Couples looking for an idyllic romantic escape, typically picture beautiful beaches and lavish resorts as ideal spots. New Zealand boasts both options.
What sets apart these lodges from others is not the luxurious amenities but rather the unforgettable experiences they provide. New Zealand is small enough that many unforgettable adventures can be accomplished quickly without spending hours traveling between destinations.
Lakestone Lodge
This off-grid eco lodge offers beautiful mountain and lake views. On calm days, its peak, Aoraki/Mount Cook can even be seen reflected in its turquoise glacial lake!
Mike and Anna have created an exceptional retreat where guests can experience everything this area has to offer while contributing to conservation efforts. Relax with massages or facials offered onsite or enjoy dinner featuring fresh locally produced produce.
Explore the surrounding landscape on foot, by bike, or helicopter. Conquer the Hooker Valley Track or the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail; simply enjoy fresh mountain air on trails around Lake Tekapo. Known for stargazing too – with clearest skies ever observed at Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve!
The Lindis
In today’s fast-paced and stressful world, The Lindis offers the chance to retreat into nature while experiencing sophisticated luxury and Kiwi hospitality. Its prime setting among conservation parks with panoramic views of local mountain ranges and Ahuriri River provides the ideal setting for rejuvenation.
The lodge melds beautifully into its dramatic mountaintop backdrop of snowcapped mountaintops, tussock lands and beech forests. Its curved roofline and spotted gum wood panelling echo surrounding contours while inside you’ll find soothing tones complemented by elegant furnishings for an overall soothing effect.
Suites boast gas fireplaces, king-sized beds and indoor-outdoor seating areas for an unforgettable stay. At the remarkable restaurant (included with stays) guests will enjoy multi-course meals that showcase local ingredients – like handmade kumara gnocchi with Lindis Pass cheese sauce or Mana lamb rack!
Makoura Lodge
Lakestone Lodge in New Zealand’s back country provides a five-star boutique resort experience. Choose from one-, two- and three-bedroom self-contained apartments featuring lake and mountain views for the ultimate wilderness retreat experience. Or for something truly exclusive book a Kahutara PurePod for adults only with mirror glass walls for full nature immersion!
Makoura Lodge in Apiti, Manawatu is an unparalleled conference, wedding, and function venue boasting breathtaking country scenery. Furthermore, this location makes for the ideal 4WD adventure with plenty of exciting activities available on site.
Unwind at this intimate resort for couples in the north of the country and unwind by relaxing by the river while watching woodpigeons fly overhead. After dark, ignite a fire pit for some romantic star gazing and to toast marshmallows on an open firepit!
Peak View Retreat
Peak View Retreat provides the ideal luxury wilderness escape experience, whether with your partner or group of friends. Situated atop a mountain near Nelson and with expansive views of Pepin Island and Cable Bay from its high perch location. Boasting two bedroom suites complete with private ensuites as well as an upper deck featuring an inviting wood fired hot tub – Peak View Retreat promises an unforgettable wilderness adventure for adults only.
At the retreat, the Retreat offers various packages designed to promote self-care and relaxation, such as their self-care retreat starting from $990pp twin-share for two nights in a luxury villa, yoga classes, massages, sauna use and guided nature walks. They also offer five-night Peak View packages starting from $2875 per person which include heli-tours, visits to pearl farms and Cloudy Bay Vineyard, as well as archery in the forest!
St George’s by the Sea
St George’s by the Sea is an alluring coastal clifftop hotel featuring 71 guestrooms. Boasting two restaurants and three pools, its spacious cottage rooms come equipped with separate living areas and kitchens; others can even be connected (via lockouts) to create larger apartments perfect for families or groups traveling together.
Griffin’s, an upscale dinner restaurant, and Terrace Cafe provide lunch service with indoor and outdoor seating; although decor could use some enhancement.
Discover spectacular views year-round of Mt. Taranaki and Tasman Sea from this luxurious villa, boasting platinum benefits with every booking made. Contact us for details.
Snug
Make the most of your stay by staying at one of New Zealand’s secluded luxury lodges – perfect for romantic honeymooners and getaway couples looking for privacy with breathtaking views of this captivating country’s stunning natural surroundings.
Staying at New Plymouth’s luxurious Boatsheds on the Bay offers spectacular coastal and Mt Taranaki views from every room, as well as crackling fireplaces and modern amenities like crackling fireplaces.
Queenstown offers many relaxing options, with Onsen Hot Pools being one of them. Here, you can admire views of Lake Wakatipu and beyond as you sip New Zealand wine while stargazing as your muscles relax in a soothing wood pool.
Pasture
New Zealand offers some truly unforgettable wilderness lodge adventures, featuring farm-to-table cuisine and immersive experiences rather than extravagant luxury. Hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing to experience close encounters with rare wildlife; or head off the mainland and visit Stewart Island’s tranquil bird sanctuary that the Maori people refer to as “Rakiura.”
New Zealand is home to stunning landscapes that attract adventure couples and honeymooners alike, from glacial formations in Westland Tai Poutini National Park, untamed coasts at Coromandel and steaming geysers at Rotorua to its vineyards and beaches – not forgetting Hobbiton from Lord of the Rings fame, where you can walk through The Shire while following in fictional hobbit heroes footsteps! For lovers of all things Lord of the Rings related, taking a day trip from Auckland will take you into the heart of Kiwiana paradise!