The Honeymoon & Romantic Getaway Guide to Queenstown [2023]

© Miles Holden - Tourism New Zealand

Outdoor Adventures in Queenstown for Couples

Queenstown is an outdoor playground, so naturally, some of your romantic excursions will consist of being in the great outdoors. Here are just some ideas to add a hint of romance to your choice of outdoor activities.

Helicopter Picnic Excursion

For something utterly private and utterly luxurious, catch a flight with Over the Top Helicopters to a remote location overlooking Lake Wakatipu. After the scenic flight, you’ll land in a secluded location known as “The Ledge” for a private gourmet picnic. Indulge in meats, cheeses, salad, fruit and a selection of beverages to share away from the world for as long as you desire. Check out experiences with Over the Top Helicopters on Viator, Tripadvisor or Klook and also read reviews. Plus, for more helicopter experiences, check out 5 Epic Queenstown Helicopter Tours.

Queenstown Gardens

If you prefer to keep your feet firmly on the ground (and your budget nice and tight), then take a romantic stroll through the Queenstown Gardens. This park, accessible from the town centre, offers gorgeous views of Lake Wakatipu and a network of walking trails through manicured gardens. Pack a picnic or hire a disc/frisbee to challenge each other to disc golf at the 18-hole course here. For more recommendations like this, see the 20 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Queenstown.

Cruises on Lake Wakatipu

The glistening waters of Lake Wakatipu are likely to entice you during your stay in Queenstown. There are a couple of great ways to experience the lake, from a historic steamship cruise to onboard a modern catamaran. The TSS Earnslaw is a popular option, offering multiple sailings throughout the day from Queenstown Wharf. Watch the stokers feed the coal fire and take in the surrounding lake scenery. Find out more about the TSS Earnslaw on Viator, Tripadvisor, Klook and KKday.

Alternatively, get around the lake further and faster with Southern Discoveries. Get gorgeous views of the lake and beyond while listening to informative commentary and enjoying treats from the onboard cafe. More information on the Southern Discoveries’ cruise can be found on Viator, Tripadvisor and Klook.

More Romantic Outdoor Experiences in Queenstown

• Do a tandem Canyon Swing (more info on Viator, Tripadvisor, Klook and KKday)
• Or a tandem bungy jump off the Kawarau Bridge
• Take a day trip to Glenorchy for horse trekking, hiking and more
• Or a day trip to romantic Arrowtown
• Tackle the Shotover River together with Challenge Rafting (on Viator, Tripadvisor, Klook and KKday)
• Hit the bike trails together with Going Blue Queenstown (on Viator, Tripadvisor and Klook).

For more inspiration on things to do, such as horse-trekking in Glenorchy see the 20 Best Things to Do in Queenstown, as well as more romantic experiences in the 10 Romantic Activities in Queenstown for Couples.

© Destination Queenstown

Food, Wine and Indoor Activities in Queenstown for Couples

If you’ve been travelling in New Zealand for a while now, you’ll know how quickly the weather can change here (if you don’t, check out our Queenstown Weather & Climate Guide). When the weather doesn’t play ball in Queenstown, here are some more ways to enjoy your time together.

Couples’ Spa Treatments

Unwind and relax together in a sensual experience at one of Queenstown’s spas. Body Sanctum Day Spa offers 30-90-minute couples massages where you’ll both be able to share the experience together in the spa’s cosy couples rooms. Learn more about Body Sanctum Day Spa on Viator and Tripadvisor.

Onsen Hot Pools

Other ways to relax are at the Onsen Hot Pools Retreat offering a range of private cedar hot tubs with views over the vibrant blue Shotover River. Find out more about the pools, read reviews and book tickets on Viator, Tripadvisor and Klook.

Queenstown Wine Tours

There’s a reason why wine is often associated with romance, and you’ll certainly see why when you’re gazing across the vineyards from one of the wineries surrounding Queenstown. There are many ways to experience the wineries of the Central Otago region, from touring the wineries by bike with Around the Basin Bike Tours (more info on Viator and Tripadvisor) to guided small-group tours with a designated driver with Queenstown Wine Trail (on Viator, Tripadvisor and Klook). Tours include plenty of tastings, photo stops and time to relax with your loved one.

For more treats for your tastebuds, see the 10 Things to Do in Queenstown for Foodies, as well as more all-weather experiences in the 20 Things to Do in Queenstown on a Rainy Day.

© Destination Queenstown

Romantic Restaurants in Queenstown

Finally, celebrate your special occasion with a date night at some of Queenstown’s most romantic restaurants. The Bunker is a cosy and rustic eatery located down an alley where you can indulge in Kiwi cuisine beside the crackling log fire.

Alternatively, get unbeatable views at Wakatipu Grill. Book your table before sunset to watch the sun glisten across the lake before dipping behind the mountains. Enjoy sundowners from the bar and a seasonal menu with something for just about everyone with exquisite vegan, gluten-free and vegetarian options available.

Or for a true foodie experience, head to Rata. This restaurant is run in collaboration with a Michelin Chef and Celebrity Masterchef judge, Josh Emett. Rata’s ever-changing menu aims to showcase the best of Central Otago, so here’s your chance to indulge in true New Zealand flavours.

For more ideas, check out the 10 Best Fine Dining Restaurants in Queenstown or our complete list of recommendations in The Foodie Guide to Queenstown.