13 Of The Best Romantic Stays Near Christchurch For A Blissful Escape

Book a stay at this historic port cottage and you get gorgeous harbour views and so much more. This romantic New Zealand spot has polished wooden floors, original ceilings and super comfy beds, plus it’s a six-minute walk from the variety of cafes, restaurants, bars and shops of Lyttelton and just 15 minutes’ drive to Christchurch CBD. 

Wake early and watch the sunrise over Quail Island from your private outdoor deck. There’s a Weber barbecue out there for cooking up a storm later on. Or, you could push the boat out and pre-order a platter of locally-sourced cheese, cured meats, crackers and more for an additional fee. You can add wine too if it takes your fancy, and the peeps that own this place provide a picnic set, rug and cooler bag in case you want to head to the beach to eat it there.

Prepare to step into a fairytale at this magical 1860s cottage on a seven-acre property with a secret garden. Casterton Cottage offers charm galore with its statement wallpapers, unique light fittings and luxe touches. Inside, you’ve got two bedrooms, a light-filled living area with a dining zone, comfortable seating and a fully equipped kitchen, plus your bathroom has stained glass windows, Italian mosaic tiles and a freestanding bath.

Trundle out to the deck though, and you’re in for even more of a treat. Out here you’ve got an outdoor dining area and hydrotherapy spa pool that pairs perfectly with a glass of bubbles. Beyond that, you’ll find the secret garden with aged trees, rambling paths and an actual swimming pool in the centre. (It’s worth noting the pool is open and heated from November to late March only). Grab the bathers from the suitcase and dive right in. This is one seriously romantic Christchurch stay.

How about a romantic stay in a seriously unique timber-clad home among the treetops in Christchurch, New Zealand? This architecturally-designed gem is located in the foothills of Redcliffs and offers lovely views over the estuary, New Brighton and out to Kaikōura

You’ve got the beach within walking distance here and the city is a 20-minute drive away, plus your home away from home is the perfect place to kick back and relax thanks to its impressive double height windows which frame a sleek black indoor fireplace in the cosy living space.

Sunset views? Yes. Ice-cream shop around the corner? Oh yes. Private hot tub? Yes. Yes. Yes. This luxury New Zealand hideaway has everything you want from a romantic weekend stay. As the name suggests, The Bird’s Nest is tucked away among the tree tops and away from other homes meaning you and your plus one can enjoy some well-deserved alone time.

Your pad is gorgeously styled inside, with nature-inspired statement wallpaper in the bedroom, lovely textured tiles in the kitchen and a full bathroom. Head outside and you’ll not just find the spa, but an outdoor patio area perfect for afternoon cocktails too. Plus, the hosts at this pad supply breakfast items for your stay. Hooray!

Looking for a hidden gem less than an hour from Christchurch and within strolling distance of a local brew bar? Black Diamond might be the precious stay you’re searching for. This unique open-plan Airbnb occupies a romantic spot at the end of a private laneway and features a spacious living space split into two pods and connected by an external deck. 

The interior is warm and bach-like, with wooden floors and walls, high ceilings and cosy furnishings. Snuggle up on the couch next to the wood-burning indoor fire and you’ll be treated to dramatic views of the surrounding landscape through the huge glass windows. Pad out to your large deck and you’ll find an outdoor bath you can fill with hot water and soak in. The outlook on the harbour from out here is awesome, plus you’ve got a barbecue too, so you can dine in style with your other half come sunset and dream of living somewhere this fabulous full-time.

If you like your romantic stays super cosy and with some seriously good views then Mariners Cabin is the place for you. This tiny home, a 20-minute drive from Christchurch,  is just 13 sqm in size, and yet it has everything you need for a comfortable stay. Your miniature home has a double bed from which you can look out at the beach and watch the boats sailing by. There’s a wood-burner in your living space too, so you’ll feel all snuggly once the sun goes down.

A huge plus at this place is the outdoor space, which has a bathtub for soaking under the stars, a barbecue and a cute dining area. The beach track can be accessed from a pathway at the bottom of the garden if a picnic’s more your thing, and the thoughtful hosts provide two stand up paddleboards for guest use, and a yellow kayak in case adventure calls.

The allure of a sunset cheese plate paired with a nice glass of chilled white wine and a stunning view is real—and you can make all the good things happen at this romantic stay overlooking Lyttelton Harbour. You’re just 20 minutes from central Christchurch here, and within easy access of all the best coastal walking tracks so you’ll have burned through enough energy to really indulge.

Wake in luxury linen in your queen size bed, throw open the bi-fold window and you can soak in uninterrupted sea and hill views with your first cuppa of the day. The outdoor breakfast bar is a top spot in which to perch while watching all the action on the water and you’ve got a lovely outdoor bath in which you can soak using the mineral bath salts provided. After that, it’s just a 500m walk to the beach or 40 minutes to Lyttelton where you can check out all the restaurants, cafes and gift shops your heart desires.

Get back to nature at this romantic guest house retreat overlooking a scenic reserve on the outskirts of Christchurch. This self-contained stay offers convenience and tranquility, being an easy 15-minute stroll to the village and beach and yet close to walking tracks that take you up to the Crater Rim trail. 

Your Airbnb has an open plan kitchen and living space with wonderfully scenic views from the floor to ceiling windows. Your bedroom is partitioned off behind a stylish full-height headboard and you’ve got an ensuite with a stand alone bath and separate shower, plus a lovely little outdoor patio with a dining and seating area for post-hike snacks.

Explore everything Christchurch has to offer from your own romantic bolthole right in the heart of the city. This light-filled apartment on Clocktower Lane is a stone’s throw from Hagley Park, Victoria Park, the Avon river, the City Shopping Precinct, the Theatre Royal and a whole variety of fabulous eateries so you won’t be short of things to do.

You’ve got two bedrooms to choose from here—both offering views from the large windows, and the master has doors which open onto a balcony that is perfect for that morning coffee. Downstairs, your living space is inviting with greenery, statement rugs and stylishly modern decor and you’ve also got access to a large garage for parking or storage—a rare bonus for a city centre stay. Prefer to explore by bike? Handily, you can hire bikes from over the road so you’re sorted.

How about a romantic couples’ retreat with two outdoor bathtubs and an outdoor shower close to the best surfing spot in Christchurch? We reckon it sounds pretty tempting too. 

Stroll on up to this cosy beach house and you’ll find it’s got enough space for the whole family—which is handy if you’ve got little ones in tow. The main house has a master bedroom, plus a nautical-style bunk room, and there’s another queen bedroom in the gatehouse that has a private deck leading to a detached semi-outdoor bathroom if you’re looking for something more secluded. You can expect stunning sunrises and a beautiful tropical-feeling garden here, and you’re close to the popular spot of Sumner if you’re looking for cafes, restaurants and beers.

Love the city but keen for a little solitude too? You can enjoy the best of both worlds at this charming five-star rated stay situated 100 metres from a bus stop that takes you into the heart of Christchurch in 15 minutes. Your home away from home is a self-contained two-bedder that sits atop the hosts’ main house. It’s beautifully presented, with its own kitchen, bathroom, balcony and private access—and it has a romantic secret too.

Grab a bottle of wine and take the private exit down a back pathway and you’ll find yourself at a lake’s edge. Take a seat in the sunshine with your loved one and you’ll likely be visited by two resident swans as well as ducks and native New Zealand birds aplenty. It’s a truly unique experience and for a moment you’ll forget that the city is right on your doorstep just waiting to be explored.

Wake to treetop and water views at Mount Pleasant Hillside Haven and you’ll be in for a romantic getaway to remember. This modern stay is perched on Christchurch’s scenic hills, close to local walking trails but a short drive to the city lights.

It’s a great spot in which to unwind after a day spent exploring and the super-sized windows that let the light spill in are a real highlight. If you’ve got littlies, then there’s a sofa bed in the living space that can be converted to a bed for a small additional fee if you’d like it. Plus, the outdoor deck is an epic spot in which to enjoy a vino with a view. 

Indulge in holiday life at a super cute hideaway tucked away just a five-minute stroll from the beach and 20 minutes’ drive from Christchurch. The Sandbar Nook occupies a private space in the corner of the hosts’ front yard. It’s small in size but big in personality, with a gorgeous sheltered outdoor living area that is an entertainer’s delight. Fire up the barbecue, grab a bottle of the good stuff and get ready for a delicious dinner under the stars.

The nearby beach is a great spot for a long walk or romantic picnic if you’re in the mood, and there’s local cafes, shops and parks within a stone’s throw. An added bonus is the fact that the champions that own this place offer additional options to make your getaway extra special. Bike and paddle board rental is available for an additional fee, plus you can order a Convenience Welcome Box packed with snacks, drinks and more to enjoy during your stay.