Our friends at Tourism NZ have compiled a guide to some of the most romantic destinations in New Zealand. From cities, to beaches and natural wonders, these romantic destinations are perfect for weddings, honeymoons, anniversaries, or simply a romantic weekend away.
Coromandel Peninsula
Blessed with pristine beaches, native forests and a happy, laid-back vibe, the Coromandel fuses relaxation with beauty. A romantic walk from the north end of the Hahei Beach takes you to Cathedral Cove, where a naturally formed, cathedral-like arch awaits. This is arguably one of the most picturesque parts of the Coromandel Peninsula. The beach is sandy with shady pohutukawa trees along the foreshore, while the Hot Water Beach in the Coromandel allows you to relax in the warmth of your very own spa pool.
Where to Stay: The 970 Lonely Bay Lodge offers luxury boutique accommodation in the area. Their premier two-bedroom honeymoon suite provides guests with plush facilities surrounded by bush or water views of the Purangi Estuary and Cooks Beach.
Rotorua
The Mud Spa in Hell’s Gate, Rotorua, provides some of the most unique experiences New Zealand has to offer. Home to 700 years of interaction between the Maori people and European Settlers, this incredible place features erupting waters, steaming fumaroles, pools of boiling mud, a mud volcano and the largest hot waterfall in the Southern Hemisphere.
Where to Stay: Located on the eastern shores of Lake Rotorua, Wai Ora Lakeside Spa Resort is a contemporary, culturally-themed resort featuring luxurious accommodation.
Marlborough Sounds
Looking for a combination of wine and adventure? Explore this famous region through the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail. The relaxed nature of the bike ride helps work up a thirst for some of the most famous wines the world has to offer. The tranquil touring route takes you off the beaten track to discover five of New Zealand’s most scenic regions, accompanied by some fantastic flavours, varied but beautiful surroundings and lots of fun.
Where to Stay: The Sounds Retreat is a new luxury lodge for two, located on the edge of Queen Charlotte Sound, Marlborough. Enjoy native forest walks right on the doorstep, dining on the deck under a canopy of stars, decadent cuisine by the in-house chef and if you’re lucky, you may catch a pod of dolphins swimming by.
Waiheke Island
For an intimate experience that combines wine tasting with privacy, couples could consider the Waiheke Island Wine Tours. After a short ferry ride across the sparkling waters of the Hauraki Gulf, couples will enjoy a scenic tour of Waiheke Island in comfort, visiting three top vineyards. Surrounded by rich Maori history, the experience is a blend of wonder and luxury.
Where to Stay: The intimate Boatshed Hotel is one of New Zealand’s best-loved boutique hotels. Luxury designer suites are private with panoramic ocean views. Walk on the beach, read a book in the sun, relax and be pampered.
Queenstown
There is no better time to visit Queenstown than now, as the city celebrates the 25th Anniversary of bungee in New Zealand. Couples can travel to where it all began and celebrate their marriage in true Kiwi style by taking a final leap of faith from the Nevis Bungee, the highest in Australasia.
Where to Stay: The Kohara Lodge is an award-winning stand-alone house set into the hillside. Relaxed inside living is complimented by wonderful outdoor luxuries.
Raglan
Just 45mins from Hamilton, this small beach-side town on New Zealand’s west coast is a wild and rugged escape . Raglan has been popular with the surfing community for years and its hippy vibe makes it the perfect place to kick back. Where to Stay: The Waoku Lodge invites its guests into the beautiful and rugged West Coast of New Zealand with a luxurious accommodation option. Set in 12 acres of covenanted native bush, peace and tranquility surround this unique venue with breath-taking views across the Tasman Sea.
Waitomo
Honeymooners looking to escape completely can lose themselves in the underground world of the Waitomo Caves. After descending 100 metres below the surface of the earth, couples will find themselves in unique and inspiring surroundings, including thousands of tiny glow worms.
Where to Stay: After a day underground you’ll be looking to relax. Set on beautiful farmland, Kamahi Cottage is a peaceful B&B with fantastic views of the surrounding region.
Te Papa
Couples can immerse themselves in true Maori Culture through the Māori Experience Tour and Kapu Tī Tour at Te Papa. Guests will discover Te Papa’s taonga Māori (cultural treasures), and hear stories of how these are a living part of Māori history. Maori hospitality will not be spared as traditional food and drink is served generously during the Tour.
Where to Stay: Couples looking for the perfect environment to relax, celebrate and refresh should head to the Te Nikau Forest Retreat. Enjoy an incredible indoor-outdoor flow with huge barn doors that open up to native bush, the sound of birdsong and a luxurious treehouse spa overlooking a mountain stream.
Waitangi
Waitangi is one of New Zealand’s most significant historic sites. The Treaty of Waitangi was signed here in 1840 between the British Crown and more than 500 Maori chiefs. With such a rich cultural history this is a place of learning and interest. It is also a beautiful place to explore, from the small semi-formal garden that surrounds the Treaty House to the six-kilometre forest walk that leads to Haruru Falls.
Where to Stay: Copthorne Hotel and Resort commands a superb waterfront location in the heart of the Bay of Islands, offering uninterrupted bay views surrounded by 60 acres of subtropical gardens as part of the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds.
Forgotten World Highway
Along the length of this highway there are reminders of settlers who tried to scratch out a living in the wild, isolated hill country. From the top of the ragged Strathmore Saddle you’ll see the three volcanoes of Tongariro National Park to the east and the snow-topped cone of Mount Taranaki to the west.
Where to Stay: Motorhomes are the best way to experience the true open road on your honeymoon in New Zealand. You can include bike hire in your rental allowing you to freely cycle back-country roads and enjoy the fabulous landscapes. Visit Discovery Motorhomes which offers a comprehensive guide including all you need to know to book your perfect motorhome holiday in beautiful New Zealand.
Auckland
Auckland is a shopaholic’s paradise, with everything from top-end designers to open air street markets. While there, couples can enjoy the city’s diverse cafes, restaurants and nightlife. Visit Sky Tower, one of New Zealand’s most spectacular attractions offering panoramic views of City and Twin Harbours. For fine-dining, newlyweds can experience Auckland’s only 360-degree revolving restaurant, Orbit or for an adrenaline rush they can SkyWalk around the Sky Tower pergola or SkyJump off the tower. A must-do experience while on your honeymoon visiting Auckland is Rangitioto Island, the largest and youngest of Auckland’s volcanoes boasting the finest 360-degree views that the Auckland region has to offer from its 260-metre-high summit.
Where to Stay: The Hotel De Brett offers a unique luxury boutique experience, right in the heart of Auckland city.
Featured image by David Alderman
