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If you are enthralled by the beauty of nature and the outdoors then this whole country will make you swoon. There’s barely an ordinary spot in the place which is pretty damn amazing. There are crystal clear still lakes, snow capped mountains, sparkling harbours and the valleys of wine countries. So how on earth will you decide where to go to impress your favourite person?
Well I can’t help you choose “the one” but here are 5 of my favourites to narrow the options down for you. From there you are on your own I’m afraid. Good luck! In NZ it is not an easy choice. The upside? You can’t go wrong.
1. Marlborough Wine Region
Everyone knows the south island’s Marlborough is the premier wine region in the country, particularly if you are partial to a Sauvignon Blanc. Now as we all know, the chefs aren’t fools and they follow the good wine to go with their delicious food. Couple both of those things with the incredible Marlborough region scenery and you have romance, romance and more romance.
2. Wainui Beach, Gisborne
Imagine being the first people in the world to see the dawning of the brand new day. If that doesn’t scream romance then I don’t know what does. Well if you are in New Zealand then head to Wainui Beachi in Gisborne and you can do this. Pack yourself a champagne breakfast, wander down to the beach and light yourself a little campfire. There you can sip champagne and toast marshmallows as you watch the new day begin.
3. Mount Cook Mackenzie Region
Featuring both Mount Cook and Lake Pukaki, the region is haven for true romantics.
Peaceful, serene and romantic. That’s how I’d describe the Lake Pukaki. The water is this incredible colour of aqua blue that seems too bright to be real. Well it is real and is actually from the glacial feed into the lake. The area is 100% postcard perfect and it is impossible to get a bad photo here. It doesn’t hurt that you can get Mount Cook into the background of your photos either. I particularly like this location in winter.
As New Zealand’s highest mountain Mount Cook is positively awe-inspiring and the crowning feature of the region. In winter, you ski, but at other times of year there are many other activities you can enjoy outdoors ogling the view and getting your romance on. For something truly romantic why don’t you get married at Mount Cook on New Zealand’s longest glacier, The Tasman. Yes, people have done it and it is possible.
4. Lake Wanaka
Lake Wanaka in the Otago region is equally as amazing as Lake Pukaki. It simply offers something different. My favourite time to visit this location is in the autumn when the golden and red colours really come out. They have a true autumn season here. The colours provide an amazing contrast to the rich blue of the lake.
5. Bay of Islands
Few things say romance like islands do and here there are 144 to float your boat. And speaking of boats how do you like sailing or cruising? Both are on offer in this fabulous north island region and both are quite the romantic choice. For something really special you can charter a yacht to one of the islands for picnic lunch and then finish the day with a waterfront meal and a walk along the beach in the town of Russell.
About the Contributor
Kristy is an Australian travel writer and hopeless romantic who love’s popping across the Tasman for a winter getaway. When she’s not on the road she regularly writes for HotelClub Queenstown where you can find great deals on a huge range of accommodation options.