The Most Romantic Places to Stay in New Zealand

Move over, Paris.

New Zealand doesn’t overtly sell itself as a romantic destination - which is exactly why it is. Privacy is built into the geography. Landscapes feel untouched and entirely yours: long, empty roads, quiet beaches, and pared-back architecture that’s purposeful, not performative. This is for couples who value both the great outdoors and each other’s company, where isolation is part of the appeal and stillness is the true luxury.

The magic, of course, is where you stay. From architect-designed retreats and remote lodges only reachable by helicopter, to private villas tucked into verdant native forest or sitting high above the sea, these are the most romantic places to stay in New Zealand for travellers who care about atmosphere, design, and a true sense of escape. Romance here is about immersion in the extraordinary - no rose petals, towel swans, or heart-shaped hot tubs needed.

This edit highlights the most romantic places to stay in New Zealand: private, design-led escapes across both the North and South Islands. Some are reached by helicopter, others by coastal roads or gravel tracks. All share one quality: they make you feel wonderfully, completely elsewhere.

Jack’s Retreat, Jack’s Point - Queenstown, South Island

By way of setting and seclusion, Jack’s Retreat is easily one of the most romantic places to stay in New Zealand. Set on a 1,200-hectare settlement with Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables as your backdrop, this private escape promises more stars than people, and all the space in the world to connect with your loved one.

Designed by Francis Whitaker with interiors by Rebecca Cockburn, the minimalist retreat sits effortlessly in its surroundings: glass, stone, timber, and concrete frame the lake and mountains. A private terrace, outdoor fire, and effortless connection to nature make switching off inevitable.

Mornings might start with breakfast at the Jack’s Point Clubhouse, afternoons exploring the trails or testing your swing on the championship golf course, and evenings sipping Central Otago Pinot as the light melts across the peaks. For couples seeking space, privacy, and breathtaking views, Jack’s Retreat is understated, elegant, and unforgettable.

Minaret Station - Southern Alps, South Island

For couples seeking a soul-stirring getaway with a side of adventure (and really good food), Minaret Station is hard to beat. Set in the Southern Alps near Wanaka, this remote alpine station is only accessible by helicopter - the approach alone is something extraordinary. Towering peaks, glacial rivers, and wide-open skies stretch as far as the eye can see, making it easy to forget the world beyond the mountains.

Accommodation is rustic yet refined, farmhouse chic without distraction, with interiors deliberately minimal to let the scenery lead. Outside, wander high-country trails, watch wild rivers tumble through valleys, or toast the sunset from your private deck with a glass of Central Otago Pinot.

Food is as much part of the experience as the landscape. The Mountain Kitchen showcases free-range venison, Lumina lamb, and Angus beef from Minaret Station’s 50,000-acre farm, seafood from Stewart Island, the West Coast, and Fiordland, and fresh produce from passionate local growers. Here, romance is about sharing awe-inspiring terrain, unforgettable meals, and absolute togetherness.

Omana Villas - Waiheke Island, North Island

If your idea of romance includes world-class wine straight from the vines, white sand beaches, rolling green hills, boutique shopping, and exceptional dining, Waiheke Island is your perfect love nest. Sitting on 3 hectares of private land near Woodsie Bay, Omana Villas offer four secluded retreats with uninterrupted ocean and forest views, a private beach, and all the space to unwind in style.

Each villa (Serenity, Haven, Surrender, and Joy) pairs architect Pete Bossley’s sustainable design with luxurious touches. Spacious bedrooms, spa-style bathrooms, and terraces framing forest and sea set the scene for peaceful mornings and languid evenings. Romance is woven into every detail: breakfast delivered to your door, in-room massages, warm baths in oversized tubs, picnics on the private beach, and peaceful moments on the balcony overlooking the sea.

Awarded Qualmark Gold and a 5-star boutique rating, Omana Villas ranks among the most romantic places to stay in New Zealand, ideal for couples seeking privacy, style, and a little extra wine with their romance.

Seascape - Annandale, Christchurch, South Island

Seascape, Annandale, is entirely off-grid, utterly private, and purpose-built for two. Perched above its own secluded bay, this cliff-top retreat is where the world falls away. Helicopter or 4WD access ensures complete removal from the outside world, while turf roof, stone walls, and floor-to-ceiling glass melt the house into the dramatic coastline.

Inside, a king-size bed on a raised dais and a fireplace frame the view, while the bathroom’s arrowslit window opens onto an outdoor spa. From here, the bay, jagged rock formations, and open water feel entirely yours — occasionally joined by dolphins or a passing seal.

Seascape is pared-back romance at its finest: scale, privacy, and uninterrupted presence. Every detail — from minimalist architecture to the spectacular views — lets the landscape take centre stage, leaving connection with the land, yourself, and your partner as the only agenda. One of the most romantic places to stay in New Zealand, effortlessly.