How to Plan the Perfect Honeymoon in New Zealand
One of the hottest destinations around today is New Zealand - “The land of the long white cloud” - a name given by the early Maori arrivals as they approached in their seafaring ocean-going canoes and saw a land shrouded in clouds.
New Zealand is the youngest country on earth; it was the last major landmass to be discovered. New Zealand’s Maori culture emerged from Polynesian migration began about 700 years ago. European history began about 200 years after that. Today, its names, art, architecture and stories reflect New Zealand's combined multi-cultural roots. Its natural attractions put the magic in your day: its snowy mountains, volcanoes, beaches, hiking trails, fiords, lakes and so much more. If you are looking for a honeymoon you can take this opportunity to fulfill lifelong ambitions or explore your special interests. From pure culture to extreme adventure, it’s all here.
Boutique Lodging and Cruising
Abundant in resorts and hotels, New Zealand also has B & Bs offering both a welcoming place to rest your head and the chance to meet real New Zealanders. Boutique establishments offer the finest bed and breakfast accommodation in luxury surroundings. Each lodging has its own special charm, be it a country retreat, restored villa or historic home.
Of course, all of the cruise lines offer sailings to the major New Zealand ports. It takes about 20 hours of flight time to go from JFK to Auckland, NZ, though you won’t find a direct flight from New York. Cruises usually encompass both Australia and New Zealand and embark or disembark in Sydney or Auckland.
Beaches to Bungee Jumping
The beaches here are resplendent, wide and sandy. The beachscape continues further than the eye can see, interrupted only by rivers running to the ocean. But the winter sports here truly dominate. New Zealand is the perfect location for great snow sport experiences. Ski areas open in mid-June and close around the beginning of October, providing more than four months of fun for skiers, boarders and riders.Flying without an engine is something that everyone should have on their bucket list. There are two types of gliding experience available in New Zealand. There’s classic gliding in a two-seater glider (sometimes called a sailplane) and hang-gliding. Over 30 years ago, the world's first commercial bungee operation began here, if you are game, you can personalize your jump--try partial immersion in water, a tandem jump or a night jump. 
And depending on your level of daring, a caving experience could be anything from a dreamy drift through a glow-worm grotto to a rope-dangling, action-packed subterranean adventure. The choice is yours.
Hot Springs
If, however, you are longing for a more down-to-earth honeymoon, New Zealand’s natural hot springs and spas vary from smaller, spa-type pools to larger thermally heated complexes. Because of its geological formations, this country is loaded with volcanoes and hot pools; they are a very pleasant side effect of all this subterranean angst. New Zealand is a hot bed of hot springs.
One way to enjoy all that New Zealand has to offer is to opt for travel on an independent tour where a tour company compiles a detailed travel agenda that’s exactly to your taste and then you enjoy the freedom of a self-guided holiday.
Whether enjoying summer sports in January or winter sports in July, this newest country island could be a place to land on your feet after your wedding. You and you new spouse can immerse yourself in this incredible country and relax any way you choose.
Emma McKnight is a travel agent specializing in cruise vacations. View her website or contact her with your travel questions.