New Zealand is truly one of the most picturesque and photogenic places on earth, what with its rugged landscapes, stunning views, unique wildlife, lip smacking food and wine. Not hard to imagine why this country is a favourite among honeymooners. Here are 10 reasons why New Zealand is the perfect honeymoon destination.

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1. Maximum number of beaches

New Zealand, having a long coastline, is filled with beaches. The city beach, Mission Bay bustles with vibrant restaurants, ice cream parlors, cafés and pubs. Want something more private? New Chums Beach in Coromandel Peninsula is one of the last undeveloped beaches. Though it’s a little hard to get to, but that’s part of its charm. Bethells is one of the lesser known New Zealand beaches making it a favourite among celebrities and locals. Abel Tasman National Park has the perfect beaches with hiking and kayaking. You might even get a chance to see the dolphins and fur seals. Here are other beaches you should check out!

2. Wineries and vineyards

Take the “Classic New Zealand Wine Trail” that covers the country’s top wine regions – Hawke’s Bay, Wairarapa and Martinborough. Cycle the vines or be chauffeur driven to the boutiques to taste award-winning wines. Waiheke houses quite a number of beautiful vineyards, wineries, olive groves, farmlands and golden beaches. Guided tours are available for tasting wines and lunching at the vineyards.

3. Water adventures

Paddle with dolphins or around a marine reserve and jump in for a snorkel. Kayaking is one of the best ways to explore the coastlines of New Zealand. Skippered voyages and sailing tours range from a leisurely cruise with afternoon tea on the harbour to several days on a fully-fledged ocean-going maxi yacht. You can dive wrecks, drop-offs and subtropical reefs in clean, clear waters. For great waves and surfing, Highway 45 is your destination. Rafting and jet boating are other options available to you.

4. Outdoor activities

You can leap off the Auckland Harbour Bridge against the backdrop of the Waitemata Harbour. The Nevis swing is the world’s highest and involves a 160-metre plunge. Caving ranges from a simple walk through the glowworms to black water rafting to abseiling, climbing and squeezing. In the North Island the best known caving area is Waitomo Caves in the Waikato region. Off-road driving in New Zealand can be a chauffeur driven safari to a self-drive scoot around the forest on a quad bike. Aerial rope slide also known as zip-lining lets you glide through native forests, stunning views across rivers and canyons. Oh, and don’t forget to ski!!

5. Southern lights

How about watching streaks of pink, green, yellow-green and red across the unpolluted skies? Known as Aurora Australis, the Southern Lights can be viewed in New Zealand. Yes, you do not have to travel all the way to the north for this. Check this out of your bucket list. Best time to catch them? Between March & September at midnight. Looking for places? Here you go!

6. Exploring wildlife and nature

Kapiti and Tiritiri Matangi have been devoted to the protection of wildlife. Great Barrier has the kind of rugged, untouched beauty that appeals to adventurers. You can spot whales and swim with dolphins and a diverse range exotic ocean life. Horseback riding allows you to get back to nature and enjoy the solitude and the New Zealand wilderness. Watch the penguins march or wade in the waters and the world’s unique birdlife, all in New Zealand.

7. Heritage and Maori culture

New Zealand’s Maori culture emerged from Polynesian migrations. Visit Rotorua, the cultural heart of New Zealand for a tour of the pre-European Maori village, learn carving or weaving from artists, sample contemporary food cooked using traditional methods or participate in Maori singing and cultural shows. Try the delicious “hangi” feast. Learn about the Waitangi treaty and Art Deco architecture in Napier. In Auckland, Rotorua and Canterbury, organised tours provide a traditional Māori welcome onto a marae, where you’ll hear Māori speeches and singing, see carved meeting houses, meet the local people.

8. Home of Middle Earth

Take a tour around the mythical world of “Middle Earth”. More than 150 locations throughout New Zealand were used to film The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit Trilogy featuring some of the breathtaking landscapes. Many activities and attractions offer the chance to see the film locations in New Zealand. Look at the sets here!

9. Food

Do you know what else is unique in New Zealand? The Food! Learn some local secrets by taking part in a cooking class including Maori cooking using native plants. You can shop for your own ingredients and don’t forget to drop by the Farmers’ Market for some kiwi food. There are more than 50 markets spread between Kerikeri in the North Island and Riverton in the South Island. Oh, and there is quite a variety of seafood like crayfish in Kaikoura, Bluff oysters in Southland, greenshell mussels in Marlborough, and whitebait patties on the West Coast. Here are the must-try kiwi foods.

10. Scenic journeys

There are of course many ways to sightsee in New Zealand. You can jump out of an aircraft at an altitude of 15,000 ft and freefall at 200km/hr with your instructor strapped to your back. The magnificent landscapes takes on an extra dimension when you skydive. Scenic flightseeing from a small plane or helicopter gives you the view of New Zealand’s stunning geography. Hot air ballooning is a peaceful and romantic way to sightsee the breathtaking views of the country. The train travels through national parks, across volcanic landscapes, river valleys and alpine passes and along coastlines with steep mountains on one side and the Pacific Ocean on the other.