New Zealand offers plenty of luxurious cottages perfect for celebrating special occasions or just wanting a little luxury for two. Enjoy everything from spa pools to continental breakfasts during your romantic escape.
Coromandel Peninsula offers beautiful beach getaways for couples. Cathedral Cove beach from The Chronicles of Narnia can be visited, while kayak tours to Hot Water Beach may also prove rewarding.
Marlborough
Marlborough is synonymous with world-class Sauvignon Blanc paired with fresh seafood – this is what Marlborough stands for! Thanks to the region’s fertile soils and ideal climate, its world-renowned wines can be produced; while local produce from its fertile fields is sought after by some of the country’s premier chefs. From leisurely lunches at vineyard restaurants to tasting tours around boutique cellar doors by bicycle, dining here can be truly enjoyable experience.
Blenheim, Picton and Havelock boast some of the finest wineries in New Zealand; however, to truly experience their charm you need only travel a short distance into Queen Charlotte Sound where sheltered waters create true delights. Here you will discover stunning mountain peaks which loom over sparkling bays and coves in unspoiled beauty – not forgetting a quick helicopter or water taxi trip which will take you directly to Perano Whaling Station’s haunting remains!
Picton, with its elegant Victorian hotel and small luxury hotel formerly housed within what was once a Sisters of Mercy convent, provides the ideal base from which to explore its surrounding countryside, while only minutes away are restaurants of Wairau Valley and Renwick vineyards. Picton also serves as the starting point of Queen Charlotte Track which can be completed either through hiking or mountain biking in five days; water taxi rides take only an hour to Ship Cove trailhead where native birds such as Fantails and Wekas await!
Queenstown
Queenstown is an adventure seeker’s haven. Its picturesque mountain and lakescape makes it an attractive locale for winter skiing as well as year-round outdoor activities like bungee jumping, skydiving, kayaking, river rafting and horseback riding. Furthermore, Queenstown makes for an excellent home base when exploring Fiordland or Otago regions nearby.
Queenstown lies along Lake Wakatipu, which is the third-largest lake in Australia by surface area. A small arm known as Frankton Arm connects directly with its main body for sailing and other watersport activities. Queenstown’s waterfront area is recognized as an historic precinct; many streets carry names from gold mining era streets as well as historic buildings like William’s Cottage, Lake Lodge of Ophir (now Artbay Gallery), Queenstown Police Station, and St Peter’s Anglican Church still remain.
Queenstown is an ideal summertime escape for European and North American travelers looking for an escape from winter, offering plenty of apres-ski activities and outdoor entertainment, from paddle boarding and pedal boating on Lake Wanaka (rent equipment from traveler-approved operator Lakeland Wanaka), hiking up Roy’s Peak, to enjoying drinks at lively spots such as Federal Diner.
Queenstown offers various wine tours, from an E-bike adventure to hop-on hop-off buses and helicopter tours. Full day options take in Gibbston Valley and Bannockburn wineries as well as Arrowtown for some history lessons.
Wanaka
Wanaka is a resort town at the gateway to Mount Aspiring National Park in the Southern Alps, featuring glaciers, beech forests, and alpine lakes. Popular among summer and winter sport enthusiasts alike, Wanaka also hosts several boutique wineries and restaurants including its namesake The Lonely Kiwi.
Wanaka offers a range of accommodation options, from cozy lodges and chalets to opulent villas and luxurious lodging with hot tubs and private decks for lake views. Wanaka can provide everything from romantic escapes to family vacations; something is sure to fit the bill here.
Criffel Station offers breathtaking views of the region and boasts a renowned deer farm for guests to experience the true Kiwi experience. Eco-conscious Bell Family are dedicated to sustainability on their property – ideal for couples wanting a uniquely New Zealand experience! It makes an excellent place for date nights!
At this property, there is a wide variety of activities, such as water skiing, kayaking and windsurfing. Take a scenic cruise around the lake or try your hand at fly fishing. For dinner at Tititea Steak House – known for their delicious steak – head there instead for dinner – this restaurant is popular with both locals and luxury travelers.
Taupo
New Zealand’s Central North Island town of Taupo is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream destination, featuring a pristine lake, an volcanically formed crater and numerous geothermal hot springs – creating the ideal setting for countless recreational activities all year-round! Locals and visitors alike flock to this idyllic spot year after year.
Taupo may not offer as many adventure activities or metropolitan amenities as Queenstown or Auckland, but its breathtaking natural scenery certainly more than makes up for that deficit. Discover its natural splendour on a leisurely stroll along its lakeshore or by dining at one of the waterfront cafes or restaurants; Taupo also provides access to some amazing hikes (e.g. the Tongariro Alpine Crossing), boating excursions on Lake Taupo or fishing expeditions!
No matter if you’re an active couple or looking for a more relaxing retreat, the Lake Taupo region has plenty of romantic cottages for every couple to choose from. Luxury lodges like Acacia Cliffs provide romantic cottages overlooking Lake Taupo with inside and outdoor dining areas as well as fireplaces for cosy romantic escapes. Indulge in scenic helicopter flights over Lake Taupo or fly fishing riverside fly fishing spots!
There are also a selection of special romantic cottages in this region which make an ideal retreat for couples searching for something a bit extra romantic – like one shaped like a plane which can accommodate six people!