Plan the Perfect New Zealand Adventure Honeymoon

New Zealand is the ideal destination for an adventure honeymoon. With stunning natural landscapes, thrilling variety, and every adventure you can imagine on offer, New Zealand will surpass your wildest dreams.

Your New Zealand honeymoon is a time for indulgence and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. In other words, now is the chance to choose adventures you may not otherwise splurge on. Celebrate the beginning of your life together with glacier heli hikes, skydiving, overnight cruises with kayaking, and heli biking.

Top Destinations for a New Zealand Adventure Honeymoon

Whether you wish to spend your honeymoon hopping from one destination to the next or exploring from a single base, you will find more than enough excitement to fill your time.

If you plan to stay in one place, Queenstown is the ideal adventure honeymoon destination. Not for nothing is this buzzing resort town known as the “adventure capital of New Zealand.” And Queenstown has more than just adrenaline sports on offer. The lakeside town is surrounded by dramatic mountains, vast wilderness, gold mining history, and some of the country’s top luxury accommodation.

If you prefer to see more of the country, visit as many of these top adventure honeymoon destinations as you wish.

The top New Zealand adventure honeymoon destinations are:

• Queenstown
• Taupo
• Wanaka
• Abel Tasman
• Te Anau
• Rotorua

Read on to discover the adventure highlights of each destination.

Queenstown

From adrenaline activities such as skydiving and bungy jumping to outdoor sports like hiking and whitewater rafting, Queenstown has it all.

The adventure scene in New Zealand’s most popular resort town takes in every aspect of the surrounding natural beauty. Experience the epic mountain scenery with hiking, mountain biking, skiing, and skydiving; tackle the pristine braided rivers and gorges with jet-boating, whitewater rafting, canyoning, and “funyaking”; and venture into the rugged hills around town on 4WD tours.

Signature Queenstown Adventures

During your honeymoon in Queenstown, choose from these top adventures.

• Shotover Jet–This iconic experience is fast-paced and easy to fit in any honeymoon itinerary. Speed through dramatic canyons, turn thrilling 360-degree spins, and feel the spray on your face as you relish the excitement.
• NZONE Skydive–If skydiving is a bucket list item for both you and your partner, what better time to experience the thrill of a lifetime than on your honeymoon? Queenstown boasts some of the world’s most epic skydiving views.
• Shotover River Rafting–Tackle Grade 5 rapids on this action-packed whitewater rafting trip through the stunning Shotover Canyon. The coach trip to your starting point is half the fun, winding along the death-defying Skippers Canyon road.
• Routeburn Track Hike–Whether you choose a day hike or a multiday adventure, the Routeburn Track is one of New Zealand’s most spectacular and memorable Great Walks. Independent hikes, guided day walks, and fully guided and catered multiday experiences are all available.
• Dart River Jet Funyak Safari–Begin with a jet-boat ride through the breathtaking wilds of Mt Aspiring National Park. After that, paddle back down on inflatable kayaks (“funyaks”), stopping along the way to explore a stunning gorge and enjoy a wilderness picnic.

Luxury Queenstown Adventures

If you want your adventure honeymoon filled with pure luxury and exclusive experiences, these Queenstown adventures are perfect for you.

• Luxury Milford Sound overnight cruise on the Fiordland Jewel–Begin your experience with a helicopter flight to Milford Sound, landing on the deck of the Fiordland Jewel. Your experience includes the chance to explore the fiord by kayak
• Expedition Fiordland heli adventure–Experience the best of Mt Aspiring National Park and Fiordland National Park on an unforgettable full-day adventure that combines four different activities. Enjoy a helicopter flight from Queenstown to Te Anau, a hike on the Kepler Track, a 4WD tour through a rugged high country farm, and a steamship cruise across Lake Wakatipu.
• Heli biking–Tackle Bowen Peak or Ben Cruachan on an unforgettable heli biking adventure.

Taupo

Located in the heart of the North Island, Taupo is situated at the shores of New Zealand’s largest lake. The lakefront offers sweeping views of nearby volcanic peaks. Because of its central location, Taupo is the perfect base for enjoying a wide range of exciting and diverse North Island experiences on your New Zealand adventure honeymoon.

Stay in a luxury hotel by the lakefront, or choose a luxury lodge set in tranquil native forest. Fill your days with hiking, caving, jet-boating, skydiving, and more.

Signature Taupo Adventures

Choose the Taupo adventures that most appeal to you and your partner for an action-packed, rewarding honeymoon.

• Waitomo Caves Adventure Tours–Just a 2-hour drive from Taupo, the Waitomo Glowworm Caves are one of New Zealand’s most remarkable natural wonders. Blackwater rafting (cave tubing) is the most iconic Waitomo adventure tour; other experiences include abseiling, climbing, and ziplining underground. On all Waitomo adventure tours, you’ll encounter the famous glowworms glittering like an underworld galaxy.
• Hiking in Tongariro National Park–The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is widely regarded as one of the world’s best day hikes. However, there are many other walks on offer in this volcanic wonderland, from short waterfall trails to multi-day circuits.
• Hukafalls Jet–Race through the Huka River gorge, right up to the base of the brilliant blue Huka Falls, where you will feel the power of this thundering waterfall. Your jet-boat experience includes thrilling 360-degree spins and fast-paced action.
• Whitewater Rafting–The region around Taupo offers numerous rivers perfect for whitewater rafting. Choose from heart-pumping Grade 5 rapids or more tranquil experiences for an unforgettable wilderness adventure.
• Taupo Tandem Skydiving–This is the very best North Island skydiving operator, with jumps offered up to 18,500 feet. Take in breathtaking views over Lake Taupo and Tongariro National Park as you prepare for the experience of a lifetime.

Wanaka

A paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, Wanaka is the perfect honeymoon destination for couples who love hiking, biking, and skiing. Less busy and hectic than Queenstown yet equally beautiful, Wanaka offers a surprising variety of restaurants, bars, and cafes for its size.

This is the perfect destination to combine adventure with relaxation. Schedule a long honeymoon stay in Wanaka if you dream of days spent hiking the nearby trails or strolling along the lakefront, sampling wines at nearby vineyards, and indulging in quirky local highlights such as films at Cinema Paradiso, tea at the Wanaka Lavender Farm, and exploring Puzzling World.

Signature Wanaka Adventures

These are the most exciting and unique Wanaka activities you may wish to sample on your New Zealand adventure honeymoon.

• Hiking the local trails–Roy’s Peak, Mt Iron, and Rob Roy Glacier are the most famous Wanaka day hikes. In addition, backpackers can take advantage of countless multiday hikes nearby. For a relaxing stroll, the Millennium Walkway follows the lakeshore from the town centre and offers excellent views across Lake Wanaka. (Take a detour to Rippon Winery along the way for a tasting!)
• WildWire Via Ferrata Waterfall Climb–Dizzying heights, epic views, and a new perspective on a cascading waterfall are all on offer with the WildWire waterfall climb. Choose your level of fun, from a three-hour taster to a full-day excursion including a return helicopter flight.
• Skydive Wanaka–One of New Zealand’s premier skydiving destinations, Wanaka offers breathtaking views on your unforgettable skydive experience.
• Skiing at Cardrona and Treble Cone–These two local ski fields are exciting for skiers from beginners to experts.
• Canyoning with Deep Canyon–New Zealand is one of the world’s top canyoning destinations. With a Deep Canyon adventure, delve deep into a narrow canyon gouged from rock and explore by abseiling, sliding down natural chutes, jumping off rocks, and ziplining.

Luxury Wanaka Adventures

For an exclusive Wanaka adventure honeymoon, helicopter access opens up a vast array of backcountry terrain for you to explore. If you wish to experience a truly indulgent wilderness retreat, don’t miss a stay at Minaret Station, a luxury lodge accessed only by helicopter. These are some of the best luxury adventures on offer.

• Heli Hiking–Explore valleys and ridgelines with a heli hike in the Southern Alps. Heli hikes provide access to remote terrain, with opportunities to explore a vast range of locations depending on your interests. Tackle mountain peaks, amble along undulating ridgelines, venture through valley floors, or visit picturesque waterfalls.
• Heli Skiing–Wanaka heli ski adventures take advantage of the incredible backcountry powder ranging over hundreds of hectares of the Southern Alps. Cut new tracks and relish in epic views on your unforgettable skiing experience.
• Heli Biking–Tackle a range of mountain biking trails with helicopter access, from downhill terrain to private lakeside tracks.
• Glacier Heli Hikes–From Wanaka, you can fly by helicopter to Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park to enjoy an unforgettable glacier heli hike on Tasman Glacier. Explore deep blue ice formations and take in awe-inspiring mountain scenery.

Abel Tasman

This beachside paradise opens up opportunities for hiking, kayaking, wildlife viewing, and mountain biking. Stay at one of the luxury resorts or lodges nestled in the lush forest of the Abel Tasman region and spend your days exploring at your own pace.

Most couples choose the Abel Tasman for a relaxing honeymoon interspersed with a few memorable adventures. However, you can fill your time with excitement if you prefer a faster-paced New Zealand adventure honeymoon.

Signature Abel Tasman Adventures

Explore the best of Abel Tasman National Park and Kahurangi National Park with these adventures.

• Kayaking in Abel Tasman National Park–Choose from half-day to multi-day kayaking adventures along golden-sand beaches and through tranquil bays in Abel Tasman National Park. Along the way, encounter charming New Zealand wildlife, from seals to native birds.
• Hiking in Abel Tasman National Park–The Abel Tasman Coast Track runs along the edge of the national park. You can experience this track with day hikes, cruises combined with section walks, hiking and kayaking excursions, and multi-day hikes.
• Mountain biking–From the nearby town of Nelson, you can embark on a wide range of exhilarating mountain biking excursions. Explore peaceful, rolling terrain, rugged mountain slopes, or moss-draped forests on trips suited for all levels.

Luxury Abel Tasman Adventures

Elevate your honeymoon with these exclusive Abel Tasman adventures.

• Private yacht cruise, kayak, and walk–Enjoy a full-day excursion into Abel Tasman National Park. Kayak around Tonga Island’s sea colony, walk to a headland, and enjoy a romantic picnic lunch at a golden-sand beach.
• Heli biking–Combine a mountain biking adventure with breathtaking views on a heli bike excursion.

Te Anau

The gateway to Fiordland National Park, Te Anau is the perfect honeymoon destination for couples who want to experience New Zealand’s most untouched wilderness. Home to three of the country’s famous Great Walks, along with countless lakes, fiords, rivers, and jungle-swathed mountain peaks, Fiordland offers breathtaking scenery on a grand scale.

The town of Te Anau is small and quiet, so plan to fill your honeymoon venturing beyond Te Anau to the great outdoors.

Signature Te Anau Adventures

Experience the best of Fiordland National Park with these unforgettable adventures perfect for your honeymoon.

• Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound kayaking–Get up close to pounding waterfalls, soaring cliff faces, and dense rainforest on a kayak tour through Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound. Choose a full-day or half-day kayak excursion, or combine your adventure with a cruise. Overnight cruises on both fiords offer the opportunity to explore by kayak.
• Milford Track hiking–Choose a day hike or a multi-day adventure on the most famous of New Zealand’s Great Walks. This challenging trail cuts through lush valleys and over a high pass as it crosses from Lake Te Anau to Milford Sound.
• Fiordland Jet–Jet-boat through some of New Zealand’s most dramatic scenery on an excursion with Fiordland Jet. Combine your experience with a walk, bike, or flight for an even more immersive adventure.
• Fiordland Heli Hike–Take a scenic flight up to Luxmore Hut on the Kepler Track, where you can enjoy the views before hiking down the gentle trail through beech forest to the shores of Lake Te Anau. For the return trip to town, enjoy a short boat trip across Lake Te Anau.

Luxury Te Anau Adventures

Venture even deeper into the wilds of Fiordland National Park with a heli adventure, or indulge in the finest Milford Sound cruise on offer.

• Milford Sound Overnight Cruise on the Fiordland Jewel–This is the perfect honeymoon experience, with dramatic views, sumptuous rooms, decadent cuisine, and the chance to explore Milford Sound by kayak.
• Heli-Jet Southern Fiordland–Venture into the little-seen reaches of southern Fiordland on this all-day, quintessentially Kiwi experience. Jet-boat the dramatic Wairaurahiri River; travel by helicopter over mountains and ridges, with multiple landings; and enjoy a delicious bush-style BBQ lunch.
• Green Lake Heli-Hike and Bike–Combine a helicopter flight, an easy three-hour hike, a mountain bike adventure, and a 4WD tour for a day of nonstop excitement deep in the wilds of Fiordland National Park. Along the way, stop for a gourmet picnic lunch.

Rotorua

This geothermal hotspot offers adventure in many forms, most of it easily accessible from the town centre. Spend your days mountain biking, ziplining, and jet-boating, and don’t miss the chance to visit a few of the local geothermal reserves and Maori cultural heritage sites during your stay.

To enhance your honeymoon, choose to stay at one of the nearby luxury lodges. Solitaire Lodge, Treetops Lodge & Estate, and Peppers on the Point are each nestled in stunning surroundings.

Signature Rotorua Adventures

These adventure sports are some of the top Rotorua activities.

• Mountain biking–Rotorua is one of the top mountain biking destinations in New Zealand. From an extensive network of redwood forest trails to gondola-accessed mountain biking, Rotorua offers something for everyone.
• Rotorua Canopy Tours–Explore the forest canopy from a new perspective with a zipline adventure. Discover prehistoric New Zealand as you venture through the trees on ziplines, swing bridges, and elevated platforms.
• New Zealand Riverjet–Jet boat your way up a picturesque river on your way to a geothermal wonderland. Either explore the beauty of Orakei Korako, one of the most enchanting of New Zealand’s geothermal reserves, or take a walk through a warm-water slot canyon to a secluded waterfall on the iconic experience known as “The Squeeze.”

Plan your New Zealand Adventure Honeymoon

With such diversity of landscapes and activities on offer, a New Zealand adventure honeymoon should be a bespoke experience designed around what interests you most.

Whether you have a list of must-do activities that you wish to experience, or you’d rather settle on a few destinations and plan your adventures around what is available at each, your New Zealand adventure honeymoon is sure to surpass every expectation.

Next, read about the top 5 New Zealand honeymoon destinations.