The Most Romantic Destinations In New Zealand

New Zealand, with its beautiful landscapes and cities, is the ideal couple’s retreat. Whether you end up on the North or the South Island, you can be sure you’ll have a wonderfully memorable experience. Take a look at some of the romantic spots you and your significant other will be able to relish in this lovely destination.

Malrborough

Located right at the top of the South Island, the Marlborough region offers a nice mix of adventures and gourmet treats. Its wineries are renowned for making New Zealand a world-famous Sauvignon blanc producer, and the region is adored for its fresh seafood too — particularly mussels and salmon. For the nature-loving duo, a kayak trip or cruise of the Marlborough Sounds is a relaxing way to admire the forested plains. If you’re feeling more adventurous, a walk along the Queen Charlotte Track — one of New Zealand’s most famous hikes — will be right up your alley.

Waiheke Island

Queenstown

Queenstown offers the ideal romantic getaway for those travelling in the winter months. The awe-inspiring vistas around the resort town make this the perfect spot for a scenic cruise or a pleasant lakeside stroll. For the ultimate piece of indulgence, check into a chic boutique hotel, soak all your worries away by dipping into the Onsen Hot Pools, and finish the night off with a delectable fine dining experience. Don’t forget to visit the local vineyards and wineries before departing on your next adventure.

The Coromandel Peninsula

A summertime favourite for holidaying New Zealanders and international visitors alike, the Coromandel Peninsula offers a pristine getaway for the couple pining for a sunny place to unwind. Picturesque spots to put on your radar include the Cathedral Cove, Hot Water Beach and the Coromandel Coastal Walkway. If you like your seafood, make sure to visit some of the local townships to get yourself a nice meal. For those seeking an adrenaline hit, the peninsula is also quite famous for its surfing.

Rotorua

Spouting geysers and hot water springs are among Rotorua’s best renowned attractions. Spend the morning exploring the exquisite geothermal wonders at Wai-O-Tapu before dipping into the hot springs and pools around the city. The Polynesian Spa is one of the most famous in the area; as a bonus, it is also open until 11 p.m. every night. Approximately 35 minutes south of Rotorua is Kerosene Creek, a sheltered geothermal cascade that ends with a hot pool that anyone can easily access.

Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park

The South Island’s Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park is particularly adored by hikers and mountaineers, but the area is also great for a quieter experience. During the day, you can snuggle with your significant other while embarking on a relaxing cruise by the Tasman Glacier. At night, stargazing is a definite must-do, especially since the Mackenzie region, where the national park is situated, is home to one of the world’s rare International Dark Sky reserves.

Waitomo Caves

Waitomo is a great all-rounder for the couple who opts to spend some time exploring New Zealand’s North Island. Thrill-seekers will feel right at home with activities like spelunking, abseiling and black water rafting at their disposal, while the more romantic travellers will cherish the glowworm-lit cruises underneath the limestone caves. When you’re ready to call it a day, venture out to the hillside for a spot of glamping — a luscious treat that’s bound to make your visit that much more special.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.