large minority.

The climate is mild, mostly temperate, with temperatures ranging between 32 degrees to 86 degrees Fahrenheit. Auckland for instance, on North Island, is the wettest, while Christchurch on South Island is the driest. Honeymooners can pick and choose from a combination of places on the two main islands to make their honeymoon a memorable experience.

1) North Island

Just as the name suggests, Northland is located at the topmost northern corner of North Island and is a great place for the honeymooning couple to relax and enjoy the balmy breeze of the numerous bays and beaches on offer. Doubtless Bay for instance, has great beaches while Russell and Whangarei are popular for game fishing and yachting respectively. The Bay of Islands offers ample opportunities for sailing, diving and swimming with the dolphins. A walk up Flagstaff Hills also provides a spectacular view of Russell and the Bay of Islands. Also take in the spectacular Whangarei Falls, Longview Estates fine wines and the quayside at Whangarei and the Dome on the way to Pahia, Bay of Islands. Another great way to explore the Bay of Islands is on board the ‘Hole in the Rock’ cruise. The nearby coastal town of Tutukaka has a scenic coast and is the gateway to the Poor Knights Island marine reserve, the water is clear and ideal for snorkeling and diving. Matauri Bay and Karikari Peninsula are worth a visit. Whale Bay and Sandy Bay are also great for surfing. Ahipara also has great surfing, a state-of-the-art winery and is the gateway to the 90 Mile Beach. Some of the other popular spots are Cape Reinga, Taputopotu Bay and Te Paki sand dunes, where sand tobogganing is possible. Hokianga, on Northlands' west coast has many quaint villages like Rawene, Horeke and Kohukohu. Waipoua Forest has the 2,000 year old Tane Mahuta, the world’s largest kauri tree. And let the beauty of the Hokianga Harbour take your breath away.

Airports - Whangarei, Kerikeri and Kaitaia.

2) Auckland

Auckland is an important stop while honeymooning in New Zealand, particularly enjoyable during spring, with its many parks and gardens in full bloom. As it affords easy accessibility to many places, honeymooners can take their pick of strolling along scenic trails, exploring a rainforest or frolicking on the sunny beaches of one of its myriad islands. The Skytower affords a great view of the city and if you have the time, Rangitoto Island, which is volcanic and Waiheke Island with its wineries are worth a visit.

Airport – Auckland major international airport.

3) Coromandel

Coromandel is recommended during autumn and spring, both for the weather and especially for honeymooners looking for a secluded place away from the crowds. Cathedral Cove with its pristine white sands, is ideal for some fun and frolic, while Hot Water Beach provides the unique chance to experience first-hand the hot springs that lie under the sand and Waiau Falls is truly spectacular in all its cascading glory! Coromandel also has a history of gold mining, evident in the relics and logging dams.

4) Waikato

Waikato experiences good weather, with pleasant summers and mild winters and is characterized by some of its natural features like the Waitomo Caves with its stalactites and stalagmites and glow worms which create an ethereal experience and the Waikato River that meanders through with its many opportunities for peaceful walks along its banks. For the 'Lord of the Rings' fans, there’s Hobbiton, where guided tours reveal some fascinating details. Honeymooners can also explore Hamilton.

Airport – Hamilton.

5) Rotorua

Rotorua keeps alive the Maori culture and spirit and honeymooners can either pamper themselves with a geothermal spa experience or a more basic but no less invigorating mud bath, or steam up their honeymoon by viewing the geysers as they erupt from the craters or just take in the sheer serenity of one of the many lakes. Check out the Whakarewarewa Park or the Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland with the Lady Knox geyser next to it.

6) Bay of Plenty

Bay of Plenty has at its heart Tauranga, often a hotspot on tours, with its impressive harbor and Mauao at its entrance, where honeymooners can stroll hand-in-hand or for the more enthusiastic ones can hike to the peak for some panoramic views, while Mount Maunganui attracts surfers and beach babes for its seemingly endless stretch of white sands. White Island, which can be accessed by sea or air from Whakatane, is a unique experience, being the only active volcano. Airport - Tauranga.