Discover the Romantic Side of New Zealand

It’s touted as the wedding of the century: on 29 April 2011 Prince William and Kate Middleton will tie the knot with the world watching the royal wedding.

And while their honeymoon destination still hasn’t been confirmed (although there are talks of the royal couple heading to the Scilly Isles), we reckon Prince William and Kate Middleton should come to New Zealand. After all, the Land of the Long White Cloud is the perfect romantic destination!

In recent times New Zealand has gained a reputation as an excellent honeymoon destination, and many couples even travel here to have their big day in the Land of the Long White Cloud. With wedding services widely available, great venues in stunning locations and world-class cuisine to cater for the big day, more and more couples get married in New Zealand.

Whether it’s for your wedding night or the honeymoon to follow, New Zealand has just the right romantic accommodation at hand. How about snuggling up in front of the open fire in your secluded luxury lodge or awaking to birdsong amidst the vineyards surrounding the honeymoon suite of your boutique accommodation? Or maybe you’d like to stay in the total privacy of a self-contained cottage nestled on the shores of a lake or a villa looking out on the ocean? If you prefer to have someone to pamper you and look after your every need, there is a wide range of cosy B&Bs to be found in New Zealand’s cosmopolitan cities and charming towns. And for the ultimate in pampering and indulgence you may even choose to stay at one of only ten Qualmark Exclusive-rated properties.

No matter which style of accommodation you’re after, it’s not hard to find a honeymoon suite in some of New Zealand’s most romantic landscapes. Think sunsets at golden-sand beaches in Nelson or Northland, think drowned valleys and fiords in Marlborough and Fiordland, think snow-capped mountains and sparkling lakes around Queenstown. In the Wairarapa you’ll find vineyards as far as the eye can see, a bit further north the geothermal wonderland around Rotorua awaits and further north still, there is the stunning island paradise of the Bay of Islands.

Of course you’ll need some world-class (and romantic!) activities to fill your days as well. Get up early and take to the skies with a hot air balloon ride including a glass of bubbles at sunrise. Spoil yourself soaking in a private hot pool or with a couple’s massage, or book a boat cruise for some island-hopping. The more adventurous amongst you may want to try tandem bungy jumping or couple’s globe riding. Other romantic activities include horse trekking across New Zealand’s remote high country and along deserted beaches, gliding along underground rivers through glow-worm studded caves (for example in the Waitomo!) or on Christchurch’s Avon River in an Edwardian punt. Of course New Zealand also has heaps of galleries and museums, great to be explored while strolling hand in hand.

In the evening, choose a cosy restaurant to indulge in New Zealand food and wine – you’re bound to fall in love with our fresh and locally grown treats! Finally, hasn’t it always been romantic to escape to an island? Well, that would make New Zealand absolutely ideal in terms of honeymooning!