With This Ring: August 05, 2016

152 With This Ring
ROAD TRIP
You don’t have to go far to have a wonderful honeymoon
amid some of New Zealand’s loveliest regions. Tourists are
quick to praise the accessibility and variety of attractions and
activities that we take for granted. So pack your bags and
discover the top of the South Island on a round trip road trip!
Hanmer Springs is just 90 minutes from Christchurch and the
ideal first stop for post-wedding relaxation. Ever since the hot
springs were discovered in 1859, they have been luring us for
a stress-less soak and alpine retreat all year round. With hot
pools, sauna, hydro slide and large lido pool, you can enjoy the
water by day or in the evening and pamper yourselves with a
spa treatment or couples massage too.
Surrounded by hills, rivers, forest and mountains, adventure
isn’t far away either; jet boating, fishing, bungy jumping,
mountain biking, horse treks, walks, golf and skiing in winter!
Stay at the iconic art deco Heritage Hotel which has been the
heart of the village for decades. Enjoy its restored facilities or
on-site villas while you browse Hanmer’s shops and restaurants.
Alternatively, treat yourselves to a luxury stay at nearby Select
Braemar Lodge or contemporary accommodation like Village
Lake apartments.
Make your way north to Nelson, where you will
find some of the best beaches and sunshine hours in the
country. Visit its markets, arts precincts and galleries
to discover its deserved reputation for being an arts
and crafts mecca. Be mesmerised by its permanent
display of Wearable Art alongside a remarkable Classic
Car Museum.
With abundant seafood and a climate that nurtures
fruit, vegetables and wine production, you have an
organic foodie’s heaven. Take a wine or arts trail to
Mapua or Motueka or visit Abel Tasman National Park
for stunning walks, kayaking and remote hideaway bays
like Awaroa Inlet, New Zealand’s recently purchased
crowd-funded beach.
Stay in Nelson city at the Rutherford Hotel, close
to shopping and entertainment, enjoy a beachfront
apartment at Tahuna or a beautifully appointed cottage
with village ambience at the Monaco Grand Mercure.
Travel east to Marlborough where the magnificent
deep water sounds are as beautiful as the region’s
wines. The home of world class Sauvignon Blancs,
enjoy wonderful trails that conclude with tastings and
a winery lunch or call in at Blenheim to experience
aviation heritage at Omaka.
Take to the water with cruises,
kayaking, sailing trips and charter fishing.
Be transported by boat to waterfront
accommodation at Furneaux Lodge,
Lochmara or Punga Cove for rest,
relaxation and romance or luxury lodge
indulgence at the Bay of Many Coves.
Hug the scenic coast all the way to
Kaikoura, where a marine experience
awaits. Visit seals on the rocks, see pelagic
birds on the wing and whale watch from
the air or on the water. Discover the town’s
historic whaling past, get fabulous views
on a quad bike tour and then savour the
crayfish Kaikoura is famous for at
Nin’s Bin on the shore. For novelty and
luxury stay in a purpose built tree house
at Hapuku Lodge!
Return to Christchurch via the Waipara
Valley where a lunch at Canterbury Wuines
or Pegasus Bay will not disappoint. Or
turn inland at Waiau and treat yourselves
to one more indulgent hot soak and swim
at Hanmer to conclude your honeymoon
where it began.