8 Most Romantic Things to Do in New Zealand for Couples
Queenstown, New Zealand
Slow down, relax, adventure, and explore as you pursue these eight things to do in New Zealand on your romantic rendezvous or honeymoon.
The pleasures of New Zealand’s unique landscape, mouthwatering cuisine, and inspiring history will sweep you off your feet as you visit gorgeous destinations across the country. Enchanting escapes to New Zealand start and end with spellbinding views of the remarkable scenery, mouthfuls of tender meat or freshly caught seafood, and clinking crystal glasses of locally produced wines.
In this article, we guide you through the most romantic things to do in New Zealand and the best experiences to expect when you arrive on the island for your definitive couple’s vacation.
1. Meander Marlborough in Search of Sumptuous Wines
Marlborough, New Zealand
Marlborough Sounds is a network of ancient sunken river valleys at the northern tip of New Zealand's South Island. The breadth and depth of mythology surrounding the sounds is fascinating to learn as you cruise across the glimmering channels with a scintillating sauvignon blanc in hand.
The most romantic tours of Marlborough combine cruises and wine tours, giving you time to slow down, admire the astonishing scenery, and swig some surreal New Zealand wines along the way. These trips let you learn about the region’s unique wine-making culture, taste reserves of award-winning wines, and capture natural beauty from cliffs to coast.
Best Wines from the Region to Sample: Sauvignon Blanc | Pinot Noir | Pinot Gris | Chardonnay | Gewurztraminer
2. Find Cozy Picnic Spots to Admire Nature
Lake Wakatipu, South Island, New Zealand
New Zealand’s enormous stretches of environment present postcard-perfect places to picnic out of sight of the crowds. Each spot offers a distinct backdrop, whether of the shimmering silver-blue waters of Lake Wakatipu or the forceful waterfalls falling frantically from the cliffs of Te Urewera National Park.
You can host your own picnic with an assortment of local goods picked up at markets and bazaars or let your private guide whisk you away for a gourmet outing atop a glacier. There’s a picturesque picnic experience perfect for every type of trip.
Best Picnic Spots to Visit: Chelsea Estate Heritage Park, Auckland | Omana Regional Park, Auckland | Hot Water Beach, Coromandel | Lake Tikitapu, Bay of Plenty | Tapapakanga Regional Park, Auckland
3. Make Snow Angels at the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers
West coast, New Zealand
The West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island is an untamed mountainous region that’s home to the impressive natural ice sculptures of the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers. These bodies of slow-moving ice feed freezing rivers and form extravagant ice pillars, caves, and cliffs.
Couples can tour the Fox and Franz Josef Glacier’s winter wonderland, catch snowflakes as they fall to the ground, and frolic about in the powdery snow that collects at the foothills of the stone-gray mountains. From hikes to flights, couples can choose from a range of ways to explore the majesty of the mountains.
Highlights of Fox and Franz Josef Glacier: Wildlife tours | Glacier hikes | Air safaris | Okarito kayak adventures | Alpine cruises and fishing
4. Live the Luxuries of Bustling Auckland
Auckland, New Zealand
New Zealand’s bustling cosmopolitan Auckland stands between two harbors lined with superyachts, glamorous restaurants, contemporary art galleries, fashion boutiques, and high-rise condos. Dining precincts invite couples to try New Zealand’s finest food at restaurants spearheaded by Michelin-starred chefs.
Chic bars around the corner are the best places to grab an elegant cocktail after dinner as the sun drifts beyond the horizon and the city’s silhouette sits against the orange sky. Every moment of your stay in Auckland will be more glamorous than the last as you live in the lap of luxury in New Zealand’s modern metropolis.
Things to Do in Auckland: Sky Tower | Auckland War Memorial Museum | Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki | Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbor | Auckland Domain
5. See the Stars Like Never Before
Queenstown, New Zealand
Recognized as a Dark Sky Sanctuary, New Zealand boasts remarkable nocturnal environments with little light pollution, presenting some of the most sensational starry skies on Earth.
Your vacation may take you to Aoraki/Mt. Cook National Park and the Mackenzie Basin of New Zealand's South Island to visit the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve for a life-changing stargazing experience.
At astronomical research centers and observatories in the area you will see the stars, planets, and cosmos like never before. The night sky will shift from black to blue, purple to green, and the stars will twinkle as bright as can be.
Best Stargazing Spots to Visit: Aoraki/Mt. Cook National Park | Queenstown | Wellington | Lake Tekapo | Tongariro Crossing
6. Absorb the Astonishing Scenery at Milford Sound
Milford Sound, New Zealand
The Milford Sound fiord offers magnificent scenery for couples to lap up as they make their way from Queenstown to the vibrant geological marvel. Arriving at the sounds, views of archaic rock formations rising from the azure waters stretch as far as the eye can see.
Vegetation thrives on the banks of the sounds and waterfalls cascade the green cliffs. During your trip you can choose from an assortment of activities showcasing the unrivaled beauty of Milford Sound. You can hike to Key Summit for panoramic vistas, chase waterfalls flowing in the forests, and cross lakes or paddle through channels in kayaks before you return to Queenstown.
Things to Do in Milford Sound: Bowen Falls | Mitre Peak | Milford Sound Underwater Observatory | Harrison Cove | Deepwater Basin
7. Set Foot On Fascinating Shorelines
Coromandel, New Zealand
Beautiful beaches hug New Zealand’s coastline and many are fascinating. The tiny town of Mokau boasts black-sand beaches that look as though they came from another planet.
Hot Water Beach is naturally warmed by a bubbling hot spring that sits below the sand, providing the perfect temperature for swimming. The Archway Islands beyond the shores of Wharariki Beach are a spectacular backdrop for seaside photography, while the white cliffs and ancient caves of Cathedral Cove are otherworldly in their own right.
Each unique shoreline is somewhat secluded at the right time of day, making them perfect for a romantic afternoon stroll.
Best Beaches to Visit: Maitai Bay, Northland | Wharariki Beach, Nelson Tasman | Piha Beach, Auckland | Cathedral Cove, Coromandel | Hot Water Beach, Coromandel
8. Sample Sensational Cuisine During Sunset
Beach in New Zealand
Sunsets over New Zealand are stunning, whether you are dining at an elite establishment in Auckland, sitting at a linen-draped table on the lawn of a prestigious wine estate, or viewing the glacial mountains from the banks of a sparkling lake.
As the sunset signals the end of a day's adventuring, you can spend your final moments tucking into New Zealand’s delicious delicacies, enjoying the distinct flavors that compose the country’s cuisine.
Succulent roast lamb is doused in regional spices; certain dishes, known as Maori hangi, are cooked underground; and artisanal cheeses are served with local wines. The culinary scene is as sensual as ever.
Best Dishes to Try: Maori hāngī | Crayfish | Kina | Kiwi burger | Jaffas
More Travel Information & Tips
Mount Aspiring National Park, New Zealand
Naturally breathtaking and enticing, New Zealand remains a fan favorite among couples and honeymooners searching for a stunning destination to toast their magical life moments and anniversaries, or simply wishing to escape for a short while.
Zicasso designs tailored couples and honeymoon itineraries to exceed your every expectation and you can view sample trips on our New Zealand Honeymoon Packages. To discover New Zealand in more detail, view our New Zealand Travel Guide, contact a New Zealand travel expert by completing a Trip Request, or call us on 1-888-265-9707.
