Rose gold sunsets with a glass of wine, steaming thermal pools with waterfalls, or a picnic with views over the vast lake and mountains; romantic settings are endless in Taupō. If you're organising a romantic weekend, planning to pop-the-question or looking for a charming place for a honeymoon or baby moon, Taupō should be first on your list.
Perhaps one of the most special places in Taupō, experience the healing properties of the region’s geothermal waters at Wairakei Terraces & Thermal Health Spa, an adults-only pool and spa uniquely situated below magnificent silica terraces.
Relax with your significant other in one of the three different tempered pools amongst rising steam, warm mineral-enriched water, melodic birdsong and the soothing sounds of cascading water. Add on a therapeutic massage to rejuvenate and balance your body and mind.
Spend some quality time in your own private hot pool at Taupō DeBretts. Soak away your worries in the warm mineral-rich thermal water.
Set in a steaming thermal valley, relax and soothe tired muscles in the two large outdoor pools, private indoor pools or freshwater pools and spa pools. Indulge further in a relaxing massage or pamper yourself with one of the luscious beauty treatments at the day spa.
If food is your love language, The River Road Kitchen is the perfect place to have some quality time in the kitchen.
Get cosy with a private cooking class hosted by chef Michelle Steel, who will guide you through the process of making your own wood-fired pizza from scratch. Or if you're spending valentines with a group of friends, book in for one of Michelle's workshops to create pizza, dumplings, bread or cakes!
Sail across calm Lake Taupō on a yacht with a drink in hand with Taupō Sailing Adventures or Sail Barbary.
Enjoy 2+ hours of gliding along the midnight-blue waters of the lake, visiting the magnificent Ngātoroirangi Māori Rock Carvings along the way.
The Taupō region has a variety of beautiful walks, especially if you're looking to 'set-the-scene'. If you want to capture a few cute couple pics, Pureora Forest Park features a canopy of native trees and birds, the Rimu Walk, Waihora Lagoon, and great views from the summit of Mt Pureora over the park and Lake Taupō in the distance.
Or take a few sweet selfies at Huka Falls after walking the Spa Thermal Park to Huka Falls Track. Start with a warm soak at Otumuheke Stream then work your way 3km (6km return) along the serene Waikato River to reach the falls.
If a little friendly competition lights your twin flame then head to Dropzone at The Landing, Taupō's newest entertainment centre.
Tenpin bowling, classic arcade games and virtual reality experiences are on offer at this brand-new facility, as well as a mini golf course featuring holes that reflect the region's natural attractions such as Tongariro National Park and Huka Falls. Food can also be enjoyed here, with Café Lacus, Mavericks Gastro Pub and the quirky ice cream parlour Suga Mummas.
Order a platter for two with The Good Graze Co. and have it delivered to the harbour before you depart on your own motorised doughnut-shaped boat with Doughboats Lake Taupō.
Link up the Bluetooth speaker, turn on the heater and LED lights and glide yourselves along the shores of the lake for two hours (BYO food and drink available).
Begin your day surrounded by the scent of fresh ground coffee, fresh-baked bread and an array of house plants at Storehouse.
Or enjoy your eggs-bene with a view over the lake from Café Baku, which offers one of the most delicious and varied cabinet selections in town.
Do you or your partner have a sweet tooth? Then head to Baked With Love for breakfast, but walk away with much more after perusing their delightful sweets, cakes and pastries.
For something a little fun and different head to Bistro Lago for one of their famous High Teas or expertly mixed cocktails.
To enjoy picturesque lake views with your toes in the sand and a wood-fired pizza, take a look at Two Mile Bay Sailing Club.
Indulge in a splice of Mediterranean and Aotearoa fusion food at Vine Eatery & Bar, where you and your partner can share a selection of delicacies from their tapas menu or order al-a-carte.
Or for some secluded dining, take a packed lunch with you (from the likes of Baked With Love or Bodyfuel Cafe) to Rangatira Point and spend a few hours sitting on the edge of the lake with your lover for a picnic.
Snuggle up next to the fire while you enjoy the seasonal a-la-carte menu and wide selection of craft beer and Aotearoa wines at Plateau Bar & Eatery.
Or celebrate love with modern Kiwi cuisine cooked using French and British techniques at Embra, showcasing local growers' fresh produce served in an intimate setting.
With Italian cuisine known as the 'food of love', Sorrento Italian Dining & Wine Bar may well be your romantic rendezvous with classic dishes like fettuccine and marinated olives, and more playful offerings like their mocktail menu.
Romance under a starlit sky and get away from the bustle of the city in one of Taupō's quaint, secluded glamping spots.
Te Tuhi Hut & Dome is a luxury cottage like no other. The crown jewel of this tranquil retreat is the semi-open-air bathroom and bath that can be moved outdoors to enjoy those starry nights.
Kinloch Glamping is luxury camping at its finest. This spacious, three-room safari tent can accommodate up to six people, perfect for a triple-date getaway. It's equipped with an up-cycled outdoor kitchen, a biofuel fireplace and twin outdoor baths overlooking the surrounding hillsides.
Kawakawa Hut offers an off-grid escape, surrounded by rolling farmland. Enjoy this rural-chic cabin with the comforts of an open fire pit, log burner, and plush queen bed.
The Telephone Exchange, if you can't tell by the name, is a restored telephone exchange building now serving as a charming off-grid retreat. Enjoy watching the sunsets from your porch while the local rosellas and kingfishers swoop through the trees. Then take a short walk through to find a bath hidden amongst the trees.
Hidden in the hills of Acacia Bay is the intimate and beautiful Acacia Cliffs Lodge. Immediately as you walk in, the one-of-a-kind view from the lodge's main room is truly indescribable. Enjoy relaxed luxury on your own private deck followed by canapes and a 5-star feast as just one of the memorable experiences created here.
If you're looking for a quiet getaway, seated in one of New Zealand's most tranquil settings near Tongariro National Park, the self-contained apartments at Braxmere Lodge should be at the top of your list. With the lake right at your doorstep, Braxmere is the perfect location for a weekend to rejuvenate in the stunning outdoors, whether the two of you are biking, tramping, or skiing together.
In the cool months, there is nothing more satisfying than a hot soak after a long day of traveling. While you're close to lakeside dining, elegant bars and eateries, and romantic activities, you can't wait to return to your own private geothermal pool and a glass of wine at Baycrest Thermal Lodge.
Two nights in a luxurious suite with stunning views of Lake Taupō and Mount Tauhara is all you need to immerse yourselves in romance, ambiance, and elegance at Chalet Eiger Luxury Lodge. Relax and enjoy your romantic retreat with their all-inclusive packages that offer dinner, scenic ebike rides together, a couples massage, and more.
For something a little more central, the Taupō region is brimming with fabulous hotels and resort stays.
Hilton Lake Taupō offers 5-star facilities wrapped in a building with rich cultural heritage, refurbished from the historic 1889 Terraces Hotel. Now boasting heated outdoor pools, tennis courts, a fitness centre, room service for a bottle of bubbles, and an on-site restaurant, Bistro Lago, as part of their modern flare.
For front-row seats to remarkable sunsets and uninterrupted views of Lake Taupō, the Millenium Hotel & Resort is the premium choice. Spend the morning together, walking from your lakeside room along the Great Lake Pathway to Taupō's famous attractions like mineral hot pools, Huka Falls, and the Ngatoroirangi Mine Bay Maori Rock Carvings, then unwind at charming lakefront dining at the Edgewater Restaurant.
This historic hotel, Wairakei Resort, is seated in the prime location of Wairakei Tourist Park. Only minutes away from outdoor adventures together like biking the Huka Trails together, playing a friendly but competitive game of golf, or relaxing in the serene atmosphere at Wairakei Terraces & Thermal Health Spa. Not to mention the resort has two outdooring swimming pools, 6 open-air hot tubs, squash and tennis courts, as well as a body firm spa for the two of you to enjoy together.
What’s your idea of the perfect couple's escape? Living it up in the lap of luxury? Maybe some action, adventure and excitement? How about some quality time out in nature enjoying this spectacular country we are lucky enough to call home? However you like to spend time with your loved one, have fun, celebrate and rejuvenate in Taupo.
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