The perfect New Zealand honeymoon for royals


Choosing a honeymoon destination is a drag. The research, the flight comparisons, the travel insurance. Ugh.

So to make it easier for them, Harry and Meghan, may we suggest our humble South Pacific paradise?

The pair have both been to New Zealand so we already know that they love it.

Harry last visited in 2015 on his first official royal tour, visiting Auckland, Wellington, Invercargill, Stewart Island, Wanaka and Whanganui.

And Meghan did a campervan trip around the South Island in 2014 - 10 days driving around the South Island, then four days by the beach in Waiheke - which she chronicled on her now defunct lifestyle site, The Tig

"It is said to be one of the most beautiful countries in the world," she wrote in a post entitled 'My love letter to all things Kiwi'.

"Turns out, it really is."

Meghan's highlights were the Botswana Butcher in Queenstown, Cinema Paradiso at Wanaka, drinking Hans Hertzog in Marlborough, swimming with dolphins at Kaikoura and catching fresh clams on Waiheke.

It's a good itinerary, but we can do better than a campervan.

To help out the newlyweds, here are our suggestions for the most romantic stays in New Zealand.

Hold onto your hat, your highness.

Delamore Lodge: heaven on Waiheke
Delamore Lodge: heaven on Waiheke Photo credit: Delamore Lodge

Delamore Lodge, Waiheke


Ms Markle has already partaken in the food and drink offering of Waiheke Island - according to her blog, she sampled vineyards, fresh cockle linguine and fish and chips.

But the island also has the also the perfect private retreat for moneyed newlyweds - Delamore Lodge.

Exclusive, secluded Delamore is set atop a landscaped estate, with stunning views across a quiet harbour and the Hauraki Gulf beyond. With unique and spacious suites, a clifftop infinity pool, fabulous food and impeccable service, it's an intimate and indulgent affair - fit for a princess.

For foodie Meghan, there is an evening table d’hote of local produce, and the evening begins with canapés and local wine over a sunset-lit balcony.

The bedrooms are more akin to stepping into a luxuriously appointed cave than a hotel. There is no stark overhead lighting and almost no right angles to be seen – instead the rooms appear sculpted from clay - a perfect romantic lair with super king beds, pebble-floored monsoon showers, and a deep two-person bath with a view over the ocean.

Assuming the couple travels in high season, they're looking at about $1495 a night.

The Glasshouse: privacy amongst the pohutukawa
The Glasshouse: privacy amongst the pohutukawa Photo credit: The Glasshouse

The Glasshouse, Whangarei


Modern, sleek, totally private. The Glasshouse is essentially a glass and steel box which juts out on its own private peninsula.

The bathroom provides a quintessential Kiwi experience - the outdoor dunny - but what a dunny this is. A glass-fronted block set amongst the pohutukawa overlooking a wild Pacific Ocean, endless views all the way to the horizon.

The bedroom is romantic, sexy and exposed, with its three glass walls. There are shades that can be drawn, but we recommend the royal couple experience the pleasure of sleeping in such exposed yet isolated conditions.

There's a helicopter landing pad should the couple not wish to negotiate the winding roads from Whangarei, and if they run out of champagne, happily there's a service for that now.

The PurePod experience - five-star luxury in a dramatic natural landscape
The PurePod experience - five-star luxury in a dramatic natural landscape Photo credit: Purepods

PurePods, South Island


Should the Windsors wish to experience a slice of real New Zealand countryside, then we recommend the South Island's PurePods - an experience akin to staying in a five-star hotel room that fell from the sky and landed in a very beautiful back country field.

And is made of glass. Entirely.

The PurePods have ceilings, walls and floors that are entirely transparent. You can watch the world as you shower, see the grass under your feet, and gaze at the stars above from your bed.

All in utter privacy - each pod is located in an immensely open but deserted space, all on private land with aspects specially chosen to maximise the view and eliminate any chance of visitors.

And you know what that means. Royal shenanigans.

Click here to see Newshub's full royal wedding coverage.

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