Relaxation and romance go hand in hand with nature in New Zealand. Away from the crowds, New Zealand’s natural beauty and gentle vibe offers the perfect settings to put life’s cares aside and refocus on what’s important. From secluded beaches to soothing thermal pools, tranquil forest sanctuaries and outdoor adventures in pristine landscapes, to exceptional hospitality and accommodation, New Zealand has all it takes to create unique and intimate experiences.
Escape into the hills
Are you yearning for time in nature, to turn off and tune in to the inner self? Getting away from it all in New Zealand could mean an active hiking adventure or a thrilling voyage of discovery, or just letting a helicopter whisk you away on an escape into the hills. It’s widely recognised that walking is good for physical and emotional wellbeing. Take a guided walk into forests to meet some ancient survivors, learn about natural remedies or experience quiet forest meditation.
For active adventurers, New Zealand’s many hiking trails are the best way to discover the unspoilt ancient forests, crystal lakes and rivers, golden beaches, rugged mountains and vast valleys that make up one-third of the land area. Trails range from the renowned multi-day ‘Great Walks’ to scenic day hikes and short walks.
Soak your cares away
Are you longing to give your tired self some pure relaxation? New Zealand’s geothermal hot springs provide naturally heated mineral waters in lovely surroundings.
At Hot Water Beach on the Coromandel Peninsula, you can dig your own hot pool in the sand at low tide, and there are various regions where you might just discover a secret hot pool on the edge of a lake or in a running stream. There are lovely hot pool complexes in many places, and some beautiful adults-only locales where soaking your cares away comes with poolside drinks, indulgent spa treatments and evening under-the-stars experiences.
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Relax and recharge
Are you looking to relax and recharge? New Zealand’s high-end wellness retreats will see you return from holiday refreshed – and might just jump-start your health and fitness.
Sometimes doubling as luxury lodges, these wellness retreats are often small, intimate destinations in stunning locations. The range of wellness packages and personalised retreats usually covers sinfully healthy food, meditation, movement, massage and spa treatments, yoga and exercise – a rich experience designed to help you put your life in order, and leave you feeling refreshed and reinvigorated.
Gaze into the universe
Stargazing in some of the world’s clearest night skies – thanks to a relatively small population and low light pollution – is an unforgettable New Zealand experience, as you look to the universe for magnificent views of the southern hemisphere sky.
Head to the gold-rated International Dark Sky Reserve in the Mackenzie Basin for an array of stargazing experiences or the dark sky island sanctuaries of Great Barrier and Stewart Islands. For pure romance, you can sleep under the stars in the comfort of beautiful lodges and cottages designed for stargazing experiences. Or sail away into the sunset, on an overnight cruise in remote Milford or Doubtful Sound where the darkness is only matched by the quiet.
Paradise for foodies
Whether you’re after a relaxed picnic or a romantic dinner for two, New Zealand is a food and wine lover’s paradise with gastronomic experiences for every occasion.
Cycle through the vineyards or follow a food trail through the beautiful countryside and stop off for a romantic lunch and wine tasting at one of the wineries. You might just want to try a New Zealand speciality such as plump, sea salty Bluff oysters with a bottle of bubbles. Cruise the Marlborough Sounds on a green shell mussel experience or take a private helicopter flight for a romantic mountain-top picnic.
Read: New Zealand’s secret wine region
Secluded hideaways
Stay over on Waiheke Island for a gourmet escape among the vines. Just 35 minutes by ferry from Auckland’s city centre, Waiheke Island offers luxury stays with boutique wineries and restaurants, gorgeous beaches, walking and biking tracks, and artist studios to visit.
Find your private space in any one of New Zealand’s network of gorgeous luxury lodges, private villas and smaller boutique accommodations in stunning coastal, alpine and rural locations, away from the crowds but close to many activities and relaxing pursuits.
Have you travelled to New Zealand? Do you have any other relaxing spots to add to this list? Let us know in the comments section below.
Also read: Where to spot a kiwi bird in New Zealand