The Honeymoon & Romantic Getaway Guide to Auckland

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Romantic Outdoor Activities for Couples

New Zealand is all about adventure and Auckland can certainly provide that too. Catch a ferry from the downtown Ferry Building to one of the glorious islands of the Hauraki Gulf.

Auckland’s surrounding waters are scattered with volcanic islands, from the rugged Rangitoto Island to the beach-lined Waiheke Island. Nature lovers will also love Tiritiri Matangi, a pest-free haven for native birds where you and your loved one can watch the magic of nature happen as you cosy up and watch the birds at of one of the island’s birdbaths or feeding stations.

Find out more about each island you can visit in our The 10 Best Islands in Auckland to Visit.

A honeymoon calls for long walks on the beach. Auckland can certainly provide in that department, featuring ruggedly beautiful black-sand beaches on the west coast and soft white-sand beached on the east. Combine your beach visit with seeing a fascinating gannet colony at Muriwai Beach, learn to surf together at Piha Beach, or hike to waterfalls at Karikari Beach.

Find more in Where to Find Black Sand Beaches in Auckland.

Experience the excitement of seeing whales or acrobatic dolphins together on a whale watching tour of the Hauraki Gulf. Departing from the Viaduct Harbour in the city centre, Auckland Whale & Dolphin Safari offers wildlife cruises with marine biologists to see some of Auckland’s most fascinating marine mammals.

Finally, for couples on a budget, a nice free thing to do is walk up Mt Eden. This volcanic cone is the highest natural point of the city where you can get wonderful views of the Auckland skyline, Rangitoto Island and beyond. The best time to go is at sunrise or sunset.

Find more free activities in 20 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Auckland.

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Romantic Indoor Activities for Couples

Whether you’re needing a break from the outdoors or happen to be having a bad spell of weather, a great back-up for your romantic getaway in Auckland is indulging in a couples’ massage. Unwind side by side in private treatment rooms at one of Auckland’s top spas, such as Spa Sommaai at the Rendezvous Heritage Hotel Auckland and the Chuan Spa at the Cordis Auckland by Langham Hospitality Group.

Imagine how you would fair together in yesteryears by visiting some of the fascinating museums in Auckland. The Auckland Museum is packed with exhibitions about New Zealand’s fascinating social and natural history. There’s even the opportunity to see a captivating Māori cultural performance.

Another museum worth adding to the itinerary is the New Zealand Maritime Museum at the Viaduct Harbour, showcasing seafaring stories of the South Pacific. The additional Maritime Museum harbour cruise on a heritage vessel is also a romantic way to see the Auckland Harbour and the city skyline from the water.

An alternative thing to do for couples, and especially food enthusiasts, is a culinary tour with The Big Foody. Your local guide whisks you away in a comfortable minivan to discover the multicultural city’s best eating spots together. Sample the region’s freshest seafood, baked goods and other tasty treats, all while enjoying morning tea, a light lunch and wine tastings along the way.

Plus, see more activities like this in our 10 Alternative Things To Do in Auckland.

© Cordis, Auckland by Langham Hospitality Group

Where to Stay: Accommodations in Auckland for Couples

From luxurious hotels to boutique hotels to attractive budget hotels, Auckland provides plenty of romantic accommodations for couples.

Although we outline all your options in the 20 Best Romantic Hotels in Auckland, here are some of our top picks for couples.

Cordis, Auckland by Langham Hospitality Group – Romantic Luxury Hotel in Auckland

A special occasion like a honeymoon or anniversary deserves a special stay. You’ll certainly find it at the five-star Cordis, Auckland by Langham Hospitality Group.

While the hotel caters to all types of guests, there’s little chance of traveller types disturbing the other thanks to their premier spa facilities, Health Club and bars offering a more “adults-only” experience.

Why not treat yourself to a couples massage at the Chaun Spa? Or have a high tea date with an exquisite array of handcrafted sweets?

As for rooms, the “Deluxe Room” with a Dream Bed and in-touch connectivity is a popular option for couples.

Discover why Cordis Auckland is perfect for romantic city breaks and book your stay through Booking.com or Expedia.

JW Marriott Auckland – Romantic Hotel in Auckland CBD

Thoughtful service and sophisticated luxury await at the JW Marriott Auckland, where couples can truly disconnect from the everyday and reconnect with each other.

The hotel’s 286 stylish rooms and suites feature the signature JW Marriott Bed with luxury linens, 50-inch TVs with upgraded entertainment systems, minibars and plush bathrobes for ultimate comfort.

Romantic moments are easy to come by, imagine swimming together in the heated indoor pool while taking in unrivalled harbour and city views, or unwinding in your luxurious bathroom complete with spa-quality toiletries.

We particularly appreciate the air-conditioned rooms with tea and coffee-making facilities for lazy mornings in bed. The 24-hour front desk ensures any requests are handled promptly, letting you focus entirely on each other during your romantic Auckland escape.

See what makes JW Marriott Auckland ideal for romantic getaways and reserve your stay through Booking.com or Expedia.

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Romantic Restaurants in Auckland

Choosing where to eat in Auckland can be a pretty overwhelming experience. Bear in mind that New Zealand’s largest city does have some of the best eateries in the country, so it’s worth treating yourself to something a little more “upmarket” for your special occasion.

In the city centre, treat each other to a unique dining experience atop the Sky Tower in the revolving restaurant, Orbit 360. What’s more, you can even couple the fine dining experience with a SkyWalk where you will be harnessed to walk on a barrier-less walkway around the perimeter of the Sky Tower – scary stuff!

Top restaurants like Sidart offer innovative multi-course degustation menus featuring locally sourced ingredients and exquisite presentation, while The Grove is known for its refined seasonal dishes served in an intimate setting perfect for romance.

If the urban centre is not your thing, then escape to Waiheke Island and its array of wineries and vineyards. Cable Bay offers some of the best views from its “Dining Room”, while Mudbrick is oozing with character and charm.

Find out more about the wineries of Waiheke in 20 Vineyards & Wineries on Waiheke Island.

Plus, for more dining inspiration, head to the 10 Best Fine Dining Restaurants in Auckland.