8 Most Romantic Places in New Zealand for Couples
Glowworm Cave in Waitomo, New Zealand
New Zealand may be small as far as countries go, but the island and those neighboring it brag boundless appeal at these top eight romantic places to see in New Zealand.
The country’s magnificent natural scenery entices adventure couples, honeymooners, and partners searching for sensual settings on glamorous getaways and revitalizing retreats. The pearl-white glacial formations at Westland Tai Poutini National Park, untamed coastlines of Coromandel, and steaming geysers of Rotorua are just a few of the attractions to admire during vacations to New Zealand’s most romantic destinations.
We discuss these in more detail and share insight into the experiences and length of stay you should anticipate for your fairytale vacation in New Zealand.
1. Indulge In the Charms of Waiheke Island
Waiheke Island, New Zealand
Waiheke Island is a vision of green and gold, with lush rolling hills, overgrown forests, and sweeping sandy beaches.
The island is a dream retreat for fans of tropical vacations. Peaceful afternoons at lavish accommodations clinging to the cliffs, hikes across the canopied groundcover of colorful forests, and mornings chartering to castaway coves are among the experiences to enjoy during your stay.
You could also try your hand at fishing and hope to reel in Kahawai, cycle through Whakanewha Regional Park, or view the sculptural exhibitions before a sumptuous seafood dinner at sunset.
Highlights: Man O' War Vineyards | Tantalus Estate | Onetangi Beach | Oneroa Beach | Waiheke Community Art Gallery
Recommended Length of Stay: 1-2 days
2. Adore in the Beauty of Queenstown
Queenstown, New Zealand
New Zealand’s adventure capital, Queenstown, is one of the country’s most photogenic destinations. The town lies on the shores of Lake Wakatipu in the shadows of the Southern Alps. Around Queenstown, nutrient-rich pastures grow vineyards and the alpine landscape maintains magnificent glaciers.
There is much to see and do in and around Queenstown and beyond its charming borders. You can walk the scenic trails, cruise the sun-kissed lake, bathe in a bubbling hot pool, or take a day trip to Milford Sound on a once-in-a-lifetime tour. Here, the unspoiled environment of azure water, waterfalls, and monstrous mountains take center stage.
Highlights: Lake Wakatipu | Milford Sound | Bob’s Peak and Skyline Gondola | The Remarkables | Queenstown Gardens
Recommended Length of Stay: 2-3 days
3. Embrace the Uniqueness of Rotorua
Polynesian Spa in Rotorua, New Zealand. Photo courtesy Destination Rotorua
Couples come to Rotorua to relax and unwind. The town is known for being a geothermal hotspot, and world-class resorts open their spa doors for couples to take advantage of the volcanic activities' healing properties.
Mineral pools, mud baths, and hot springs are all on the treatment menu when visiting the breathtaking geysers of Rotorua. Besides taking some time to slow down and reconnect, couples can acquaint themselves with the local Maori culture on tours to Maori villages, the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute, and the mythological geothermal wonderland of Te Puia.
Highlights: Waimangu Volcanic Valley | Rotorua Museum | Te Wairoa | Wai-O-Tapu | Whakarewarewa Maori village
Recommended Length of Stay: 2-3 days
4. Experience the Intimate Ambiance of Matamata
Hobbiton in Matamata, New Zealand. Photo courtesy Miles Holden/Tourism New Zealand
The rolling hills of Matamata rise and fall beneath the peaks of the Kaimai Range Mountains. It is in these hills that couples can find the fairytale hobbit homes of the Lord of the Rings.
Tours of Hobbiton show off the imagination behind the movies, but also showcase the natural beauty of Matamata’s sweeping olive-green countryside.
Couples can celebrate the unique experience with a drink at the Green Dragon Inn before continuing to explore more of Matamata, such as the momentous Wairere Falls and the Matamata Heritage Trail.
Highlights: The Hobbiton | Wairere Falls | Matamata Heritage Trail | Firth Tower Reserve and Museum | Hauraki Rail Trail
Recommended Length of Stay: 1 day
5. Enjoy an Escape to Coromandel
Cathedral Cove in Coromandel, New Zealan
To escape the hustle and bustle of Auckland or the busy neighborhoods of Christchurch, make your way to Coromandel on New Zealand’s North Island.
The coastal town boasts pristine beaches and flourishing forests, all wrapped up in a casual, laidback atmosphere. Coromandel’s geothermal springs speckling the forests that unroll from the Pinnacles are dreamy, while Cathedral Cove is a fabulous kayaking destination to paddle to and spend the day swimming in the crystal-clear waters.
Enjoy the must-have experience of Driving Creek Railway on a romantic train trip through the narrow-gorge mountain lined with distinct, colorful pottery as you uncover the joys of Coromandel.
Highlights: Cathedral Cove | The Pinnacles | Driving Creek Railway | Hauraki Rail Trail | Homegrown Food Trail
Recommended Length of Stay: 2-3 days
6. Delight in the Nature of Stewart Island
Kākā birds on Stewart Island, New Zealand
Life slows down on Stewart Island, a tranquil wildlife sanctuary that couples can escape to for a night or two. The Rakiura Track in the Rakiura National Park is a particularly impressive nature walk where you and your partner can get close to the endemic wildlife and birdlife.
Several beaches and museums are also great places to spend some downtime as you soak up the splendors of Stewart Island. In the evening you can keep your eyes peeled to see the Aurora Australis, or Southern Lights, between March and September, as Stewart Island’s clear green skies are the reason for its Maori name, Rakiura, which translates to glowing skies.
Highlights: Rakiura Track | Ulva Island | Mason Bay | Ringaringa Beach | Whaka a Te Wera
Recommended Length of Stay: 1-2 days
7. Experience Novelty Together In Westland Tai Poutini National Park
Fox Glacier, New Zealand
Home to New Zealand’s remarkable glacial landscapes, namely the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers, Westland Tai Poutini National Park is a winter wonderland worth exploring on your couple’s vacation to New Zealand.
The glaciers form impressive ice sculptures, pearl-white caves, and natural sapphire pools. Hikes across the landscape reveal the majesty of New Zealand’s alpine region, while flights give visitors a new perspective of the frozen territory.
The national park also boasts dense forests and sparkling lakes that backdrop enchanting picnics, complete with delightful New Zealand delicacies.
Highlights: Fox Glacier | Franz Josef Glacier | Aoraki/Mount Cook | Lake Matheson | Mount Tasman
Recommended Length of Stay: 3-4 days
8. Delight In the Glow of Waitomo
Marokopa Falls in Waitomo, New Zealand
During your romantic adventures in New Zealand, be sure to stop over in Waitomo to appreciate the mind-blowing Waitomo Caves glow-worm experience. At night, the luminous glow worms light up the dim caverns and perform a jaw-dropping display that photographs rarely capture in all its glory.
You can follow up the cave exploration with a tour of the Kawhia Hot Springs, a trip to the eerie Marokopa Falls, or a stroll across Mangapohue Natural Bridge between towering limestone arches. Waitomo represents one of New Zealand’s greatest natural havens and it is a destination that is immaculately unrefined.
Highlights: Waitomo Glowworm Caves | Mangapohue Natural Bridge | Kawhia Hot Springs | Marokopa Falls | Black Water Rafting
Recommended Length of Stay: 1-2 days
More Travel Information & Tips
Coromandel Peninsula, New Zealand
Are you dreaming of a beach retreat in Coromandel? Maybe you would prefer to hike the ice cascading Fox and Franz Josef Glacier? Depending on your travel preferences, Zicasso can customize sample itineraries from our New Zealand Honeymoon Packages to curate a stellar vacation for you and your significant other.
Read our New Zealand Travel Guide to learn more about the extravagant experiences available for your tour. To chat with a New Zealand travel specialist about your upcoming trip, complete a Trip Request or call us on 1-888-265-9707.
