You’ve packed up your life, and you’re on the backpacking adventure of a lifetime. You’ve headed away on a jet plane, and you don’t know when you’ll be back again.
Meeting someone and falling in love while travelling is what dreams are made of. And dreams can become a reality! Especially when the two of you can discover magical and romantic places throughout your journey, where you can fall in love with each other over and over again.
From secluded beaches and exotic rainforests, through to geothermal wonderlands and snow-capped mountains, New Zealand’s landscapes are as romantic as they are varied. Without the stress of everyday life – and with as much luxury as you’d like to build into your holiday – you can focus on what’s truly important in life – love. Fill your holiday with adventurous activities for two or just relax and enjoy each other's company.
Here are our Top 10 Places to Fall in Love in New Zealand!
Lake Tekapo
Contemplate the Southern Cross or the Milky Way at Lake Tekapo – far away from the lights and noises of any city, the night sky will wow you with its clarity, and perhaps even send you a shooting star. This International Dark Sky Reserve is truly an amazing place.
Hot Water Beach
Soak in a hot pool, on a beach at Hot Water Beach. Sit back and relax under the night sky in this world-renowned beach famous for its geothermal hot springs that filter up through the sand to the beach.
Queenstown
It’s appropriate that Queenstown was named as being fit for a Queen as it's major mountain range is simply called The Remarkables. It’s easy to fall in love in Queenstown. It’s even easier to fall in love with Queenstown. Pretty Remarkable really.
Lake Taupo
Take a romantic sunset cruise to the Mine Bay Maori Rock Carvings on board the 1920’s yacht, the Barbary. These carvings represent Ngatoroirangi, a visionary Māori navigator who guided the Tūwharetoa and Te Arawa tribes to the Taupo area over a thousand years ago.
Wanaka
A challenging walk is rewarded with spectacular views of Lake Wanaka and the Southern Alps. The panoramic views from Roy's Peak's 1,578-meter summit have to be seen to be believed.
Waiheke Island
Just a short ferry ride from downtown Auckland and you’ll arrive on the stunning Waiheke Island. From romantic walks through sculpture trails, to the dozens of breath-taking vineyards, it’s the ultimate place to fall in love with that special someone!
Bay of Islands
Travelling North from Auckland will see you arrive in the Bay of Islands, so named for its 144 islands. This subtropical micro-region is known for its stunning scenery and incredible culture - it's the birthplace of our nation.
Milford Sound
After a mind-blowing drive through a World Heritage Area, be blown away by Milford Sound’s calm waters – remember to keep your eyes peeled for the local seals and dolphins as you marvel at the sheer scale of the rock cliffs and the cascading waterfalls.
Stewart Island
Savour fresh-from-the-sea Bluff oysters on Stewart Island – in combination with the untouched wilderness this New Zealand delicacy is sure to invigorate the senses.
Waitomo Glowworm Caves
Soak up the ambience created by millions of glittering glowworms in the Waitomo Glowworm Caves – tubing or walking through their sparkling labyrinth of underground tunnels is a truly surreal experience.
