Romancing the Stone in New Zealand

Romance and Adventure, Kiwi-Style

Couples can explore the romance of adventure and the adventure of romance in the intimate embrace of New Zealand's perennial Valentine of pristine landscapes.  Newlyweds and tried-and-true romantics alike can stretch their muscles year-round with adventurous tours, enjoying fine wines, cuisine and accommodations, enhanced by the ageless romances of Maori legend and action-oriented Kiwi society.

Whether for one week or a whole month, on a budget or riding the strength of the U.S. dollar, couples will find themselves in a nation that caters to romantic adventures on both North Island and South Island.

Steeped in Maori history, the district of Rotorua is the setting of New Zealand's most fabled love story about Hinemoa, the lovely princess who plunged into Lake Rotorua on a moonless night,  guided only by a flute played by the warrior she was forbidden to love.  On Mokoia Island, at the lake's center, tours are available to soak in the thermal pools cherished by the lovers centuries ago.

Lovers of the great outdoors as well as each other may head to Taupo, a scenic one-hour drive south to the northeast corner of New Zealand's largest lake, Lake Taupo, an angler's paradise known for its prize-winning Rainbow and Brown trout.  Fly fish with a local guide, cruise on the lake or journey down river to visit Huka Falls where over 50,000 gallons of water empties over the cliff face every second.  Retire to a romantic suite at the renowned Huka Lodge, for fine dining next to a roaring fire, and private guest rooms that sit just 20 yards from the river's edge.

In plotting an adventurous romance, continue south along the shores of Lake Taupo, passing the active volcano of Mt. Ruapehu, in Tongariro National Park.  Drive across country hills and vast plateaus of grazing sheep to the coastal city of Wellington, New Zealand's capital.   On arrival, a private helicopter awaits for a thrilling ride alongside the Rimutaka Mountains down the rugged coastline to the acclaimed Wharekauhau Lodge, set on 5,000 acres of private land including ancient forests to explore on foot, on horseback or by four-wheel drive safari.  Private guest cottages keep the romance alive with four-poster canopied beds, open fireplaces and Jacuzzi tubs.

For a memorable tryst by sea or land, a two-hour ferry, or short half-hour flight, from Wellington, offer enticing passage across the Cook Strait to Nelson, South Island.  Nelson's delicious, world-famous wines can be savored on local vineyard tours or in a picnic lunch for two.

The quest for romance may find other adventurous paths.  Sea kayak through the turquoise waters of Abel Tasman National Park or walk the beaches of Rabbit Island.  After an active day,  meander through apple orchards and rich forests to the gentle valley of Paratiho Farms, where luxury accommodations and spa treatments allow guests to shift from adventure to romance.  And back again.  Traverse the coastal road to Christchurch, stopping in Kaikoura to cruise for the "big five," the sperm whale, fur seal, Hector's, dusky and bottlenose dolphin's.  On arrival in the "Garden City," check into your suite at The George Hotel and indulge in a romantic dinner for two in the privacy of your room.  At daybreak, drift through the dawn mists in a hot air balloon,  toasting the spectacle of the Southern Alps and Canterbury Plains with a champagne toast for two.

One day romance, one day adventure, and every day a bit of the two.  In the mystical wilderness of Queenstown, less than an hour's flight from Christchurch, secluded Blanket Bay provides a romantic sanctuary of breathtaking sunsets.  Partake in a jetboat safari, from the lodge's private dock, or visit Milford Sound in Fiordland National Park, a World Heritage Site Rudyard Kipling called "the eighth wonder of the world."

"New Zealand - Romantic Adventure" packages are available from Pacific Experience, for all tastes and budgets, from $4,665 to $10,325 per person (based on double occupancy), including roundtrip economy airfare from Los Angeles with Air New Zealand and optional domestic flights. 

For more information

www.PacificExperience.com, or call 1-800-279-3639.

For information about New Zealand's extensive vacation options, log onto the 100% Pure New Zealand website at http://www.newzealand.com

Edited by Dave Shultz