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When it comes to the tradition of the honeymoon, a lot of people picture empty beaches and private villas and fruity cocktails at sunset. But you know what? A laid-back beachy honeymoon isn't right for every couple!
If you and your partner crave adventure and love the outdoors, then another destination might be a better fit: like New Zealand.
Why consider a New Zealand honeymoon by campervan?
New Zealand makes for a great honeymoon destination simply because there's so much variety in the small country. You can find everything from volcanoes to beaches to glaciers to even a redwood forest in New Zealand, meaning there are plenty of adventures to be had.
The best way to truly explore New Zealand is to hire a vehicle so you have the freedom to see what you want when you want. And, for a honeymoon, you might want to check out a Dream Sleeper Mini, a comfy two-person campervan.
New Zealand honeymoon in a Dream Sleeper Mini (advanced) campervan
Hiring a campervan in New Zealand is a popular way to get around, and it means you can save some money on accommodation and meals since you can sleep and cook in your van. The Dream Sleeper Mini is especially great for a honeymoon (or other “glamping” trip) in New Zealand because it drives like a car, but comes complete with everything you need to turn it into a cosy home on wheels.
Tips for your New Zealand honeymoon campervan trip
If you're considering a campervan trip for your honeymoon in New Zealand, here are a few tips to help you have the best time possible:
1. Plan a rough route
You don't necessarily need to plan your entire trip before leaving home, but you do want to have a rough idea of the route you'd like to take before you arrive in New Zealand. You can either focus on just one island (the North has more beaches and geothermal activity, which the South Island has all the mountainous scenery) or do a trip encompassing both. If you'll be covering both islands, you can do a one-way rental of a Dream Sleeper Mini, picking up in Auckland and dropping off in Christchurch (or vice versa).
With a van like the Dream Sleeper Mini, you'll get the most bang for your buck by staying in holiday parks throughout New Zealand. There is a wide range of parks to choose from on both islands, and you can count on toilet/shower facilities, communal kitchens, and laundry at almost everyone. Use the free Spaceships app to help you find places to camp.
Some especially romantic places you might want to add to your honeymoon itinerary include the Bay of Islands for beaches, the Marlborough Sounds for wineries, Queenstown for adventure and scenery, and Milford Sound for a fjord cruise.
Wherever you go the scenery is amazing in New Zealand
2. Stock up on the basics
The great part about a New Zealand honeymoon in a campervan is that you basically take your temporary home with you – meaning you can pull over to have a meal whenever you spot a spectacular view.
You'll want to stock up on the basics before you set off. In New Zealand, Pak 'n Save is the discount grocery store where you'll find the best savings. Otherwise, Countdown is also a reasonably-priced place to buy supplies. Be sure to pick up some local New Zealand wine along the way, too, which you can enjoy at your campsite each night (your Dream Sleeper Mini will come equipped with stemless wine glasses!).
3. You don't have to camp every night
Since this is your New Zealand honeymoon, just remember that you don't necessarily have to sleep in your van every single night. You might want to camp 50-70% of the time, and then treat yourselves to a nicer hotel or B&B every few nights. This is easy with the Dream Sleeper Mini since it drives and parks like a regular car, meaning you won't have to stress about where to park if you decide to stay at a hotel.
4. Have an adventure you'll remember forever!
New Zealand is jam-packed with all sorts of adventurous and romantic pursuits. Your itinerary will, of course, be influenced by your own personal interests, but here are some perfect honeymoon activities:
- Wine tasting on Waiheke Island or in Central Otago
- Going rafting to see glowworms in Waitomo
- Doing the Redwoods Treewalk in Rotorua
- Tandem kayaking in Abel Tasman National Park
- Swimming with wild dolphins in Kaikoura or Akaroa
- Soaking in a private hot tub at the Onsen Hot Pools in Queenstown
- Going tandem bungy jumping in Queenstown
- Taking a cruise through Milford or Doubtful Sound
- Hiking together through New Zealand's stunning scenery
Having a campervan can help you do all of this and more, making it a unique and adventurous New Zealand honeymoon.
Must-do on your adventurous New Zealand honeymoon: bungy jumping
Paddle off into the sunset on your adventurous NZ honeymoon
About Amanda
Amanda Williams is the former-journalist-turned-blogger behind A Dangerous Business, a travel blog that aims to inspire people to fit more travel and adventure into the lifestyle they already have. Since starting her blog in 2010, Amanda has travelled to more than 50 countries on six continents from her focus home base in Ohio. She went on her own honeymoon to New Zealand in 2018.