Known for its stunning natural beauty, South Island is home to snow-capped mountains, turquoise lakes, serene beaches and verdant forests. It is known for its picturesque lakes, such as Lake Wakatipu and Lake Hawea, which offer opportunities for boating, fishing and other outdoor activities. Mount Aspiring National Park and Abel Tasman National Park are ideal spots to visit for adventure seekers. There are also plenty of opportunities for wildlife spotting, including the famous Kiwi bird, penguins, seals and dolphins. It is also known for its fine dining experiences, with plenty of restaurants offering fresh seafood, local wines and other delicacies. If you’re looking for a more laid-back experience with your partner, there are many charming towns and cities to explore, each with its own unique character and charm. Read on to discover the best romantic getaways in South Island, New Zealand.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and access to couple-friendly amenities and activities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 14, 2024.
1. Queenstown
Competitively priced with good value for money, but additional charges for parking
Modern rooms, on-site restaurant, sauna & spa area, but limited car park space
Conveniently located close to the lake, public transport, and airport, with stunning views
Delicious and varied buffet breakfast, good dining options, but some complaints about room service and breakfast quality
Queenstown is a charming town nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by majestic snow-capped mountains, making it an ideal destination for a romantic getaway. Couples can take a wine tour at Gibbston, the world-renowned winemaker, just a 25-minute drive from Queenstown. You can also enjoy a romantic dinner at one of the many restaurants that offer stunning views of the lake and the mountains.
For couples who love adventure, Queenstown offers plenty of outdoor activities such as bungee jumping, skiing and skydiving. You can also take a hike up Queenstown Hill with a picnic basket and enjoy a romantic lunch or opt for a helicopter ride to take in the views of the town and surrounding scenery.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
comfortable private apartment with views of the lake and mountainswe used the bbq on the patio with table & chairs & amazing viewscomfortable bedRead more reviewsLocation:
very well located cosy placeclose to town centre with a lovely walk along the lakesidegreat little studio in a great locationgreat location and everything we needed for our staythe studio was of perfect size for us as too was the location
2. Christchurch (from USD 108)
The city is known for its stunning natural beauty, vibrant street art and laid-back atmosphere. One of the must-visit places in Christchurch is Botanic Gardens, where couples can take a romantic stroll, enjoy a picnic on the lush lawns or take a punt ride on Avon River that runs through the gardens.
For a more adventurous outing, couples can take a hot air balloon ride over Canterbury Plains or take a scenic drive up to Banks Peninsula. Couples can also enjoy a night out at one of the many restaurants and bars that offer live music and entertainment.
Carnmore Hotel Christchurch
Address: 840 - 848 Colombo Street
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
very warm and comfortableHost:
hosts were very helpfulthe owner is great to deal with & has a high level of communicationwe found the property to be in excellent condition and the hosts very helpfulRead more reviewsLocation:
such a great location and we really appreciated having such easy communicationan easy walk to the city and a wonderful retreat at the end of the daya great place to stay
3. Bluff (from USD 108)
Bluff is a small coastal town that offers a variety of activities and attractions that are perfect for a romantic getaway. One of the top attractions in Bluff is Bluff Hill Lookout. Couples can take a scenic hike up to the lookout and enjoy breathtaking views of the town, harbour and surrounding landscape.
Another popular activity for couples is taking a boat tour to the nearby Stewart Island, home to pristine beaches, rugged forests and diverse wildlife. No visit to Bluff is complete without experiencing the town’s famous Bluff Oyster and Food Festival. The festival takes place annually and is a celebration of all things seafood, with plenty of live music, entertainment and delicious food and drinks.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
easy stay in a beautiful comfortable home with good viewsCleanliness:
the place was clean and well provided forit's comfortable and clean with beautiful viewswe stayed during cold and wet winter days yet the house was super warm and dryHost:
very helpful hosts and added cot high chair and toys for grandchildrenRead more reviewsLocation:
great location for my visit easy to find and parking is good
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4. Nelson (from USD 107)
Great value for money with comfortable rooms and excellent meals.
Modern amenities including spa shower, underfloor heating, and spacious rooms.
Convenient central location with easy access to town, river, and attractions.
Excellent restaurant with high-quality food, friendly staff, and all-day room service.
Nelson is a charming coastal city that boasts stunning beaches, scenic parks and a vibrant arts and culture scene, making it an ideal destination for a romantic getaway. Nelson Classic Car Museum, located just 10 minutes from the city centre, is a must-see attraction with a variety of unique exhibits. Couples can also take a romantic stroll through Queens Gardens, a stunning Victorian-style park that features elegant fountains, beautiful flower beds and a picturesque pond.
One of the many excellent restaurants in the city is Hopgoods, known for its innovative cuisine and intimate atmosphere. For an unforgettable experience, you can visit Te Waikoropupū Springs for some Instagram-worthy photos, located 105 km (65.24 mi) from the city.
Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
clean and tidy good spaceHost:
hosts are excellentRead more reviewsLocation:
awesome house and great location
5. Dunedin (from USD 107)
Affordable rates, reduced pricing for short stays
Beautiful decor, cozy rooms, helpful staff, complimentary welcome drink, modern facilities
Convenient CBD location, walking distance to attractions, great access to restaurants and cafes
Excellent breakfast, delicious food in the restaurant, good coffee, outstanding service
Located on the southeastern coast of South Island, this city is steeped in history and charm. You can explore the city’s Victorian and Edwardian architecture, visit the stunning Dunedin Railway Station or take a stroll through the historic Baldwin Street.
Otago Peninsula, approximately 17.2 km (10.69 mi) away, is a must-visit for couples who love wildlife, where you can see penguins, seals and albatross in their natural habitats. Couples can also take a short six-minute drive from the city centre to explore the gorgeous Dunedin Botanic Garden.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
and there was plenty of spaceLovely comfortable home with modern touches Plenty of room for our group of 7 to spread outGreat place 3 adults and kidsa tidy warm space with great living/kitchen areaHouse had plenty of room for our group of 4 adults and 2 children Views looking over St Clair beachCleanliness:
house was warm clean and had everything we neededHost:
House was well equipped definitely home away from homeOur ladies team won the National title and the Men made the last 8Easy communication with owner Beautiful locationProperty was excellent for our needs Clean and warm on arrival well equipped and very comfortableHouse was very clean and tidy Rachael had put the heat pump on for our arrival which was great as our arrival was late at nightRead more reviewsLocation:
Loved it Beautiful houseSecond time we've stayed here and it was still a lovely place to stay Clean and tidy with easy access to Dunedin and anywhere elseare beautiful Location was perfect for us quiet neighbourhood but close to the city and St Clair beachOnly problem was that we found the steep and narrow access a bit difficult with a toddler baby and luggage
6. Akaroa (from USD 101)
Great value for money, large comfortable rooms, and beautiful views.
Historic building, spacious rooms, off-street parking, and cozy ambiance.
Centrally located, right next to the sea, with easy access to bars, cafes, and the waterfront.
Exquisite restaurant dinner, discount at the on-site restaurant, and close to local dining options.
This picturesque town offers couples seeking a romantic getaway plenty of activities and attractions to explore. A must-visit attraction is Akaroa Harbour, just 3.4 km (2.11 mi) from the township, where couples can take a scenic cruise and spot dolphins, penguins and fur seals in their natural habitat.
Couples can also indulge in the local cuisine, with delicious seafood and French-inspired dishes at the many restaurants and cafes in the town. For a unique experience, couples can visit Giants House, a magical and whimsical garden filled with sculptures and vibrant colours, which is a 10-minute walk from Akaroa Museum.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
The bathroom and toilet are not modern but worked for usThe heat pump makes the cottage warm - just keep all the doors openI have to save to come stayso it was nice and warm in the lounge and main bedroomsWe loved the cottage and the magnificent view Really comfortable and clean Loved the old style interior and furniture would highly recommendCleanliness:
This cottage is lovely and well maintained and very clean and tidyEverything was easy as far as checking in and outHost:
Good position tidy and warmGreat cottage Fully fenced section with a gate is awesome if you have kids as they can safely play outside Sunny deck with a stunning viewA wet weekend unfortunately but arrived to a warm and charming cottage Lovely old world facilities quite adequate to all our needs and a sheltered balcony to enjoy the view SueJust love this place however with the price of stays rising as they have done with these add-on costs my days there will be less andWe would love to come again Watching the kingfishers was magic Many thanksRead more reviewsLocation:
Enjoyed the garden and walking to the village and around the neighbourhoodVery comfortable little place for a 2-day get-away Nice waterfront walk into AkaroaSpotlessly clean Stunning viewsEasy to deal withAwesome little cottage within relatively easy walking distance of the shops and amenitiesStay here often just the best location nice and quietA well looked after older cottage
7. Manapouri (from USD 93)
A hidden gem that offers a perfect blend of nature and relaxation, Manapouri is an ideal destination for a romantic escape. One of the must-visit attractions in Manapouri is Doubtful Sound, a magnificent fjord that offers stunning views and a peaceful atmosphere for couples to enjoy.
You can also take a cruise of Te Anau Glowworm Caves for a mesmerising date under the hundreds of shimmering glowworms or book an Alpaca farm trekking tour for a fun-filled evening.
Manapouri Lakeview Motor Inn
Address: 68 Catherdral Drive, Manapouri, NZL, 7679
Top guest reviews
Read more reviewsCleanliness:
the cottage was clean cosy warm and filled with charm
Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
place was very clean and in a quiet neighbourhoodthe house was very clean tidy comfortable and very well stockedthe house was clean and tidy inside lots of room for a family and a nice deck areaRead more reviewsHost:
the manager was very helpful and readily available for any enquiriescheck in was easy and great communication from our hosts
8. Oamaru (from USD 90)
This charming coastal town offers couples seeking a romantic getaway an array of unique experiences and attractions. For a romantic stroll, couples can explore Victorian Precinct or explore the incredible restaurants, shops and cafes close by.
One of the most popular attractions is Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony, where you can witness the smallest penguins in the world returning from their day at sea. Another must-visit attraction is Steampunk HQ, a quirky museum showcasing a world of sci-fi and fantasy.
Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
clean and tidy with beautiful furnishingsHost:
lovely friendly and welcoming hostthe hosts were welcoming and friendlythe host was lovely and there were some great touchescomfortable accommodation nice breakfast included friendly host who showed us around the farmwhat a lovely place to stay the host was so welcoming and the cottage was spotlessRead more reviewsLocation:
beautiful setting in the country but still close enough to town to drive in for activities and restaurantsa great place to stop and unwindbeautiful location great host cabin was excellentbeautiful place to stay in peace and quiet but not far from town or beachconvenience of oamaru but only 5 minutes away and your staying in a beautifully peaceful place
9. Greymouth (from USD 81)
This charming town known for its beautiful scenery has plenty of things to do for a romantic getaway. Couples can take a scenic drive along Great Coast Road and enjoy stunning views of the coastline, mountains and rainforest. If you are an adventurous couple, you can try hiking in Paparoa National Park located 47.3 km (29.39 mi) from the city, which boasts beautiful limestone landscapes, caves and underground streams.
Greymouth is known for its fresh farm-to-table cuisine, which can be paired with a glass of wine from one of the many local vineyards or craft beers from West Coast’s breweries.
Top guest reviews
Host:
lovely friendly doggo got on great with our mastiffeasy private access to the beach and extremely friendly and welcoming hostsfriendly helpful and ollie popped down for visits almost every dayRead more reviewsLocation:
lovely hosts comfortable accommodation great location by beach close to greymouth and attractionsvery cool being so close to the beach amazing sunset even on a cloudy nightcentral to our needs beach access on the doorstep driftwood forever awesome place to stay with our 4-legged friends
10. Hanmer Springs (from USD 108)
Reasonable pricing for spacious, luxurious rooms with stunning views.
Large rooms, gas fire, outdoor and indoor spa baths, and a peaceful, private location.
Peaceful hillside location, a bit out of town, accessible via dirt and shingle roads.
Varied breakfast, delicious dinner, but some inconsistency in menu options and service.
Hanmer Springs is a charming alpine village popular for its breathtaking natural scenery and rejuvenating thermal pools, making it a popular spot for a romantic getaway. One of the main attractions is Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa. The complex features 22 outdoor thermal pools of varying temperatures, as well as indoor pools, saunas and steam rooms. Couples can relax and soak in the mineral-rich water while taking in the stunning mountain views.
Other popular activities in the area include hiking, bungy jumping, jet boating, horseback riding and skiing. Additionally, the town has a range of boutique shops, cafes and restaurants, perfect for a stroll and a romantic meal.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
Such a warm cosy house with comfortable beds and everything you need away from homeThe house was tidy and comfortable and contained all items we needed during our stayGreat place to stay Kitchen very spacious and nice thick duvetsMain couch and bottom bunk bed mattress need a bit of tlcHad a wonderful time in this home away from home has everything you need warm close to town and fantastic viewsHost:
Very nice warm tidy well appointed house on the hillwarm clean tidy and well appointedWow what a wonderful bach Everything at our fingertipsOur dog also enjoyed the run of the back garden and as a protective 'mum' I can say it is a very safe spacePerfect in every way - warm clean dog friendlyRead more reviewsLocation:
The only house ill stay at in hanmer now Cheers for a relaxing time Nick stewartClose to town centre and forestVery easy quick responses from owners Via email and phone callA short walk to town or Conical HillThe house is beautifully warm and set up perfectly for a short or long visit
Explore the beauty of South Island
South Island is a perfect destination for a romantic getaway, with its stunning natural beauty, adventurous spirit and rich culture. Whether you’re looking for relaxation or excitement, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this beautiful part of the world.
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