17 Of The Most Romantic Stays In New Zealand

Oh hello historic city centre artists’ lair. Plimmer Bolthole is described as “so much more than a bed for the night” and we couldn’t agree more. This top-floor apartment in an 106-year-old Edwardian gem is a feast for the eyes and a seriously romantic New Zealand stay. 

Inside, you’ve got original Matai floors, high ceilings and sash windows which look out onto the streets of Wellington. It’s incredibly arty, with painting-adorned walls, antique furniture, books, brass accents, tactile fabrics and deep seating in which to cosy up with your plus one. Outside, you’re in the heart of everything and a literal stroll away from all of Wellington’s best bits, including the Cable Car, Cuba St and waterfront, plus there’s public transport just up the street if you need it.

Romantic stay in a golden dome sound intriguing? At Stellar Glamping there’s no need to wrestle with muddy tents and camping chairs. By booking the Amour suite you’ll be opting for a one-of-a-kind holiday that your other half will love. Your circular home on the outskirts of Auckland is wonderfully styled inside, with a French iron chandelier, handmade dark green art wallcovering, vintage suede sofa and a giant hemispherical glass window that’s tinted to add even more romance to the surrounding scenery.

Pad out to your own private bathroom, located just steps from the front door of your dome, or head to the outdoor kitchen that’s shared with another dome on site, but cleverly designed so you have your own space. Breakfast is already sorted for you, thanks to a complimentary package of four fresh eggs, a loaf of bread, and a bottle of milk. If you want to amp up the luxe factor, you can choose to upgrade the breakfast package and add extras like a marshmallow toasting kit or decoration package for a special occasion. Just ask.

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 some breakfast items for your stay. Hooray!

If you think there’s something a little bit spesh about treating your loved one to a stay in a unique Airbnb, this Wellington spot will have you rubbing your hands with glee. Your home away from home is a former art studio that was built to resemble a lighthouse (and it has an original lighthouse light no less). It’s since been converted to a romantic New Zealand bolthole with a comfy double bed and a view to die for. Yes it’s cosy, with steep, narrow stairs, a kitchenette and a compact bathroom, but head to the top floor and the vista is truly magical. Snuggle up together up there, with a glass of New Zealand’s finest to watch the waves roll in, and we swear the hours will just fly by. 

This accommodation is pet-friendly on request, and sits opposite a dog and swimming beach and rock pools. There’s a popular cafe around the corner and the shops are just a 10-minute stoll away, so stocking up on provisions won’t be a chore.

Picture this. You enjoy a soak in the hot tub with your other half, before snuggling up with a glass of bubbles and a takeaway in front of the fire inside your own fairy light-lit glasshouse. If that doesn’t scream romantic Airbnb experience we don’t know what does. But you don’t even need to break the bank to enjoy this one. Te Kawa is its own little urban oasis in the heart of Auckland, and while it’s attached to the owner’s house by one single wall, it’s a haven of privacy. 

Inside, you’ll find a gorgeously styled pad, with a queen bed, ensuite, work desk and a lovely balcony overlooking a lush, tropical garden. You’ve got plush robes, eco slippers and Ashley & Co body care products to indulge in during your stay. As well as a 24-hour hot tub, you’ve got access to an outdoor heated shower beneath the palm trees, and there’s books, board games and an art kit for you to use too.

A super romantic getaway in the woods of a 35-acre New Zealand property, the Treehouse In The Woods boasts views of pastures, native bush and the ocean—what a trifecta. It's described as "a romantic escape for adventurers at heart" and we can see why as it's deliciously hidden in the pine trees.

Cuddle up in the loft bedroom or cosy living room in the winter months, or lounge about on the large deck, with breathtaking views, an outdoor bathtub and a barbecue. Once you've done enough lounging you can pop the walking shoes on for a four-kilometre wander down to the breathtaking beauty of Whale Bay. This one is a goodie.

Go completely off-grid and let the good times roll at this adults-only getaway 35 minutes’ drive from Wellington. This romantic New Zealand stay offers the best views of Kapiti Island and beyond and sits in its own serene little spot surrounded by grassland.

Your pad is compact but beautifully formed, with a queen bedroom from where you can lie and watch the sun dance over the water. It’s also got a rather fancy black outdoor bath that we reckon would pair nicely with a glass of local vino. Your kitchen has two gas hobs and there’s a barbecue for sizzling up a steak. Plus, catering can be arranged if you fancy upping the luxe factor a little bit more.

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.

A sublime getaway just 90 minutes from central Auckland, Ruru PurePod is one of the most romantic getaways we've ever been on (and that's saying something). It's so jaw-droppingly beautiful we had to mute our first look video clips else risk subjective viewers to a string of jubilant expletives. 

Arrive in plenty of daylight and primed for a mini-trek across farmland (just 600m) then pull up a lounger, kick back and drink it all in, ideally with a glass of bubbles in hand. Do book the dinner and breakfast hamper package and throw in your runners for a spot of adventuring in the nearby Karangahake Gorge or Hauraki Rail Trail. Scope our full review here. 

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. 

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.

Exquisite in design and amenities, Blackwood Cabin is a romantic Raglan stay situated overlooking a beautiful blackwood bush and walnut tree grove. The one-bedroom stay has an gorgeous outdoor stone bathtub to get cosy in, a hanging egg chair in the garden to kick back in, and comes with a fully equipped kitchenette, bathroom and flat-screen TV.

Needless to say, it’s a favourite among couples who love the fact it's just five minutes from town and yet seriously secluded with a private, relaxed vibe. Bring on the New Zealand wine and snacks. 

Just wait until you step foot inside this adorable New Zealand gem around an hour north of Auckland. Ruru Retreat Tiny is quite possibly the prettiest tiny home we’ve ever seen—and we’ve seen a lot. It’s super romantic inside, with a living space adorned with trailing plants and artistic touches, and that’s all before you’ve even tested out the stunning white outdoor bathtub by the deck that’s big enough for two and has views of rolling hills.

Add in the outdoor fire pit and the fact you’re just five minutes’ drive to the white sand beaches of Te Arai and Forestry, and you’ll see this is the sort of place you could picture yourself running away to with your love if you found yourself in a fairytale. The legends that own this place do indeed call it home when guests aren’t booked in, which means this pet-friendly stay offers something a little different to some Airbnbs. It’s got character. A whole heap of it. And we love it.

Surround yourself with soaring mountain ranges and the rugged beauty of New Zealand’s Mackenzie Region at this romantic cabin around three hours from Queenstown. Skylark Cabin is a modern home, with sleek lines and epic floor-to-ceiling windows that bring the outside in.

Wake in your king size bed and you can see what the weather is doing just by gazing through the skylight. You might like to head out to the deck with a cuppa and lounge on the bean bags for a while, or if you’re feeling adventurous, the host at this place provides e-bikes for guests to use free of charge. Back at your accommodation after a day spent exploring, there’s an outdoor stainless steel bath you can fill with gas-heated hot water for a long, leisurely soak before enjoying dinner and a cheeky glass of vino by the toasty log fire.

Pad with a lake view and cedar barrel sauna anyone? This romantic eco-retreat just a three-minute drive from Franz Josef Glacier village sits on the edge of a lake fed by a mountain stream. The lake is swimmable in summer or for a cold plunge the rest of the year, and you’ll be glad of the sauna with its panoramic fisheye window if you’re planning a dip. 

Expect jaw-dropping views of snow-capped peaks at this tranquil spot, and there’s even an outdoor bath to lounge in while you admire the view. If the serenity all gets too much, you can take the short trip to town where hikes, tours, a luxury spa, cafes, bars and restaurants await.