11 Of The Most Romantic Stays Near Queenstown To Impress Your Plus One

Call one of the oldest buildings in the Wakatipu Basin home for a while and you’re in for a seriously cute time. Hicks Cottage dates back to the 1870s and was a dilapidated wreck destined for collapse before being beautifully restored in 2022. Now, it’s a gorgeously romantic Queenstown stay with a timber-clad living, dining and kitchen space to die for. 

The cottage sits right on the Queenstown Trail, which is a haven for hikers, bikers and runners if that’s your jam. You can also hire e-bikes from the property if you’d rather explore without getting quite so puffed out—plus you’ve got Queenstown and Arrowtown within a 15-minute drive away so there’s plenty of opportunity for a mooch around town.

Gold in colour and gold in class. That’s our verdict on this romantic two-bedroom New Zealand stay which has truly marvellous views of Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables. Inside, this place has cosy ski chalet vibes, with its timber-lined ceiling, full-length windows and colourful styling, plus your master bedroom has top quality hotel linen and an electric blanket so you’ll be feeling full-on snuggly. 

There’s even more magic out on the spacious outdoor deck, which has a heated spa with the best mountain views. It’s a top spot in which to relax, glass of wine in hand, after a day spent exploring Queenstown (which is within walking distance btw). There’s a large barbecue out there too, so one of you can make a start on dinner while the other indulges in some well-deserved me-time.

Named after the majestic hawks that fly above this romantic pad, HawkRidge Alpine Honeymoon Suite combines luxe living with nature. This New Zealand pad adjoins the main HawkRidge Chateau on Threepwood Farm (a rural lifestyle community set within a 500-acre high country farm) but has its own private entrance and outdoor area. There’s a hot tub here that’s shared with other guests, but the peeps that own this place make sure you have your own time slots so there’s plenty of time for soaking. 

Inside your romantic stay, underfloor heating will keep you cosy, and there’s a king size bed to snuggle up in later on. Outside, there’s loads to do, as your place is just five minutes from historic Arrowtown and 20 minutes from Queenstown. There’s free equipment to use during your stay, including kayaks for nearby Lake Hayes, and men and women’s golf clubs if you and your plus one fancy a game. Plus, guests who stay for two or more nights get a complimentary selection of delicious local produce.

How about a spot of romantic tiny home living within five minutes of central Queenstown? That’s the intriguing prospect at this peaceful New Zealand stay with spectacular lake and mountain views. Your cabin has a king sized bed, a sleeping loft with a double bed and starlights that kids will adore, plus a second chill-out loft to snuggle up in with your plus one.

The sunny outdoor deck is a delight, with its views of Lake Wakatipu, Cecil and Walter Peaks, plus the wood-fired hot tub that can be prepared for your arrival on request. There’s a barbecue out here too, to complement the full-equipped kitchen inside, and your host provides complimentary tea, coffee and hot chocolate for guzzling. Throw in the fact this place has private onsite parking for up to two vehicles or a campervan and we think that’s pretty much your Queenstown holiday sorted.

Trundle on up to this charming red brick Queenstown cottage and you’ll be greeted by epic mountain views and tiny home vibes. This compact little stay is situated next to the hosts’ main residence but it’s  fully self-contained with its own entrance and designed as a romantic retreat for couples. Cleverly designed to maximise space, the master bedroom sits on an elevated mezzanine level and boasts a gorgeous picture window which looks out onto the peaks. There’s a projector and screen in here too, so you can snuggle in for the night and watch movies from bed.

Throw in a full kitchen with dishwasher and induction cooktop, plus a barbecue and private patio and deck outside, and you’re all sorted for your New Zealand getaway. There’s a dedicated firewood shed (wood is provided) which you can use for storing ski gear too. This is a quiet spot, up a private country road, although you might hear the resident chooks proudly announce when they’ve laid an egg.

Station yourself among Queenstown’s finest vineyards with a stay at this architecturally-designed pad offering stunning views from every room. You can see vines and mountains from this top spot, which also has romantic interiors designed by Katie of Waitaki Home Styling. This place is a two-bedder, which is perfect for two couples, as the bedrooms are privately located at opposite ends of the house, each with their own ensuite and balcony access.

Hire some bikes and go on a wine tasting tour if you fancy. Peregrine Wines, Mt. Rosa Wines, Kinross Cellar Door, and Gibbston Valley Winery are close by. And if you love a spot of stargazing, this is the place for you, as it’s located under the Kawarau Gibbston Dark Sky Park—a designated area recognised for its extraordinary starry nights and commitment to preserving a night sky free from light pollution. Even better, this New Zealand stay has an outdoor hot tub that heats up to 40 degrees, so you can enjoy the night sky while feeling warm and toasty and clutching a glass of the vino you sampled earlier.

Book a stay in this romantic Queenstown pad and you’ll want to get the phone out to snap some pictures. Not only does this two-bedroom gem boast wonderful views of the lake and mountains, but inside it has statement wallpaper that’s a feast for the eyes. This place is inspired by the travels of its local owners, and sits just two blocks from Queenstown’s famous McNearly bike track, with hiking and mountain bike trails galore.

The town centre is just a five minute drive away and, if you’ve got little ones in tow, there’s a playground and grass field just across the road for playtime. When you’re not out exploring the city and surrounds, we reckon you might fancy unwinding in the outdoor bath with a glass of New Zealand’s finest, while drinking in the view too.

Say hello to your own gloriously pointy tiny home just a seven-minute stroll from the restaurants and bars of historic Arrowtown. The location of this romantic stay slays quite frankly—you’re just a minute from the stunning Arrow River with all its hiking and mountain bike trails; you’re in the midst of New Zealand’s top three ski fields and you’ve got vibrant Queenstown just down the road.

The Miner’s Hut was designed by local firm Hofman’s Architects, sitting harmoniously within Arrowtown’s urban landscape while offering brilliant hill and mountain views. Inside there’s wooden floors and light-filled spaces, plus there’s a dedicated workspace so there’s time to check those emails if you must. The best bit? The Stoked Electric two-person spa bath on the outdoor deck that's perfect for couples. It looks like a traditional bath but it’s got a jet, filtration and heating just like a hot tub. Oh yes!

Looking for something romantic but a little bit different? Look no further than The Box Car, an old freight train carriage that has been wonderfully renovated to create an adorably quirky New Zealand stay. This little pad sits in a quiet alpine forest, a 12-minute drive from Queenstown, and there’s room to park your motorhome or caravan on site which adds to its appeal if you’re on a road trip.

This place is super cute inside, with original restored floorboards, designer fittings, bespoke furniture and a lovely wood-fired indoor fireplace. There’s a cosy kitchen and barbecue for cooking up a storm and if the weather’s balmy you’ll want to throw open the big doors on either side of your carriage and let the outside in. Come sunset, you might like to take a soak in the private outdoor bath and drink in that serenity.

Situated just five minutes from the fabulous Coronet Peak, this stylish home is perfect for a couples’ ski trip and is one of two suites with the same airy layout. The interior is modern and the open-plan kitchen, living and dining zone makes whipping up a snack a delight thanks to the large windows that offer picturesque mountain views.

Book this New Zealand stay and it comes with a romantic little extra—access to the round cedar outdoor hot tub that’s shared with one other suite. Wade in and enjoy the warm water wash over you while taking in the epic vista. Later, you can take a ten-minute stroll to the nearest pubs and restaurants, or hop in the car for the eight-minute drive to Queenstown where you can do a spot of holiday shopping or enjoy a cocktail by the water.

Welcome to your own romantically rustic cottage, a stone’s throw from Arrowtown, Lake Hayes and the ski fields, and 25 minutes from Queenstown. Birdsong Cottage is an escape for those who appreciate a peaceful stay, as it’s situated in a lovely cottage garden near the hosts’ family home.

Inside, expect timber and corrugated iron features and a striking wood-burning indoor fireplace that adds to the charm of your retreat. Step outside and you’ve got a cute table and two chairs on the deck where you can sit and enjoy a glass of wine and a card game. This spot is a good base during ski season, as you’re just 20 minutes to Coronet Peak and 25 minutes to The Remarkables and you can park right outside, which is always a plus!