There is nothing like a getaway for you and your significant other, especially one that is also kind to mother earth.
Eco-romantics at heart, our team at Snap has been storing away the best places to wine, dine and be nice to nature around New Zealand.
So without further ado (but perhaps the preview to some I dos…) we bring you: Snap’s guide to the 10 most romantic yet environmentally friendly spots in New Zealand.
Who said eco-friendly couldn’t be indulgent? Not us! And certainly not the owners of this lush Northland getaway.
Set on the banks of the Takou River, Magic Cottages are voted one of the Top Ten Luxury Lodges in New Zealand.
Amongst 150 acres of certified organic pastures, native bush and five acres of subtropical garden: The four private cottages, lodge and glamping sites are boutique eco perfection.
Self-catered yet still indulgent, there is luxury and romantic packages to pamper guests. Think cosy wood fires, relaxing spa baths, indulgent massages, candle light and delicious gourmet meals.
TARANAKI TREASURE, NEW PLYMOUTH
This romantic getaway takes the form of an environmentally-friendly secluded cabin near New Plymouth.
Solar panels and a wetback oven heat the feature bath that looks out to the bush and night sky surrounds.
LYFORD LUXURY
Another award-winner for this definitive(ish) list, these two luxurious eco lodges are near-new.
Mountain-facing, the wooden features and cozy log fire make them the ultimate alpine escape.
Close to the ski field for all you adventurous lovers (see what we did there), there is also year-round tennis, mountain biking and cycling. Not to mention horse riding, walking tracks, fishing, 4WD trips and a beauty salon.
TRIPLE TUI LOG CABIN
Near Nelson at the top of the South Island, the Triple Tui log cabin is a romantic, remote escape.
Cross your own swing bridge to access the cabin, situated on a 50 acre farm near the Nelson Lakes National Park.
Defined as “rustic luxury” the Riverstone Cabin is built from locally harvested, sustainable wood, powered by solar power and hydroelectricity.
A great way to get off the grid in style and comfort, there is an onsite hunting and fishing guide as well as bush and walking tracks.
MANAWA RIDGE
On the beautiful Coromandel Peninsula, Manawa Ridge is a majestic setting steep in luxury.
Mixing recycled beams, mud brick and straw bale walls, the lodgings are designed for indulgence.
With 360-degree views of Waihi Beach, the Pacific Ocean and Coromandel coast from every room, these handbuilt eco-lodges create a tranquil ambience perfect for romance.
FERN RIDGE HIDEAWAY, KAITAIA
Perched 400m above sea level, this eco-option is surrounded by native kauri trees and wildlife along with views to Ninety Mile Beach, Mount Camel and North Cape.
Fully self-sufficient, natural living – Fern Ridge Hideaway is powered by hydroelectricity from an onsite waterfall.
Luxurious interiors and guaranteed privacy at the top of a 1km driveway, means visitors will have a relaxing, uninterrupted retreat.
THE FLYING FOX, WHANGANUI
Sleeping in a luxury little cottage accessible via flying fox – what could be more romantic? The Flying Fox in Whanganui could be, because it is also eco-friendly.
With only flying fox or boat access the Flying Fox has everything from camping and glamping to cottages, there is no cellphone reception or television – making it an ideal place to truly unplug with your significant other.
Explore the National Park or learn about the history of the area, including the old Maori village the site it built upon.
CASCADE RETREAT, OTAGO
Just an hour out of Dunedin and a further hour to the Catlines, this off-the-grid escape is an authentic, hand-crafted log cabin.
Cascade Creek Retreat is unhosted, meaning your romantic getaway will truly be uninterrupted as you relax atop this Central Otago plateau.
There is no cellphone coverage, internet or television here, but there is powered supplied by solar and hydro sources and ample walking tracks, native birds and cascading waterfalls.
AWATEA, TASMAN BAY
What better place to relax from than a custom-designed, eco-friendly boutique lodge with panoramic views across Tasman Bay.
Again, privacy and being off the grid are key features at Awatea, this time set on 25 acres of rural beauty.
However, it is possible to explore the nearby town of Motueka and Takaka or the golden sand beaches of Kaiteriteri and the Abel Tasman National Park.
SOLSCAPE, RAGLAN
A location designed for escaping, Solscape is a tranquil spot just a short walk from the world famous Raglan surf beaches.
At the foot of Mt Karioi and with sea views, Solscape serves natural, plant based cuisine and is home to a surf school, yoga, horse riding, rock climbing, kayaking and more.
To add to the relaxing vibes, there are courses in sustainability and holistic wellness so you can be at one with yourself, as well as your partner.