[NZduo]

Hi there,
We're planning on having our honeymoon next year (getting married in April) as a recce in order to get a feel for all things NZ... As it's our honeymoon, I'd welcome any suggestions of anything extra special that I could arrange for my bride to be...? We're planning on staying for three weeks, and concentrating on the North Island, as we think we'd like to settle initially in Wellington. The idea is to start in Auckland with four days there, then a drive southwards via Rotorua, Napier, and Palmerston North, before ending up in Welly for about 2 weeks.
Are there any sights, or restaurants, or romantic opportunities that should not be passed up...?

A little local knowledge and inspiration would be greatly appreciated!:nice1

[kanatakiwi]

Hi have a look at the thread "Ideas for places to visit in North Island which is in the "In NZ -- how, what, when" section. Lots of suggestions for great places to visit on the n. island, and even some fabulous photos from Sam B. I think you can get there by clicking on this link:
http://www.emigratenz.org/forum/showthread.php?t=11997
should be plenty there to make for a memorable honeymoon!
kanata kiwi

[NZduo]

Thanks very much kanata kiwi, will check it out! :D

[Lupin]

You can rent out private spa pools at the Polynesian Spa (http://www.polynesianspa.co.nz/privatepools.html)in Rotorua, which would be extra special by night. We (my mum and I) were in the adult pools by night and the atmosphere was gorgeous so in a private one could be quite romantic I imagine :)

[StevieD]

Yeah, and you have to do the Skytower if you in Auckland, there is a restaurant on top, don't know about prices but hey, you on honeymoon!! Guess it would look pretty nice at night. You could also hook her up for the sky jump lol ;) Don't know if you would be married for much longer if you did LOL

[swissmissdesigner]

SKY JUMP! OMG! never again, it was sooooo scary..

[NZduo]

Thanks folks... :D

Lupin77 - That sound's just the ticket!

StevieD - Definitely want to do the Skytower, and I think we've looked at staying at Skycity Hotel which is either very close or actually in the Skytower I think?? I'll be the one doing the Sky Jump - I don't think she'll fancy it, but would probably appreciate the spectacle of me screaming and gibbering!

[StevieD]

Only a suggestion ;) :laugh

[sizzlingbadger]

Definitely don't pass up a trip to the Mission Winery in Napier for wine tasting and a meal. Fabulous wine and food and the setting is just fantastic :nice1

If you're heading to Welly then get over 'the hill' to the Wairarapa and Martinborough. Lots of wineries and boutique accommodation, love to have a weekend there myself one day :D

[b&k]

You should go via Tauranga/Mt Manganui on the way to Rotorua.

Spend a morning at the fab beach at Mt Manganui, walk up the Mount for the views, have an ice cream and a dip in the hot saltwater pools at the bottom then head into Tauranga for a meal at the Harbourside Brasserie in the evening.

http://www.eatout.co.nz/harbourside-brasserie-and-bar.html

If you like wine - as I do :) - I'd highly recommend going to Esk Valley (to the north of town but well worth the journey), Te Mata and Church Road wineries while in Napier.

Incidentally, while we were there we stayed in the old prison - not exactly romantic unless your idea of romance includes being locked up behind barred iron doors and taking communal showers but an experience none the less.

[bumpffslam]

The Chateau Tongariro near Mount Ruapehu (largest active volcano in the North Island) is very sophisticated - for NZ! Beautiful dining room, excellent food and service. http://www.chateau.co.nz/
Stay there an enjoy the walking. ie Tongariro Crossing (very touristy) or take a trip around to Ohakune - charming little town, more walks. Or stay in Ohakune at the Powder Horn (good hotel, lively bar during ski season).http://www.powderhorn.co.nz/
And the Army Museum at Waiouru is an interesting stop. The cafe there, Rations, does some good food.