From mini-moons to mega-moons and everything in between

Post-pandemic luxury honeymoon trends - 2023/24

A honeymoon has traditionally been viewed as one of the most romantic and luxurious vacations of a couple’s life together. A time to unwind and celebrate the union - just the two lovebirds - following what may have been a busy and stressful period in the lead up to it.

While travel was significantly curtailed by the pandemic, the Luxury Villas of New Zealand properties have experienced a number of emerging honeymoon trends over the past season which look set to stay for the foreseeable future.

Offering the ultimate in seclusion, scenery and hospitality and with capacity to house from two to 34 guests, Luxury Villas of New Zealand properties share some of the key honeymoon experiences they have been hosting.

Rahimoana at Eagles Nest, Bay of Islands

The mini-moon

Many couples delayed their “main-honeymoon” during the pandemic and took a ‘mini-moon’ instead. A shorter and closer-to-home vacation, with loose plans to travel more extensively once connectivity and travel certainty resumed.

With subtropical climates and beautiful (and often private) beaches, The Bay of Islands and Te Arai (an hour’s drive north of Auckland) have been popular ‘mini-moon’ destinations for New Zealanders over the past few years.

“Traditionally, New Zealanders typically thought of Fiji or Rarotonga for a tropical break,” says Adam Howard, General Manager of Eagles Nest. “But, there’s no reason people can’t get a similar experience closer to home, right here in the Bay of Islands. There’s a good reason we are referred to up here as the Winterless North.”

Eagles Nest, The Landing and Te Arai Lodge have all been popular with New Zealanders and Australians for immediate and close-to-home, world-class pampering, in luxurious surroundings. In addition to a wonderful climate, all three coastal properties offer glorious sea vistas, beautiful intimate spaces for ceremonies and extra space for guests to stay.

A sunset view from the vineyard at The Landing

Re-do Moons

Now that the world has opened back up, international couples are confident to once again plan their longer dream honeymoons. This has given rise to the ‘re-do moon’ with couples finally taking their international trip they’d originally intended. 

Ten-to-fourteen-day New Zealand multi-destination honeymoons have become popular again, with international ‘newly weds’ seeking the diversity that time in both the north and south islands allow. Five days in each of two or three separate villas around the country, provides a wide array of experiences and enables personal connections to be made within each location. 

And, with the delayed honeymoons, there are also more children accompanying couples on their ‘re-do moons’. A luxury villa is a great option when travelling with children. In addition to the convenience of being a home away from home, a luxury villa often has the added treat of a private chef to take care of every dietary need and desire, for the youngest of travellers and those with a more sophisticated palette. Luxury Villas of New Zealand also offer incredibly memorable signature experiences for all ages and interests. 

As part of every stay, The Landing invites guests to join them on a kiwi night walk; a uniquely New Zealand experience for all ages. A half day boat trip and a wine tasting of The Landing’s award winning wines are also inclusions. Guests may however, prefer to simply relax on one of the six private beaches around the property, or enjoy the native bush trails and cultural and historic treasures of the land instead.

Kin, buddy (or whanau) - moons (bringing friends and family)

It’s not just children that have joined couples on their honeymoons, with many properties reporting friends and family coming along too.

“We have seen a number of clients coming on a honeymoon then halfway through the trip having family or friends join so they are getting some couple time and then sharing the trip with their nearest and dearest," says Foley Villa’s Richard Rooney.

Wharekauhau’s Foley Villa which is located on a Country Estate, separate from 16 cottage suites, is well positioned to cater to those needs. Couples will often take the Foley Villa for added privacy and have family and friends 10 mins walk away in the cottage suites. Everyone is able to come together to enjoy the hospitality and amenities of Wharekauhau.

“I feel people have realised [that] life is short and as we are (generally) ‘pack mammals’ - we want to share the moments in life as opposed to doing the ‘classic slideshow with popcorn’ when you get home,” says Rooney.

Eagles Nest’s Adam Howard agrees.

“We’ve seen a noticeable change in some attitudes around weddings and honeymoons. Many couples have foregone the pre-covid traditional large wedding with extended family and friends, in preference for a more intimate and luxurious small wedding at our villas with just a handful of those most precious to them. And, those special guests have then stayed on and shared in the post wedding vacation and memory making,” he said. 

Emile van der Linde from Hapuku Lodge and Treehouses has noticed the same. With 14 rooms in total across a range of accommodations - highly appointed spacious lodge suites, a separate three room apartment, and five tree houses 30 feet in the air - it’s a delightful retreat for larger groups in one of the world’s premier eco-marine tourist destinations.

“We have had several exclusive group bookings. The range of different spaces and activities on site keep people of all ages and interests entertained,” he says. “And, there’s so much to do within a short walk. Our region is renowned for its rugged coast where whales and seal colonies reside. Guests have been able to enjoy doing their own thing during the day, but still come together to share their time together over meals and to have special celebrations.” 

“Falcon Brae, with its Tasman and Kahurangi Suites situated on different wings of the villa, provides both privacy and togetherness for those who have chosen to travel with friends or in-laws,” says property host, Jeremy Hancock. 

“And our region has so many romantic spots for the honeymooners to enjoy some alone time. The Kahurangi national park has some locations that have helicopter access only, meaning it is just the guests for kilometres around. Glass of wine next to your own waterfall, or a picnic lunch on your own secluded beach? Fantastic!”

Piwakawaka Point Estate on the shores of Lake Wānaka, is a 330 acre property including a large villa with stunning lake and mountain views - and plenty to do.

Owner’s Representative, Lisa Hayden has also witnessed the desire for couples to pre-, during- & post-wedding travel with friends & family:

“We had a gorgeous week this summer with a bride and groom staying with their best friends before, during and after their wedding. They enjoyed their downtime with paddle boarding on the lake, yoga, the gym and long lunches in between organised wedding functions.  Kin-moons work well here because of the large spaces - personal, living/dining and outdoors.” 

In addition to “kin-moons”, the team at Annandale has also enjoyed hosting several “elopements with friends”.

Elopements & Destination Weddings

“We’ve had elopements at both Seascape and Scrubby Bay,” says Annandale Reservations Manager Helen Bolton. “The last couple had invited five friends and surprised them with their seemingly spontaneous wedding ceremony, collecting wildflowers and native grasses for their wedding bouquets minutes before their nuptials,” she adds. 

All Annandale villas provide a romantic, secluded and tranquil setting for honeymooners to celebrate their love, whilst creating lasting memories, adventures and experiences together. With five villas situated on the property, the couple and their guests can each have their own separate space - and come together for meals and activities, as desired.

Positioned in the heart of the picturesque Wānaka region, Cardrona Terraces has also seen an increase in requests for destination weddings. Every corner of the property resonates with the symphony of togetherness - from the expansive grounds offering sweeping views of the breath taking Wānaka landscapes, to the refined gathering spaces that perfectly accommodate laughter, stories, and memories.

And, Wānaka itself offers a myriad of experiences for groups. With its crystalline lakes, quaint town charm, and myriad activities, it’s a destination that guarantees both serenity and thrill. 

Extended Honeymoons

A benefit of the past few years has been the increase in remote work flexibility - enabling couples to extend their vacation anywhere they have a decent internet connection. Now, that’s almost everywhere! This has seen some honeymooners stay on for several months and enjoy the variety of the seasons in New Zealand.

“Those guests who have stayed with us for a full month or more, really become part of the community here,” says the Eagles Nest GM. “The extended stay means they get to experience New Zealand in the shoulder seasons too. Guests who stay in Spring and Autumn (Fall) are amazed that somewhere so stunning can have so few people.”   

Intrepid honeymoons

Minaret Station and The Homestead at Flockhill both comment that they are seeing more honeymooners foregoing traditional beach honeymoons for outdoor adventures instead. New Zealand is widely regarded as the adventure capital of the world and these properties offer a broad range of outdoor thrills for adventure seeking couples (and their friends)...with romantic additions guaranteed.

Andrew Cullen of The Homestead at Flockhill shared the story of a couple who recently stayed. While out bouldering the couple were amazed to stumble upon a mixologist set up in the middle of the boulders with margaritas at the ready - a surprise touch of luxury to complement the adventure!

Of course, it wouldn’t be a honeymoon without romance…

Remote magical moments are a speciality of our Villas, ensuring guests go home with memories to last a lifetime. The vistas at remote mountain hideaway Minaret Station are hard to beat. An insta-worthy mountain top picnic stays in the minds-eye for a lifetime.

Across New Zealand, our villas are located in some of the most amazing night sky regions in the world. Far from light pollution, couples can enjoy a romantic evening under the stars from almost anywhere they stay.

Or, they may choose to watch the sunset over the mountains or water each night, while enjoying some of New Zealand’s famed Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Noir in hand.  

Whether honeymooners are looking for an intrepid adventure or a relaxed and indulgent escape, there is a never ending array of outdoor adventures, cultural and culinary marvels available through the Luxury Villas of New Zealand collection.

The final word goes to US guests Brad & Sam, whose note left in the Wharekauhau visitor book earlier in the month perfectly articulates the special memories our properties create for guests:

“I mean who pulls up a secret bottle of chilled Champagne from the river when out on a ‘picnic’?!! This was so much better than a classic lay at the beach honeymoon – thanks for making NZ and our honeymoon unforgettable!” 

Contact Us for more information on a bespoke New Zealand Luxury Villa honeymoon.
Several of our properties now offer special elopement packages too.