New Zealand, just like other countries, had closed its borders due to the pandemic. However, with the vaccine and new measures, it has recently announced its opening-up strategy. Based on the reports, people who are vaccinated will be able to get into the country without quarantine by the end of 2021. This is great news for newlyweds from Kenya who want to spend their honeymoon in New Zealand.
New Zealand is always one of the best honeymoon or vacation destinations, not only for Kenyans but also for people across the world. Spectacular natural scenery, romantic bush hideaways, coastal glaciers, mystical landscapes, a wide selection of cuisines, etc. makes it on the priority list among travelers. No matter which month you are planning for the vacation, there are exciting things you can do.
One or two weeks are not enough to explore this land of long white clouds. If you have the budget for a longer vacation, try to be in New Zealand for at least one month. Both North and South islands have hundreds of attractions waiting for you. Here are some of the romantic attractions in New Zealand, you must visit as part of your Honeymoon Getaway.
Top Romantic Getaway Locations in New Zealand
#1:- Hobbiton Movie Set Tours
Whether you like the movie or not, being here is such a magical experience. The countryside is so beautiful and there is so much history and tidbits of information that the tour guides share. It is better to go for a guided tour as they are knowledgeable about the movie set and the work that went into the production of the movies. Guides can share really interesting facts, insights, and anecdotes about the Hobbit set.
#2:- Glowworm caves at Waitomo
I haven’t heard of any glow worm caves in Kenya, so visiting any of such caves in New Zealand would be a great choice. There are several such caves on both the New Zealand Islands such as Te Anau Glowworm cave and Hokitika Glowworm Dell. However, Glowworm caves at Waitomo is the best and most easily accessible one. The tour is made up of two levels, the upper level showing the stunning cave formation and the lower level showing stream passages and the glowworms.
#3:- Wine Tour in Waipara
New Zealand is well known for its wine. Both North and South Island has a lot of wineries producing wide varieties of wines such as Sauvignon Blanc, Gewurztraminer, Merlot, Pinot Noir, etc. Going for a wine tour and tasting the authentic wine along with the traditional cuisines would be a great activity for your vacation, especially if you are on a honeymoon trip. If you are on the South Island, then either go for a wine tour in the Waipara region or in the Marlborough region.
#4:- Visiting Pancake Rocks and Blowholes on West Coast
If your itinerary includes the West Coast of South Island, then you must visit Punkaiki’s Pancake rocks and blowholes. This small town is situated between Paparoa National Park and the Tasman sea where you could also find some romantic accommodations as well. By having a 20-minute walk through the track, you can reach the pancake rocks, which were formed around 30 million years ago due to limestone erosion caused by sea bursts and waves. There are several blowholes in this area, which are best to watch during high tide. Check the local tide forecast service to know the high tide time.
#5:- TranzAlpine Train from Christchurch to Greymouth
TranzAlpine train from Christchurch to Greymouth is recognized as one of the best train journeys in New Zealand. You will be traveling from the East coast to the West coast while enjoying the striking natural landscape. No matter which season you are traveling, there are exciting things to see in both summer and winter. You will get to see lush rainforest, wandering cattle, and flourishing vegetation in summer whereas snow-peaked mountains and icy rivers are the attractions in winter.
#6:- Kaikoura Whale Watching in Helicopter
One activity you must do while in New Zealand is a helicopter ride. There are several locations in New Zealand where you can get into a helicopter and go for a scenic ride. Glacier landing in Franz Josef and Fox Glacier is the best but at the same time, they are expensive. If you want to experience a helicopter ride for a cheaper price, then we recommend doing Kaikoura Whale Watching.
#7:- Milford Sounds Nature Cruise
Milford Sounds Nature Cruise is the most rated attraction of all time in NZ. It is quite simply the one destination that sums New Zealand up. Stunning, scenic, wild, magnificent, pure, and unadulterated. If you are in Queenstown, it will take 3-4 hours to reach this spectacular area whereas around 1 hour from Te Anau. Road to Milford is one of the best Alpine roads in the world where you will find several spots to take pictures. If you are looking for a luxury experience, go for an overnight cruise that is more romantic.
Best Option to Plan Honeymoon in New Zealand
Finally, the question is how to plan all these activities as part of your New Zealand Vacation? The best option is to go for a sell drive trip if you are comfortable driving such long distances. With your Kenyan License, you will be able to drive a car in New Zealand for 1 year. You can enjoy more privacy with your partner if you are on a self-drive honeymoon vacation.
The next option choosing any private vacation packages. There are several established tour operators on both Islands who are providing private packages. This will be a little bit more costly than normal packages as the itinerary is completely made for you.
What are you waiting for? Get your VISA sorted out and enjoy a romantic getaway in New Zealand.
Featured images
- Hobbiton by Lucas Gruwez on Unsplash
- Hobbiton by Nikhil Prasad on Unsplash
- TranzAlpine Train by Great Journeys of New Zealand
- Milford Sounds Nature Cruise by Great Journeys of New Zealand
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