Valentine’s Day celebrations are a great reason to embrace loved ones, but let’s not forget that love should be celebrated all year round! This certainly rings true for 32% of New Zealand travellers who have recently revealed their intention to pick a destination for its romantic atmosphere.
That’s why Booking.com has shot its Cupid’s arrow to reveal some of the most romantic destinations in New Zealand, based on its traveller endorsements for ‘Romantic Escapes’ and ‘Romantic’ left on Booking.com reviews.
1. Cheviot
A picturesque town located between Christchurch and Kaikoura, Cheviot brims with romance.
Couples will fall in love with the surrounding mountains and rivers, both of which enhance the town’s enchanting and remote atmosphere.
During the day, couples can unwind with long, romantic walks through towering trees, or relax beside peaceful beaches. Delectable local wines will beckon as the evening approaches, and the crisp night air of the South Island town gives couples the perfect excuse to cuddle up for a night of dreamy stargazing.
Where to stay…
Prepare to fall in love with the Tree House Lodge Bed and Breakfast. From arrival, guests will experience world-class service in an enchanting, rustic location. Living up to its name, two towering trees support the bed and breakfast’s rustic timber ceilings, surrounded by the 3 acres of lawn and vibrant gardens around The Treehouse. The cosy bedrooms ooze romance too, where couples can enjoy an intimate evening of wine and sunsets or enjoy a romantic sunrise together with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
2. Waiheke Island
A true escape from busy reality, Waiheke Island is the perfect location for a special getaway. From sun-drenched beaches to the bustling Oneroa Village, Waiheke is an unforgettable experience, with something for every couple. Outstanding food locations are everywhere to fuel a day of sightseeing around the quaint village, or a relaxing day spent by the beach. A stroll through the many expansive vineyards is a must, and later, a glass of wine (or two) under sparkling stars provides the perfect end to a day celebrating love.
Where to stay…
Villas Waiheke will be the icing on any couples’ cake. With breathtaking views of sea and native bush, these private villas set the scene for an intimate couples’ stay. A mineral pool and spa pool provide an afternoon or evening of romantic relaxation to the sounds of birdsong and crickets. The private patios on these tucked away villas are perfect for watching a stunning sunrise or sunset over the Hauraki Gulf.
3. Lake Tekapo
Towering snowcapped mountains and crystal-clear lakes surround the fairytale town of Lake Tekapo. The dazzling night skies, along with seemingly endless fields of Tekapo’s infamous lupins provide a picturesque backdrop for any love story. Whether you fancy an afternoon of relaxing beside deep blue lakes, long walks through dreamy violet and pink lupin fields, or sharing an adrenaline rush on the crisp Southern Alps ski fields, Tekapo creates memories that last a lifetime
Where to stay…
With breathtaking lake and mountain views, The Mackenzie Suites exude romance. Only 600m from the town of Lake Tekapo, couples can enjoy both the conveniency of nearby shops, while basking in the wild beauty of the surrounding Southern Alps and lake. The cosy bedrooms and relaxing baths provide the perfect place for couples to unwind, while views from the outdoor terraces are the perfect place for to snuggle up and watch stargaze beneath the Dark Sky Reserve.
4. Auckland City
Brimming with the finest of dining, a thriving nightlife, and electrifying events, couples need look no further than Auckland City for the ultimate romantic getaway. Auckland Harbour’s spectacular Viaduct provides the perfect location for a classy but intimate dinner overlooking the water. After dinner, the city’s invigorating nightlife invites couples to explore the hidden gems nestled amidst its bustling streets, including exclusive nightclubs, pop-up bars, and perhaps a dessert to top off the evening. Who said you have to escape Auckland for your romantic getaway?
Where to stay…
Take a step back in time with your loved one this Valentine’s Day. The Hotel Grand Windsor McGallery provides couples with the perfect blend of old-world elegance and modern amenities. Situated at the very heart of Auckland’s bustling city, this luxury accommodation provides couples with a place to relax for an intimate getaway after an evening of strolling along Auckland’s scenic waterfront and immersing themselves in the fine dining and exhilarating nightlife the city offers.
5. Queenstown
Surrounded by glorious mountains, ice-cold lakes, and bursting with adrenaline-filled experiences, Queenstown is the perfect blend of dreamy romance and exhilarating adventure. The expansive mountain ranges and scenic lakefronts invite couples to explore the town by foot, while intimate restaurants and steaming hot pools provide endless opportunity for couples to reconnect and relax with one another.
Where to stay…
With stunning views over The Remarkables mountain range and breathtaking Lake Wakatipu, stepping into Kamana Lakehouse is like stepping into a fairytale. Located just five minutes from two of Queenstown’s stunning walking tracks, and with luxurious hot tubs directly overlooking Lake Wakatipu, Kamana Lakehouse creates a romantic world of its own for couples to explore and enjoy. With bedroom views of sparkling night skies and vibrant sunsets over snowy mountains, Kamana Lakehouse is made for couples to fall in love.
With a mission to make it easier for everyone to experience the world, Booking.com is sharing travel deals for travellers to use when booking their early 2021 trips. Discounts start at 20 percent and are valid for stays until 31 March 2021.
