New Zealand honeymoons

Eastland is home to Gisborne which hosts a Food and Wine Festival in October and is popularly called the ‘Chardonnay Capital’ of New Zealand. Also in Eastland is The Tolaga Bay Wharf, with its brilliant scenic views and the Te Urewera National Park. With its beautiful landscape of hills, valleys, coasts and beaches, rich cultural heritage and painted Maori churches, Eastland is a place worth visiting.

8) Taranaki

Taranaki has a good climate through the year and is a wonderful combination of mountain and sea. Snow-capped Mount Taranaki with its dormant volcano continues to be one of the prime attractions, surrounded by the Egmont National Park. Like most Maori words, Taranaki too has its own unique story and legend that goes with it and one of the locals will be happy to regale you with it. It is home to many rivers, streams and rare plants.

9) Ruapehu

Ruapehu is dominated by mountains and, as is typical of mountain weather, it can be uncertain and cold for the most parts, but it comes with its own attractions and beauty. There are panoramic mountain views, volcanoes like Tongariro and Ruapehu, National Parks like Whanganui and Tongariro, and wonderful opportunities to witness the true beauty of the Whanganui River through kayaking with a local guide. Hiking, skiing, fishing, canoeing and mountain biking are all very popular. The Tongariro Crossing is also a great day walk.

10) Lake Taupo

Lake Taupo, which is the result of a volcanic eruption, has beautiful pumice sand beaches and is a huge draw for its trout fishing opportunities. However, honeymooners less interested in ‘fishy’ occupations and who have a yen for an adrenaline rush, can try the tandem skydiving or simply explore on foot the natural beauty of the forests and the unspoiled landscapes. Huka Falls here is also splendid with its clear, blue water.

11) Hawke’s Bay

Hawke’s Bay has a warm, Mediterranean climate and is known for its red wines, Art Deco architecture and Cape Kidnappers, where one gets the chance to view gannets in their natural habitats. Napier and Hastings are popular towns against a backdrop of mountain ranges and forests.

12) Manawatu

Manawatu has some key districts that have activities unique to their geography and culture, like Rangitikei where you can get some hands-on experience in shearing sheep or undertaking other farming acitivities, Horowhenua with its gorgeous nature coast or Wanganui with its National Park and the river which has canoeing, kayaking or jetboating. Rauwaka Falls are huge and worth a quick stop. The Bridge to Nowhere in Mungapurua is also on the tourists list. Airport – Palmerston North.