Top Honeymoon Destinations in the South Pacific

That is the whole idea behind a honeymoon vacation. After you've spent all that time planning and partying with family and friends, you need a getaway.

And what could be more romantic than taking a trip halfway around the world? The islands, cultures, and people of the South Pacific make for the perfect setting for your relaxing and intimate honeymoon.

If you are looking for a honeymoon location that is packed with exciting nightlife opportunities, the smaller islands of the South Pacific may not be your best bet. While there is usually some island entertainment, bars, and restaurants at the hotel, these islands are best for just relaxing on the beach or in your room.

People from all over the world are discovering the allure and beauty of the South Pacific. Here are some of the top spots to start planning your honeymoon vacation.

The popular French Polynesian island of Bora Bora is surrounded by a beautiful blue lagoon that is incased in a barrier reef. The unique geography of this dazzling landscape was created from the remnants of an extinct volcano.

One of the nicest things about a trip to Bora Bora is that although French and Tahitian are the local languages, most people you will come in contact with will have a pretty good grasp on English. As far as accommodations go, you could cozy up in the fanciest hotel room or rent a bungalow that is actually built on stilts and sits right over the water!

Being in and around the water is one of the best parts about a visit to Bora Bora thanks to its gorgeous lagoon. Scuba diving and snorkeling are very popular and you may catch a glimpse of the many sharks and rays that live in the water. Bora Bora is the perfect spot for newlyweds to relax and soak up the sun.

The island nation of Fiji is actually comprised of over 300 islands. There are exciting things to explore on many of these diverse islands. Like Bora Bora, the islands of Fiji are world-famous for their excellent scuba diving possibilities, but Fiji also has attractions that are distinctly its own.

One exciting opportunity is a whitewater rafting trip on the Upper Navua River. There are also plenty of chances for ocean kayaking, specifically around Beqa, Kadavu, and in Vanua Levu's Natewa Bay.

Many of the high islands also have gorgeous trails for jungle hikes. A lot of the more remote villages are connected through well-worn trails and exploring the native land can be an eye-opening experience. You can actually hike all the way around the island of Nananu-i-Ra in under a day. The islands of Fiji are jam-packed with activities to keep you busy and beaches to keep you relaxed.

The Cook Islands are an archipelago made up of 15 islands in the middle of the Southern Pacific Ocean. Some people call it "Hawaii down under" because of the similarities between its islands and old Hawaii before becoming such a popular tourist destination.

Rarotonga is the most populous of the Cook Islands and has many opportunities for water activities and hiking. However, one of the most exciting things about this island is the food. Mangos grow in the wild and when in season you can get passion fruit, oranges, and avocados fresh and cheap pretty much anywhere.

Of course seafood is always on the menu in Rarotonga. Reef fish, octopus, and island spinach make up the delightful seafood platter at the Sailing Club on the lagoon at Muri. The local Matutu Brewery is another great destination. It is the only local brewery on any of the Cook Islands and definitely worth a stop.

For a romantic getaway that has a little bit of everything you can't go wrong with a journey to New Zealand. There are plenty of places to take in the sun and relax, but while a lot of the South Pacific islands are quiet and peaceful, New Zealand has bustling major cities to explore as well.

Over a million people live in the busy city of Auckland and it has fantastic sightseeing and nightlife opportunities. You and the love of your life can rent roller skates at Okahu Bay and see the sites along Tamaki Drive. If you are feeling extra adventurous there is also a cable-controlled base jump you can do from the top of the Sky Tower, the tallest freestanding tower in the Southern Hemisphere.

If you decide to make your honeymoon a trip to the South Pacific, take the time beforehand to figure out exactly what you want. For seclusion and sunshine, the smaller islands are perfect, but if you want a little more excitement you can't go wrong with the cities of New Zealand. The South Pacific has everything you could want from your romantic and relaxing honeymoon.