Wedding Blog
Mr. Cowboy Boot and I didn’t really think we were going to take a honeymoon at first. After going through our budget time and time again, there just wasn’t room in it for a trip. We figured we’d save our money after the wedding and plan something big for the following year. My dad, however, didn’t agree with this idea. “It’s really important for you guys to be together as a married couple after the wedding,” my dad told us. “Just the two of you, to feel your decision and let the marriage really sink in before getting back to everyday life.”
I took this to heart and approached Mr. Cowboy Boot about the idea of a mini-moon. Just a three or four-day trip after the wedding to celebrate–it could even be within driving distance of the wedding, somewhere like Jackson, Wyoming. Heck, we could even camp. Although I’ve always pictured plush down comforters, candles, massages, and wine for my honeymoon, I was willing to suck it up and camp if it meant it could happen. (For the record, we love to camp–it’s just not my exact idea of a honeymoon.)
Somehow this idea grew into Sayulita, Mexico, or a train trip through our northermost state, Alaska. While Mr. CB dreamed of big mountains, heli-skiing, and fly-fishing, I had my sights on sleeping in, drinking margaritas on the beach, and plenty of good surf sessions. We agreed that Mexico would be cheaper, is somewhere we’ve both never been, and would feel exotic while not completely blowing the cash load because it’s not that far from New Mexico.
Then what happened? Qantas went and had a huge airfare sale. We’re talking the cheapest it’s been in ten years. And where do they fly? Australia and New Zealand. For about $100 more than flying to Mexico, we could get to Auckland and spend almost two weeks on the north and south islands of Kiwi-land.
I bet you can guess what we did. That’s right. We bit the bullet. Two tickets to Auckland, New Zealand please. (As if the images didn’t tip you off). The flight leaves from Los Angeles two nights after the wedding. To save money on four more plane tickets, we’ll drive from Colorado to LA after the wedding. With two days to go 14 hours, we might even make some fun stops along the way like Vegas (where Mr. CB’s never been) or Moab (the mountain bike capitol of the US).
So far, we haven’t planned very much. Because there is a lot of territory that hasn’t been hit by the guide books yet, we plan to rent an RV and explore roads that entice us. If we get lost, we’ll have home right there. But don’t worry, there will be a few luxurious hotel stops (and a few massages) along the way. We’re also hoping to go horse-trekking, whitewater rafting, surfing, hiking, SCUBA diving, and cycling through the wine country. Any tips for us? I could use a recommendation or two.
I feel like New Zealand will be the perfect blend of what we were going for—a little adventure, somewhere we both haven’t been, my surfing, Mr. CB’s mountains, and, hopefully, a lot of pampering, good food, and local wine.
Did you find a great deal on plane tickets for your honeymoon? Where are you going?
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Sounds like a fabulous trip!
We opted for Hawaii and had a fantastic time. We got a seat sale on our tickets, but they still ended up costing over $1,000 each. The real killer cost is in the hotels and dining out 
(and the shopping). But it’s all worth it to have a fabulous trip with your new spouse!
Have fun!
haha! Isn’t funny how ideas just grow and grow? A camping trip within driving distance of your wedding turned into flying to New Zealand! lol I too, think it’s important to have some time as a newly married couple before settling into the routine of everyday life. Have fun!!!
That looks really neat. We were watching Dahni Tackles the Globe last night and that’s where he was on that episode. I couldn’t help but mention to the Mr. that I’d love to go there some day. Too bad we already have tickets to Mexico.
Look for the hot springs! There are places that will take you jeep tours through various hot springs and other volcanic-like structures. You can also find places that have hot springs that you can bathe/swim in.
the south island is where it’s at! plan on spending several days in queenstown and christchurch. the north island also has a great “blackwater rafting” adventure in waitomo. i spent 6 weeks in NZ, so if you have any questions — feel free to ask!
There are some fantastic European deals right now, especially if you are going after the high season in the summer. I booked an 8 day, 7 night trip from NYC to Rome through Priceline for $860 per person! The price includes air fair and hotel.
for rv rental in New Zealand, I have friends who recently rented a rv/campervan with exploremore without incident.
Awesome news, Miss CB! Mr. Y lived in NZ for a year. You’re going to love it!
amazing! how long are you spending there?
Sheep! 
I’m jealous of you—I would love to go to New Zealand! Sounds amazing!
Oh wow, the pictures are stunning. We DID get a great deal…can’t wait to reveal more in the future!
@lala: We’ll be there for about nine days total. Not as much as we’d like but all we can do with my allotted vacation time from work.
Oh wow! How fun! Your going to have a blast! I haven’t been there before, but I have been to Sayulita, Mexico, which is beautiful! For a future trip, check out Playa Escondida (www.playa-escondida.com) in Sayuita! We contemplated getting married there, but it just didn’t work out!
We’re going to Indonesia (Bali, Lombok and Lemgongan) for our honeymoon and I WISH we could find a deal on flights! If anyone knows of any, let me know!
This sounds awesome! I’ve always wanted to go to New Zealand! You’ll have to do a re-cap on the surfing there!!!
It was meant to be! What an excitement twist to your planning! Congrats on the fabulous deal! It will be such a cool adventure!
Ms. Cowboy Boot!! We are doing the same thing after our October wedding. We ended up taking advantage of a similar deal through Air New Zealand from JFK. There is apparently this overnight cruise on the South Island that is a MUST, I will post back on here when I get more information from my fiance. We also took out Fodor’s NZ from the library and got lots of great planning ideas for Auckland and Queenstown.
The South Island is a must— I spent ten days there a few year’s ago and it was absolutely amazing. You can go glacier-hiking, and if you’re into jumping off of/out of anything, Queenstown is the place to go. Milford Sound is beautiful as well.
Nice!! I totally agree with your dad - taking a few days to be together right after you are married and huband and wife for the first time alone is amazing. and your trip sounds so fabulous!
That sounds awesome. I know nothing about New zealand, but I know a little about LA. Give yourself like 2 extra hours to get through LA’s traffic, and a little extra time to get through LAX. You wouldn’t want to miss your awesome honeymoon.
AMAZING! I am incredibly jealous!
We also got an amazing honeymoon deal. We are visiting both Ireland and Croatia and all the flights total were less the 1000 bucks (thats for both people!)
We thought about having our honeymoon in New Zealand, too! We were afraid it might be too chilly, so you’ll have to share details (as we have yet to actually book a honeymoon)!
That’s amazing!!! And here I thought that getting almost free first class tix to Italy was great–I’d much rather go to NZ!!!
F-A-N-T-A-ST-I-C!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Say hello to the Hobbits, Elfs and Dwarfs for me!
Sounds like an amazing honeymoon. We just got a good deal on flights to Japan and I’ve recently seen so many drool worthy offers on http://www.travelzoo.com if any one is looking for inspiration, I love their weekly newsletter of top deals.
I feel like you are copying me, LOL! (Not literally.) We are marrying in Co. Springs, then driving to San Diego to fly to Hawaii for our honeymoon! (I would have to recommend to you any route in which you can travel on Route 66, or else definitely visit Vegas on your way. And wear a veil! (Vegas vendors love that for some reason…)
We went to NZ for two week honeymoon last December! But, I can take no credit. My husband planned the entire thing. Let me know if you want to chat about it. I’d be happy to send you our itinerary and talk you through things we loved, things we wished we’d had more time with, etc.
NZ….WOW!! This honeymoon sounds like the ultimate adventure.
FH and I didn’t think that we would be able to take a honeymoom, we just bought a house and with this economy we just didnt think we could justify it. We are getting married in a month from tomorrow (YAY!!!) and we are going to do a last minute deal. We will have our bags packed and ready to go…we are either going to Vegas or Marco Island, FL….we just really want some time away to be with each other. Cant wait!!
NZ is a fabulous place, and you can’t find nicer people than Kiwis…and I’m not saying that just because I’m marrying one. Be sure to SCUBA on the Poor Knight Islands (northern part of the North Island) and visit parliament in Wellington (no reservation needed) if you’re interested in politics. To get the real Kiwi experience, visit local cafes for a flat white, long black, or short black. Enjoy!!
gorgeous! we’re taking a ‘familymoon’ since his folks are flying halfway around the world to be with us.
hopefully we’ll then manage a super-extended real honeymoon next year or so when the economy’s better
We’re going to Sayulita for our honeymoon! We were actually supposed to be there this week but Swine Flu killed that idea, and now we’re going in July!
Wow, that’s so awesome! You guys are going to have an amazing time. And a road trip, too. You’re so lucky! You guys should definitely stop in Vegas. So much fun.
NZ is totally awesome for outdoorsy people. With only 9 days, I’d head straight to the South Island. There is so much to do there. Franz Josef glacier, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Christchurch, Dunedin….
That said, the North Island has beautiful sights too: volcanic mud pools in Rotorua, the stunning Lake Taupo (really recommend you do a skydive there!) and the Bay of Islands.
Wow, I’m jealous and want to go back! My future SIL did the same as you for her honeymoon-rented an RV to watch the British Lions rugy tour.
wow, that sounds like an AWESOME honeymoon. i love road-tripping!
Congrats on the NZ pick! I lived in NZ for two years and then finished up my stint with a six-week road-trip througout the entire country with the future Mr. In six-weeks we managed to spend only about $1500 total on lodging, food and even managed to fit in heli-sking. A few quick tips and feel free to contact for more info: check out Waiheke Island off Auckland - a 25 min. ferry and you will feel like you are in another world and Mt. Potts - this is a heli-sking outfit that is AMAZING! Four years later and we are STILL talking about this adventure. Nothing comparable in the US I’m sure.
Definitly visit the glow worm caves on the North Island. An amazing adventure that my family still talks about 10 years later.
Miss Cowboy Boot, do you know if this sale is still on? Because I’m hankering after a trip to Sydney in early November, and if the tickets are cheap, I might be able to afford it! I went to the Qantas site but I’m not sure which sale you got, since they seem to have a few different “saver” options. Thanks!
@Ruby Slippers: The one that I got ended, but it looks like they still have some great prices from LA and San Fran until May 19th!
Check here: http://www.qantas.com.au/regions/dyn/am/specials/us/visit-australia
And here: http://www.qantas.com.au/deals/do/dyn/specials/displayGlobalDeals
Good luck!
Great compromise and I think a better choice over mexico - you will love it there!
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Mrs. Cowboy Boot, Santa Fe
Age and Occupation: 25, Magazine Editor
Fiance's Age and Occupation: 29, Artist and Whitewater Rafting Guide
Engagement Date: April 28th, 2008
Wedding Date: October 2009
Venue: Devil's Thumb Ranch, Colorado
About Me: I grew up in Los Angeles and have since lived in San Diego, Boston, Italy, Hawaii, New York City, and Santa Fe. I speak Italian and love pasta. My real passion is the outdoors, though. When I'm not at work, I'm snowboarding, hiking with my two dogs, mountain biking, surfing, cross-country-skiing, or boating New Mexico's rivers. Despite my boyish love for adventure, I'm a girly-girl at heart and am overly-excited to pull off the romantic, vintage-inspired, country wedding of my dreams.
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