Is your romance feeling a little grey? When the summer sunshine fades and Seasonal Affective Disorder sets in we can all get a little grumpy. A getaway is just what you need to get that spark back.
And if you don’t have a partner? No need to miss out. Treat your bestie to a little something special. You don’t need nobody else.
Put up the do not disturb sign and have a little 'us' time.
To make it a stress-free experience, we’ve compiled a list of the best romantic retreats within driving distance from the City of Sails.
We do love you Auckland but sometimes you just gotta get out of here.
Koru Hideaway
Matakana
Koru Hideaway—the studio wing of Koru House—blends into the rolling hills surrounding Matakana. The handcrafted wooden and colourful eclectic décor give it that home-away-from-home feel. Go for the weekend and do not miss the famed Saturday markets right by the riverside. Grab some French pastries and fresh fruit then have brekky on one of the stunning beaches nearby. At night create your very own Italian masterpieces in the wood fired pizza oven. Then cosy up by the fireplace or get steamy in the spa bath.
The Boatshed
Waiheke
Book the lighthouse room at The Boatshed for a romantic touch. It’s the perfect place to feel like a princess at the top of your three-story lighthouse-esque, tower. Watch the tides change and boats coming and going from your perch above Little Oneroa beach. And, when night falls, order a meal to be delivered through private service lift to your door. No movement required.
Warm Earth Cottage
Katikati
Cosy up in one of Warm Earth Cottage wood cabins with no electricity but a wood-fired stove to keep you warm. Light some candles and bathe in the soft, flickering glow, or in the outdoor, fire-heated bath! The only disturbance you’ll have in the middle of the bush will be a good one- a breakfast hamper delivered to your door!
Takou River Lodge
Keri Keri
Venture far far away out of Auckland you will find some magical cottages, Takou River Cottages to be exact. Choose your own cottage perched in native bush. The best bit? There's an outdoor bath for two. Take a glass of bubbles in with you and cheers to the beauty of nature—and your relationship. With this many stars you’ll forget about the city lights as you let the river noises, crickets and native birds lull you to a blissful sleep.
Castaways
Kariotahi Beach
Sitting pretty on clifftops overlooking Kariotahi beach Castaways location couldn’t be more scenic. Cast away your worries and watch the black sand melt into the ocean and then into the sky from the comfort of your very own private studio. There’s no better place to watch a brilliant sunset. If you need a little extra pamper time then there’s also a day spa!
970 Lonely Bay
Coromandel
Situated in the absolute gem of the North Island, the Coromandel, 970 Lonely Bay is totally luxe. Choose from one of four suites—our pick is the Estuary Terrace. If you have double date partners we suggest you take them to this two-bedroom suite. We are talking a massive deck where you can dine al fresco and a fireplace in the bedroom to keep you toasty. Yasss please! It’s only a short walk to Cook’s Beach and close to all the Coromandel hotspots like Hot Water Beach and Whitianga. You’ll find everything you need and more—from foodie spots to a dig-your-own natural thermal spa in the sand.
The Beach House
Kawau Island
The beachfront oasis of your dreams is only a short flight (or a decent drive and a ferry ride) away. Here, you can step from your room straight onto the sand. It doesn’t get much better than this. Plus, you’ll get the best night’s sleep of your life on a super king bed with the sound of the waves lapping the shore. You won’t feel your partner’s movement or hear their snoring during the night! You’ll soon be on island time at The Beach House.
Amp up the romance a little closer to home with Auckland's most romantic restaurants.
Image credit: Koru Hideaway, Takou River Lodge