12 Most Romantic Accommodations in Paihia 💕 [2024]

Where to Find Romantic Getaways and Honeymoon Accommodations in Paihia

Just the name the “Bay of Islands” evokes romance with images of long walks on the beach and exploring gorgeous islands. That is, in fact, a reality also in Paihia and the Bay of Islands, making it the ideal destination for a romantic escape, a honeymoon or an anniversary. On top of the amazing experiences you can enjoy here, just see the 15 Best Things to Do in Paihia for inspiration, there is a fabulous choice of unique apartments, cosy bed and breakfasts, and utterly romantic hotels. We’ll go through some of our favourites in this list of the most romantic accommodations in Paihia.

While you’re here, you might also be interested in the 10 Romantic Activities in the Bay of Islands and The Romantic Getaway & Honeymoon Guide to the Bay of Islands.

1. Tarlton’s Lodge

Set on a hillside overlooking the bay and only a 10-minute walk from town, Tarlton’s Lodge offers a convenient up-market bed and breakfast accommodation in Paihia perfect for a romantic getaway. Each room spills onto a private balcony with a spa pool and ocean views. Enjoy cosy evenings in your provided fluffy robes and glorious mornings with impeccably presented plates of fruit, yoghurt and spoil-yourself cooked breakfasts. See alternative couples’ options, including in Kerikeri and Russell, in the 10 Best Romantic Accommodations in the Bay of Islands.

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2. Paihia Beach Resort & Spa Hotel

For couples seeking a bit of pampering, consider Paihia Beach Resort & Spa Hotel. The boutique resort is the ideal place to enjoy some downtime, with couples’ spa treatments available at La Spa Naturale and exquisite dining at the Glasshouse Kitchen & Bar. As for accommodation, the five-star hotel offers a range of well-appointed studios and two-bedroom apartments with a relaxing interior of butter-creams and French oak timbers. Each room has convenient kitchenettes, an ensuite, bathrobes and slippers with optional extras like a spa bath and a balcony with an electronic louvre system. For alternative hotel options, be sure to browse our 10 Best Hotels in Paihia.

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3. The Waterfront Suites – Heritage Collection

Combine luxury, location and convenience at The Waterfront Suites. These luxury suites by the Heritage Collection boast stylishly-appointed rooms ideal for a romantic retreat. Stay in a suite with a full kitchen, a separate lounge with Sky TV, and a private patio or balcony with the option for ocean views. What’s more, the suites are in a central waterfront location in Paihia, making it easy to stroll back from the town’s activities and eateries. See more recommendations like this in 10 Best Luxury Accommodations in Paihia.

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4. Copthorne Hotel & Resort Bay Of Islands

Enjoy a romantic retreat on the waterfront of Waitangi at the Copthorne Hotel & Resort. In between making the most of the Bay of Islands must-dos, enjoy some downtime together at the resort’s pool, tennis courts or restaurant specialising in fine Kiwi cuisine. The “Superior Harbourview/Seaview Rooms” are your “treat yourself” options at this four-star resort, while the “Standard Rooms” are a comfortable and more affordable option for couples. Or if you’re celebrating a special occasion, go all out and book yourselves a “Junior Suite” with your own lounge and balcony. Wherever you stay in this expansive hotel, you’ll enjoy waking up to the sound of the birds along with the proximity to gorgeous gardens and the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds. And while the hotel is a little out of town, at least a courtesy shuttle is provided.

Check Copthorne Hotel & Resort Bay of Islands out:

5. Bay of Islands Beachhouses

For an alternative location in the Bay of Islands, consider one of the private apartments at the Bay of Islands Beachhouses at Sullivans Beach. While most of the apartments are larger than what most couples need, they provide a gorgeous retreat with the feeling of serenity, yet still not too far from town. Every apartment has commanding views where it’s possible to sometimes see dolphins jumping in the bay. Meanwhile, your abode is completely surrounded by native bush teeming with birds. You’ll have easy access to the beach, in between enjoying your own space that these apartments bring. Facilities include a kitchen, at least one separate bedroom, a lounge and a private deck/balcony. For similar stays, check out the 15 Best Holiday Homes & Apartments in the Bay of Islands.

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6. Abri Apartments

What’s more romantic than getting cosy in your luxurious treehouse in the Bay of Islands? Set at the back of Paihia town elevated in the native forest, Abri Apartments offers a unique stay in Paihia for couples. There are three exclusive apartments available each with a private entrance accessed by a set of stairs to your balcony overlooking Paihia. The well-appointed rooms include a full kitchen, a bathroom with a double spa bath and an utterly comfortable lounge and dining area. Enjoy a glass of wine or a barbecue from your north-facing balcony which laps up both the morning and afternoon sun.

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7. The Retreat

As the name suggests, The Retreat is an out-of-town escape overlooking the gorgeous Te Haumi Beach. Enjoy glorious nights in your self-contained accommodation with a private balcony soaking in the sea views and containing a lounge, kitchen and bathroom. While the romantic views are the main reason to stay at The Retreat, the apartment complex also has a range of useful facilities, including on-site parking, free WiFi, a barbecue, fishing facilities and late arrival check-in. For more stays with kitchen facilities, be sure to check out the 10 Best Self-Catering Accommodations in Paihia.

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8. Allegra House

Another utterly romantic bed and breakfast option in Paihia is Allegra House, set in gorgeous gardens where the call of native birds is wonderful to wake up to. There are three bed and breakfast rooms with hotel-like facilities and all with a private balcony. Breakfast is included in the rate, which is an indulgent array of fresh fruits, cereals, yoghurts, homemade bread, croissants, free-range eggs and manuka honey, as well as a selection of cold meat and cheeses – enough to make any foodie bounce. Speaking of foodies, be sure to also check out The Food Guide to the Bay of Islands: Food Tours & Places to Eat for recommendations for date night.

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9. Chalet Romantica

If the name isn’t enough of a clue, this chalet bed and breakfast accommodation is an obvious choice for a romantic getaway. Chalet Romantica offers romance and honeymoon packages including a glass of bubbles and a private candlelit dinner. Your stay will be in a characterful suite styled with timber interiors and tasteful furniture and bedding, i.e. something that’s sure to impress. Breakfast is an event where fresh local produce and cooked breakfasts can be enjoyed from on the deck in the conservatory overlooking the water. The chalet also offers a few luxurious facilities, such as a heated indoor pool, hot spa, gym equipment, a library, kayaks and table tennis. See more stays like this in the 10 Best Boutique Accommodations in the Bay of Islands.

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10. Sanctuary Palms

Gorgeously decorated and built to impress, Sanctuary Palms is an obvious go-to when comparing luxury accommodations in Paihia. Nestled among subtropical gardens and native bush, these self-contained apartments offer the ultimate Bay of Islands retreat. Winter nights can be experienced in ultimate comfort in the two-person spa bath or in front of the fireplace, while summer mornings are best spent on the balcony with a coffee made from your very own espresso machine. There are a lot more luxury stays like this outside of Paihia, so be sure to check out the 10 Best Luxury Accommodations in the Bay of Islands.

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10 Best Romantic Accommodation in Paihia

11. Sunseeker Cottages

Perched on the hills of Haruru, just outside of Paihia, Sunseeker Cottages boasts some of the most tremendous views in the area. If you’re looking for a true holiday experience, this motel won’t disappoint. All of the two-bedroom cottages here are freestanding with their own elevated balcony to soak in the scenery. While the cottages sleep up to four, they are also the perfect choice for couples looking to treat themselves. For more motels to compare with, check out the 15 Best Motels in Paihia.

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12. Baywaterviews

A down-to-earth bed and breakfast that goes the extra mile to make your stay special, Baywaterviews is a fantastic option for couples. Experience ultimate tranquillity at this peaceful out-of-town retreat overlooking the Waitangi River. There are only three rooms, each with a king bed, ensuite, basic kitchenette, your own deck with outdoor furniture and the possibility of a private spa pool with sea views. You will be served breakfast on your deck, with the choice of either continental or two cooked options (we recommend the French toast).

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More Romantic Accommodations in Paihia for Couples

That’s it for our list of the best romantic accommodations in Paihia. For more stays or things to do for couples, check out the following:

Finally, if there’s anything about planning a trip to the Bay of Islands that we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in The Romantic Getaway & Honeymoon Guide to the Bay of Islands.

Sources:

The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:

Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2024])
Tourism Export Council New Zealand (Tourism trade association - Updated [2024])
TIA (Independent tourism association - Updated [2024])
NZ Māori Tourism (Official Māori Tourism platform - Updated [2024])
Department of Conservation (Tracks, hikes, campsites and more - Updated [2024])
Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2024])
Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2024])

Our editorial standards: At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.

About The Author

Laura S.

This article has been reviewed and published by Laura, the editor-in-chief and co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. Laura is a first-class honours journalism graduate and a travel journalist with expertise in New Zealand and South Pacific tourism for over 10 years. She also runs travel guides for five of the top destinations in the South Pacific and is the co-host of over 250 episodes of the NZ Travel Show on YouTube.

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