It’s no secret that New Zealand is a leading destination for honeymoons. Maybe it’s due to the fact that the country is so far away from the UK and United States, making it feel exotic and otherworldly.  Or maybe it’s because of the hundreds of gorgeous natural wonders to explore, including all the sights in the famed Lord of the Rings trilogy. Whatever the factors, there are dozens of reasons to visit this stunning two-island country as a newlywed couple. You’ll have tons of options to travel the gorgeous landscape, from New Zealand self-drive tours to a full-scale bus tour to hiring a car rental service. No matter the logistics of your travels, you and your spouse will no doubt have the time of your live in this country of kiwis.

If you’re looking to travel on the North Island, check out the Bay of Islands to the North of Auckland as well as the Central North Island which encompasses Rotorua, Waitomo, and Taupo. Snorkelling, scuba diving, sailing, swimming with dolphins, and quaint towns steeped in New Zealand history makes this area an exceptional destination for honeymooners.

Each destination on the Central North Island provides its own unique flavor. Rotorua is best understood for its geysers and mud pools as well as its rich Maori culture. The city also provides a wide range of amateur adventure and leisure activities, from the Luge and the Zorb (the silicon ball that rolls down a hill with you inside) to the Agrodome and Rainbow Springs.

Waitomo is famous for its awe-inspiring glowworm caves. You can take a more relaxing walking tour of this area or a high-adrenaline tour for extra excitement. For example, you can take a five-hour all-inclusive trip which includes abseiling down into a cavern, flying through the cavern in the pitch black on a flying fox, jumping off a cliff into an underground stream, and eventually climbing back out of the cavern by corkscrewing around a vertical waterfall.

If you and your spouse are looking for even more adventure, Taupo might be the place to go. This town is known for its adventure activities like skydiving, bungee leaping, jet boating, quad cycling, horseback riding, and whitewater rafting, just to name a few! Taupo provides an idyllic setting on the rim of Lake Taupo, the largest lake in New Zealand, with three volcanoes in the background. Taupo also has a pretty active nightlife because if its popularity with backpackers. It’s also centrally located, so you could visit this area on your way through the rest of the country. Rotorua is one hour to the North, Waitomo Caves are about two hours northwest, the World Heritage Tongariro National Park is about an hour south, and Napier and Hawke’s Bay wine districts are two hours to the southeast.

So when are the most romantic times to visit New Zealand on your honeymoon? October is the springtime and offers warm days with relatively few travellers around. So if you’re looking for serenity and don’t mind wearing a light jacket at times, this may be the perfect season for you to visit. December through March are the warmest months, suitable for beach time relaxing and working on your tan. As April and May are autumn, the landscapes are a sight to behold, with rich reds and yellows serving as a backdrop for your exploration of mountains, lakes, and other natural wonders.

If you’re interested in traveling to New Zealand for your honeymoon, take the time to figure out which locations are best for your needs and desires. There are endless options in this beautiful and versatile country!