Roshani and Alok – New Zealand
From icy glaciers to hot water pools, quaint lodges to luxury hotels – Roshani and Alok’s honeymoon in New Zealand was an adventure from the start
Alok and Roshani’s love story started in 2011 when she moved to Kolhapur from Mumbai for her medical degree and met him. “We hit it off the first time we met and became great friends. This friendship slowly blossomed into love over time and we tied the knot on January 26 this year,” shares Roshani.
Alok is passionate about driving, so the couple chose a self-drive holiday in New Zealand for their honeymoon. “It was a dream come true for Alok,” recounts Roshani. She shares their experiences and recommendations for couples planning to head there too.
Honeymoon Highlights
The couple spent the first five days of their honeymoon in Queenstown. “It was pure bliss! We stayed at Crowne Plaza Queenstown which offers beautiful views of Lake Wakatipu,” recounts Roshani. Hungry for adventure, and charged by adrenalin, the couple enjoyed jet boat rides on the lake and bungee jumping. The evenings were spent walking leisurely around the city and admiring the idyllic Lake Wakatipu waterfront. “We relished delicious chocolate ice creams, especially the Mexican chilli hot chocolate at Patagonia Chocolate.”
Roshani says she loves Queenstown because “it is a place for a queen!” The couple particularly enjoyed the great weather, picturesque environs and friendly people there. “We left for Wanaka with a heavy heart. We thought we could not love any place more than Queenstown but were enchanted by the crystal clear waters of Lake Wanaka,” shares Roshani.
The couple stayed at the Edgewater – Lake Wanaka. Their room at this luxurious resort offered them a beautiful view of the calm lake. “Even though we were in Wanaka just for a day we did make the most of it by enjoying the Oxbow Adventure activities. It was truly amazing!” recalls Roshani. Oxbow Adventure offers adrenalin-charged activities such as off-roading, helicopter rides and jet speed boat rides.
The next day the couple drove to the Franz Josef glacier. “The drive was so astounding it compelled us to stop every now and then to enjoy the beauty. Amongst the lush greenery, a brilliant blue waterfall gushing over the rocks with varnish clear bliss pool at the bottom was a divine sight. We stayed at the West Wood Lodge. It was an amazing Bed-and-Breakfast with a very friendly host whose two adorable dogs kept us entertained!” Roshani and Alok enjoyed the thrilling Ice Explorer Tour at Franz Josef and then headed to Kaikoura. “We had a great time at Kaikoura watching dolphins, seals and two giant sperm whales!”
From Kaikoura they travelled to Waiheke Island where they stayed at The Boatshed Boutique Hotel. “This was the best stay of our journey,” declares Roshani, adding, “The ambience was superb, the food was extraordinary and view from our room was just unreal. The stay at this charming hotel was like a delicious dessert at the end of a fantastic meal!” The couple recommend Waiheke Island to couples who like solitude and natural beauty. Their other adventures here included ziplining and forest walks which “brought out the child in us” says Roshani.
It was back to urban pleasures the next day as the couple took the ferry back to Auckland where they visited the Sky Tower which offered spectacular views of the city. They also enjoyed the overnight Hauraki cruise. “It was like a nice, quiet retreat with great food and amazing views of the ocean,” shares Roshani.
And there was another treat to follow. Roshani explains, “We were really looking forward to the Heli Spa contest that we won thanks to A Travel Duet. It was a unique experience where we were whisked away to Cecil Peak where a fabulous spa awaited us with a splendid view and tranquility that one could only dream of. It was an unparalleled experience which is a must-do for every couple.”
Alok and Roshani say they definitely return to New Zealand which they call “an amazing paradise.” They credit A Travel Duet for crafting a wonderful itinerary for them with a unique selection of hotels ranging from small Bed-and-Breakfast places full of character to chic lodgings offering upscale ocean views and gourmet dining.
Most romantic moment
The most romantic moments of the trip were at the Onsen Hot Pools high on the cliffs overlooking the Shotover River in Queenstown.” We were able to retract the roof to view the spectacular starry skies and enjoy the crisp fresh air. It was a dreamy, romantic night with the sensual candles all around and wine that were part of the Indulgence Package. On the last day of our stay in Queenstown we drove to the Highlands Motorsports Park where Alok drove a Mustang V8 and I think that was the highlight of the trip for him,” says Roshani.
Where They Stayed
Crowne Plaza Queenstown
Edgewater Hotel, Lake Wanaka
West Wood Lodge, Franz Josef Glacier
The Boatshed Boutique Hotel, Waiheke Island
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