8 Most Romantic Things to Do in New Zealand for Couples

Marlborough Sounds is a network of ancient sunken river valleys at the northern tip of New Zealand's South Island. The depth of mythology surrounding the sounds is fascinating to learn about as you cruise across the glimmering channels with a sauvignon blanc in hand.

The most romantic tours of Marlborough combine cruises and wine tours, giving you time to slow down, admire the scenery, and savor New Zealand wines along the way. These trips let you learn about the region’s unique wine-making culture, taste reserves of award-winning wines, and capture natural beauty from cliffs to coast.

Best Wines from the Region to Sample: Sauvignon Blanc • Pinot Noir • Pinot Gris • Chardonnay • Gewurztraminer

New Zealand’s environment presents postcard-perfect places to picnic out of sight of the crowds. Each spot offers a distinct backdrop, whether of the shimmering silver-blue waters of Lake Wakatipu or the waterfalls of Te Urewera National Park.

You can host your own picnic with an assortment of local goods picked up at markets and bazaars, or let your private guide whisk you away for a gourmet outing atop a glacier. There’s a picturesque picnic experience perfect for every type of trip.

Best Picnic Spots to Visit: Chelsea Estate Heritage Park, Auckland • Omana Regional Park, Auckland • Hot Water Beach, Coromandel • Lake Tikitapu, Bay of Plenty • Tapapakanga Regional Park, Auckland

The West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island is an untamed mountainous region that’s home to the impressive Fox and Franz Josef glaciers. These bodies of slow-moving ice feed freezing rivers and form extravagant ice pillars, caves, and cliffs.

Couples can tour the winter wonderland, catching snowflakes as they fall to the ground and frolicking about in the powdery snow that collects at the foothills of the stone-gray mountains. From hikes to flights, there are various ways to explore the majesty of the mountains.

Highlights of Fox and Franz Josef Glacier: Wildlife tours • Glacier hikes • Air safaris • Okarito kayak adventures • Alpine cruises and fishing

New Zealand’s bustling, cosmopolitan Auckland, one of the country’s top destinations, stands between two harbors lined with superyachts, glamorous restaurants, contemporary art galleries, fashion boutiques, and high-rise condos. Dining precincts invite couples to try New Zealand’s finest food at restaurants spearheaded by Michelin-starred chefs.

Chic bars are the best places to grab an elegant cocktail after dinner as the sun drifts beyond the horizon and the city’s silhouette sits against the orange sky. Every moment of your stay in Auckland will be more glamorous than the last, as you live in the lap of luxury in New Zealand’s modern metropolis.

Things to Do in Auckland: Sky Tower • Auckland War Memorial Museum • Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki • Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbor • Auckland Domain

Recognized as a Dark Sky Sanctuary, New Zealand boasts remarkable nocturnal environments with little light pollution, presenting some of the most sensational starry skies on Earth.

Your vacation may take you to Aoraki/Mt. Cook National Park and the Mackenzie Basin of New Zealand's South Island to visit the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve for a life-changing stargazing experience.

At astronomical research centers and observatories in the area, you will see the stars, planets, and cosmos like never before. The night sky will shift from black to blue, purple to green, and the stars will twinkle as bright as can be.

Best Stargazing Spots to Visit: Aoraki/Mt. Cook National Park • Queenstown • Wellington • Lake Tekapo • Tongariro Crossing

The Milford Sound fiord offers magnificent scenery for couples to lap up as they make their way from Queenstown, one of New Zealand’s most romantic places, to the vibrant geological marvel. Arriving at the sounds, views of archaic rock formations rising from the azure waters stretch as far as the eye can see.

Vegetation thrives on the banks of the sounds and waterfalls cascade the green cliffs. During your trip, you can choose from an assortment of activities showcasing the unrivaled beauty of Milford Sound. You can hike to Key Summit for panoramic vistas, chase waterfalls flowing in the forests, and cross lakes or paddle through channels in kayaks before you return to Queenstown.

Things to Do in Milford Sound: Bowen Falls • Mitre Peak • Milford Sound Underwater Observatory • Harrison Cove • Deepwater Basin

Beautiful beaches hug New Zealand’s coastline and many are fascinating. The tiny town of Mokau boasts black-sand beaches that look like they came from another planet.

Hot Water Beach is naturally warmed by a bubbling hot spring that sits below the sand, providing the perfect temperature for swimming. The Archway Islands beyond the shores of Wharariki Beach provide a spectacular backdrop for seaside photography, while the white cliffs and ancient caves of Cathedral Cove are otherworldly.

Each unique shoreline is somewhat secluded at the right time of day, making them perfect for a romantic afternoon stroll.

Best Beaches to Visit: Maitai Bay, Northland • Wharariki Beach, Nelson Tasman • Piha Beach, Auckland • Cathedral Cove, Coromandel • Hot Water Beach, Coromandel

Sunsets over New Zealand are stunning, whether you are dining at an elite establishment in Auckland, sitting at a linen-draped table on the lawn of a prestigious wine estate, or viewing the glacial mountains from the banks of a sparkling lake.

As the sunset signals the end of a day's adventuring, you can spend your final moments tucking into New Zealand’s delicious delicacies, enjoying the distinct flavors that compose the country’s cuisine.

Succulent roast lamb is doused in regional spices, certain dishes, known as Maori hangi, are cooked underground, and artisanal cheeses are served with local wines.

Best Dishes to Try: Maori hāngī • Crayfish • Kina • Kiwi burger • Jaffas

Naturally breathtaking and enticing, New Zealand remains a fan favorite among couples and honeymooners searching for a stunning destination to toast their life moments and anniversaries, or simply wishing to escape for a short while.

You can explore our featured New Zealand honeymoon packages and tours for couples to start planning your romantic trip, or discover more inspiration in our New Zealand travel guide.