April 17, 2015 TnH Global

Romantic Adventures in New Zealand

Lush landscapes, star-filled skies and the breathtaking beauty of some of the world’s most untouched natural wonders and pristine beaches makes New Zealand the perfect place to fall in love. The opportunity to experience an intimate picnic atop the majestic Southern Alps, hear tales of enduring love at an ancient island, soak tired limbs in a warm natural spring or be enchanted by the luxury of one of New Zealand’s premier lodges is just what dreams are made of. New Zealand gives couples the chance to escape the hustle and bustle of the world and embrace the beauty of this unique country – and each other.

North Island romantic adventures
NORTHLAND – Tane as your witness
What to do: Allow the ancient and wise Tane Mahuta – King of the Forest – to be your witness as you profess your love while immersing yourself in one of the most magical cultural experiences in Northland. Let Footprints Waipoua take you on a mystical journey through towering native Kauri trees to visit the mighty Te Matua Ngahere

(Father of the Forest), the graceful Four Sisters and Tane Mahuta – the largest Kauri tree in New Zealand – and king of them all. Knowledgeable guides bring the forest to life, intertwining tales of the stately trees, the role they have played in the lives of local Maori and the eco-system of the ethereal and unforgettable Waipoua Forest.

Where to stay: Take a break from it all at award winning Kokohuia Lodge – one of New Zealand’s most romantic luxury lodges. Perched high above native trees – overlooking the magnificent seascape of the Hokianga Harbour in the winterless North – Kokohuia is as exclusive as it gets, providing a secluded retreat for just one couple at a time.

AUCKLAND – Flight of fancy
What to do: Leave the City of Sails behind as you take flight high into the sky and above the volcanic crater of Rangitoto and the beautiful marine playground of the Hauraki Gulf with The De Havilland Beaver Floatplane can take you to your destination of choice around the Gulf and beyond. Enjoy a romantic picnic on a secluded beach, an afternoon of feast and fancy at Waiheke’s delectable Oyster Inn or watch the clear blue waters lap the white sandy shores with an overnight stay on the rugged and unspoilt Great Barrier Island. Where to stay: Just a short drive from the bustling Auckland city centre brings you to Mollies Luxury Boutique Hotel. Victorian grace mixed with bold contemporary décor makes this five-star beauty the perfect place to enjoy a flawless romantic retreat. Guests at Mollies can relax in the day spa, share a drink in the beautifully crafted cocktail bar, enjoy dinner on their own private balcony, grab a breath of fresh air in the lush leafy green gardens or take a stroll to Ponsonby, one of Auckland’s hippest suburbs filled with boutique shops and a variety of dining experiences.

TONGARIRO – Awe-inspiring adventure
What to Do: There is nothing quite like sharing an adventure with the one you love and the world renowned Tongariro Alpine Crossing is the perfect place to do just that.
Hailed as one of the best one-day hikes in the world, the diverse encounters experienced along the Tongariro Crossing take you on a journey of epic proportions, through mars-like volcanic landscapes, past sparkling blue and green lakes and rugged slopes filled with wild alpine flora and fauna.

Adrift NZ
Where to stay: Experience luxury on Mother Nature’s doorstep at the Chateau Tongariro Hotel. Couples can while the night away in an executive Spa Suite, indulge at the Ruapehu Room Restaurant, take a dip in the heated plunge pool, watch a movie at the onsite cinema or play a 9-hole round of golf on the highest course in New Zealand. Chateau Tongariro Hotel

WAIKATO – Wedding fit for a Hobbit
What to do: Visiting the Hobbiton Movie Set in the idyllic village of Matamata is a dream come true for many visitors and Hobbit fans alike. Loved-up couples ready to take their relationship to the next level can enjoy a wedding to remember amongst the blooms, birds and hobbit holes at the movie set – made famous in the Sir Peter Jackson directed The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit Trilogies. Hobbiton Movie Set Tours

Where to stay: Step out of Hobbiton and into a fairy-tale at the mesmerising Underhill Valley glamping site. Situated on a working Waikato farm this secluded spot offers couples the chance to escape from reality.
Built into a hillside and situated on a picturesque pond, Underhill Valley allows you to shake off the shackles of modern day life and enjoy being together undisturbed by everything – except maybe the dawn chorus native birds.

ROTORUA – True love never fades
What to do: Prepare to feel chills as you visit the setting of one of New Zealand’s most enduring love stories. Rotorua’s ancient Mokoia Island, once home to Maori tribes, was and the place where love blossomed between Tutanekai – a young Maori Warrior and Hinemoa – a Chief’s daughter of a rival tribe. The island is now a sanctuary teeming with native birds, plants and wildlife. Mokoia Island Wai Ora Experiences run daily trips to the island where their knowledgeable guides offer insights into one of the most romantic and mysterious areas of a region steeped in cultural history.

Where to stay: Laze about in the lap of luxury at Black Swan Hotel – a sophisticated boutique lodge-style accommodation situated on the shores of the stunning Lake Rotorua. Black Swan expertly combines classic elegance with au courant design, creating a unique accommodation setting complete with a personalised service catering to your every need. Stop to smell the roses as you walk through the well-manicured gardens, steal a kiss in the secret grotto before enjoying some of the finest Pacific inspired fusion food, overlooking the calming waters of Lake Rotorua or in your own private dining setting.

South Island romantic adventures
KAIKOURA/MARLBOROUGH – Gourmet Getaway
What to do: There is an old adage that states “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach” and there could be no better place to test this theory than during a Gourmet Getaway. The Gourmet Getaway tour begins in Kaikoura – known for its bountiful seafood, venison and fresh organic produce – and ends in Marlborough – the Savion Blanc capital of New Zealand. During the getaway couples will experience mouth-watering dishes created by two experienced Executive Chefs. The food is expertly matched to some of New Zealand’s most tantalising wines from Marlborough’s Seresin Estate – purveyors of the organic and biodynamical process of wine creation.

Where to stay: The four night gourmet getaway ensures accommodation is taken care of with two nights at the spectacular Hapuku Lodge & Tree Houses in Kaikoura and two nights at the exquisite Bay of Many Coves in the Marlborough Sounds. Couples will literally be one with nature as they look out through the canopy of native Manuka trees to the sprawling Pacific coastline and towering Kaikoura Mountains from their own Upper Branch Tree House at Hapuku Lodge. In contrast – The Bay of Many Coves offers undisturbed views of the world-famous Queen Charlotte Sounds.

CHRISTCHURCH – Bubbles and Balloons
What to do: Experience the stillness of dawn as you fly high above the unfolding New Zealand landscape in the first country in the world to see the sun. Aoraki Balloon Safaris fly you above ancient Canterbury plains while views of the snow-capped Aoraki/Mt Cook rise above. After the flight guests can come back to earth gently as they enjoy a silver-served champagne breakfast. Balloon weddings can also be arranged.

Where to stay: If fine dining is your thing then look no further than the award-winning The George Christchurch. This luxury boutique hotel – located in the heart of the vibrant Garden City – overlooks the iconic Hagley Park and picturesque Avon River. The George has two award-winning restaurants, 50 Bistro and Psecatore, one of New Zealand’s most sublime contemporary dining experiences, offering delicious delicacies that will leave you wanting more.

TEKAPO – Starlight, star bright
What to Do: Get in the mood for love at Lake Tekapo’s Church of the Good Shepherd. This iconic stone church is surrounded by the colourful lupins that grow on the shoreline of the turquoise hued lake and is the perfect setting for a wedding. Church of the Good Shepherd When night falls see the Southern-stars reflecting in the eyes of your lover at the Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve, the minimal light pollution here makes it a perfect place to make a wish upon a shooting star. Where to Stay: Surrounded by the commanding presence of the Southern Alps and sitting on the serene shores of Lake Tekapo, Peppers Bluewater Resort offers a truly romantic accommodation experience and provides a perfect base to explore Tekapo, Mt Cook and the surrounding Mackenzie District.

FIORDLAND – Wondrous wilderness
What to do: After a day exploring Franz Josef Glacier- one of the most easily accessible glaciers in the world – it’s time to immerse yourself in the steaming waters of the Glacier Hot Pools.
Sheltered in lush New Zealand rainforest these hot pools have their own romantic tale to tell. According to Maori legend the pools are fed by the tears o KÄ Roimata o Hinehukatere, pining for for her lost love. The Glacier Hot Pools consist of three main pools. Secluded private pools can also be hired.

Where to stay: Just because you’re in one of the most pristine environments in the world doesn’t mean you have to forgo modern pleasures. The 5-star, Enviro Gold rated Te Waonui Retreat offers one of the most indulgent experiences to be found on the wild and rugged West Coast. Health, rejuvenation and relaxation are the focus of this heavenly retreat, while the five-course degustation menu, featuring some of the freshest cuisine in the region, will leave you feeling blissfully fulfilled.

QUEENSTOWN – Picnic on a peak
What to do: Hailed by Lonely Planet as one of the top honeymoon destinations in the world for 2014, Queenstown offers adventure and luxury in one of the most romantic settings on the globe.
Over the Top Helicopters can take visitors on a scenic helicopter ride to a secluded location, atop the majestic mountains that rise above the playful town. Here couples can enjoy a private, gourmet picnic surrounded by unrivalled panoramic views.

Where to stay: After a day exploring the thrilling adventures on offer in the alpine resort town it’s time to relax, unwind and indulge. The award-winning Matakauri Lodge, situated on the edge of the sparkling Lake Wakatipu, offers luxury accommodation with a private outlook to the lake and breathtaking views of the Remarkables mountain range and the stately Cecil Peak. Despite being a mere seven minutes from the buzzing centre of Queenstown, Matakauri Lodge makes you feel like you’re a world away.