New Zealand honeymoon

[MissMoodyMoo]

So we would love to go to NZ on honeymoon hopefully nov/Dec 2021 but happy to wait a little longer if need be due to covid etc! I'm really interested in the Maori and polynesian cultures so would love to know areas and even hotels etc where we could learn and experience the culture

Rotorua has many cultural attractions some of which are Iwi run/ owned so the money goes back to the communities you can find a selection www.rotoruanz.com/visit/see-and-do/maori-culture.

It is also worth noting there are also free examples of geysers/ hot bubbly mud etc in the town park which is free. Please be aware that the town smells of sulphur ( not the most romantic smell, but if you want culture within a town it’s a fairly decent place to start). The town museum is also not bad and has an interesting film about the area, complete with shaking seats to show the power of the Tarawera eruption which smashed the pink and white terraces.

You have plenty of options with chain hotels or motels which are generally fairly decent. I’ve stayed here princesgate.co.nz/ which has charm and is very centrally located. It might be worth spending time in different locations, the coast is about 60 mins away for Tauranga/ Mount Maunganui. It is well worth booking in Wellington for Te Papa, similarly MOTAT/ Auckland museum in Auckland and the museums in the area.

Be prepared to drive in NZ, public transport is tricky or non existent from centre to centre, the roads can be twisty and slow outside main centres so factor in travelling time. There are some good deals on now to attract tourists.

What the rules for entry will be and if the country will still be asking arrivals to self isolate for 14 days, who knows.

I have lived here for a long time now so feel free to ask questions. Congratulations on your forthcoming wedding

Recommend Hell's Gate at Rotarua impressive hot springs

If you are interested in films, suggest a visit to the filmset of the Hobbit/Lord of the Rings. There is a guided tour round the site

Impressive wildlife

Wild albatross & penguins - Dunedin
Kiwi birds
Whales & seals at Kiakora
Glow worm caves
Dolphins at Milford sound