If you and your fiancé are not the ‘lay by the pool honeymoon’ type and are after a honeymoon with a twist of adventure, I have the place for you… New Zealand!

New Zealand is home to the beautiful Bay of Islands, cosmopolitan Auckland, Christchurch and my personal favourite the scenic South Island.  New Zealand has rare a mix of charm, solitude and beauty.

There are a few different places you could go for a honeymoon in New Zealand.

Birds eye view of Queenstown's landscape

Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown

For newlyweds who would prefer to take advantage of the great outdoors on their honeymoon, there is Queenstown, located on the South Island. Queenstown offers both beautiful lakes and picturesque mountains that are perfect for the couple that likes to be surrounded by breath taking scenery. Honeymoon activities here could include taking the plunge of another kind and taking part in bungy jumping, hitting one of the best ski fields in the world at Coronet Peak or The Remarkable’s or sipping on the local speciality – Pinot Noir on a wine tasting tour.

Coronet Peak Ski Fields

Coronet Peak, Queenstown

Coronet Peak is one of the best ski resorts I have been to, and caters extremely well for all levels.

The Lake

Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown

Shotover River Jet

The Shotover Jet in Shotover River, Queenstown

Some local features include:

The Millenium Hotel is a lovely 5 star hotel to stay at. The hotel features beautiful views, great customer service and also includes a heated pool and spa!

Sombrero’s on Beach Street, have the best Mexican food, the nachos and cocktails are delicious.

The view from the top of the Skyline Gondola is absolutely breath taking –  take your camera! While you’re up there, enjoy a romantic dinner for two!

Fergburger on Shotover Street is a well known take away burger shop, that has the best burgers in the world. The queue is normally half way down the street, but well worth the wait.

The Shotover River Jet is a lot of fun and it’s a beautiful way to see the mountains.

Honeymooners who enjoy boating and fishing and ‘on land’ adventure, The Bay of Islands (North Island) is an aquatic playground for you. You and your partner could take a day or evening tour through  a sub tropical rainforest, or take part in a half day island tour. A trip to the Bay of Islands isn’t complete without an excursion to play with the local dolphins as part of a day cruise. Enjoy a vineyard picnic, delights at local restaurants or quick but amazing bite at one of the many farmers markets.

Whitney’s tips on essential items to pack:

– Camera without question! Take advantage of some of the most amazing scenery in the world.

– Warm clothes are a must, boots, coats and hats or beanies for the winter season.

– Joggers (runners) as there are a lot of activities that will involve comfortable and safe footwear!

– Swimming costume – yes, even though it can get very cold, you want to be able to take advantage of the heated pools, spas and saunas.

Enjoy x

Ms Polka Dot says: New Zealand – one of the most beautiful places on earth, so be sure to pack your camera for a thousand and one photo opportunities! And the best bit – it’s a short hop from Australia!

La Belle Weddings is a Sydney based boutique wedding planning agency. Whitney says: We are here to assist brides in turning their dream wedding into a reality whilst saving you time and money.

All photos taken by Whitney of La Belle Weddings