Honeymoons & destination weddings

We’re having a winter wedding and a winter honeymoon, we’re on a pretty tight budget but my parents decided that they would rather give us money towards our honeymoon than the wedding itself, my FH doesnt want to go to bali or any of the more cheaper options, and really he would rather not leave the coutry at all, but he cant decide, I’ve given him a few options between the Gold Coast, Cairns or New Zealand, but im thinking even though it will be freezing, New Zealand is probly the best option, both the others might have terrible whether in July, i just cant decide where i should go, has anyone been to these places in winter, and whats your opinion of them?

Go to Port Douglas its beautiful, it will be warm but not excessive and not that expensive. Take a look at facebook Kirsty Lea Photography my photos Richard & Andrea were taken at Sea Temple Resort.  You don’t have to stay there, but ther is heaps of great accomodation at a good value. we were going to have a beach wedding but it rained so undercover we went and as you can see from the photos it still looked amazing.  They also have abeautiful chapel St Marys by the sea if that is how you would like to get married.  Hope that helps

It depends on what end of winter you are getting married in. The east coast generally has horrible weather and cyclone season at the end of winter into spring so early winter you will be ok. NZ is cold no matter what part of winter you go in, i was there april/may and it was chilly at night but perfect during the day. If you decide to go to the Gold Coast then look at the Sofitel Hotel, its not cheap but definatly worth it. Dont stay right in surfers paradise as that is where al the clubs and pubs are and it can get pretty loud at night. Instead stay 10min north in Broadbeach, its close enough to get a cheap taxi but far enough to be quieter at night.

Talk to your local travel agent for more info on weather patterns for these locations.

Cyclone season here in Qld is usally November to April.

July isn’t to bad weather wise, though it’s a bit cold on the Gold Coast to swim in the ocean (well, without a wet-suit anyway).

Cairns should have some nice weather though.

Winter is actually the best time to visit far north Queensland as it’s out of the wet season, the weather is more temperate (but still very warm) and the stingers aren’t around so it isn’t mandatory to wear stinger suits when swimming.

I visited New Zealand last year at the end of July and it was very cold in both the north and south islands (compared to here), so it depends on what activities you are interested in. If you love to ski or snowboard then heading to Wanaka or Queenstown on the south island could be fantastic and there are some truly beautiful hotels there with spas and fireplaces etc.

Another option that might appeal is to head to your closest wine country, it’s not too expensive, but you can really splash out on accommodation since you don’t have to fly. It’s definitely the best time of year to go too, since you can really rug up and enjoy the romantic nights in front of the fire and eat great food accompanied by great wine.

What sorts of activities do you and your fiance enjoy?