Romantic Weekend Itinerary -

Romantic getaways in Matakana offer couples a sophisticated blend of boutique vineyards, pristine marine reserves, and secluded luxury accommodation just 60 minutes north of Auckland. The region is renowned for its artisanal food scene, private wine tastings, and eco-conscious adventures like the Goat Island Marine Reserve, making it the premier New Zealand destination for intimacy and nature-based relaxation.

Escaping the bustle of Auckland for a weekend of romance requires a destination that balances tranquility with high-end experiences. Matakana, often dubbed the Tuscany of New Zealand, provides exactly that. Whether you are celebrating an anniversary, planning a proposal, or simply needing to reconnect, this region offers a curated selection of activities that cater to both relaxation and discovery. From the rolling hills of vine-covered estates to the crystal-clear waters of New Zealand’s first marine reserve, Matakana sets the stage for an unforgettable romantic narrative.

What are the Best Boutique Accommodations for Couples?

The foundation of any romantic weekend is where you lay your head. Matakana thrives on offering accommodation that ensures privacy, luxury, and a deep connection to the surrounding landscape. Unlike standard hotels, the region specializes in lodges, glamping sites, and architectural villas that serve as sanctuaries for couples.

Plume Villas: Vineyard Luxury

Located in the heart of the wine country, Plume Villas offers an immersive experience where luxury meets the agrarian charm of a working vineyard. The villas are designed to be self-contained havens, allowing couples to retreat from the world completely. The architecture favors natural light and open spaces, blurring the line between the comfort of the indoors and the rustic beauty of the vines outside. Staying here positions you within walking distance of one of the region’s finest restaurants, allowing for a seamless transition from a romantic dinner back to your private sanctuary.

Riverside Matakana: Secluded Nature

For couples who find romance in seclusion and silence, Riverside Matakana offers ‘bach’ style accommodation that is significantly more upscale than the traditional Kiwi holiday home. Nestled along the riverbanks, these standalone units ensure that your neighbors are native birds rather than other tourists. The focus here is on slow living—waking up to the sound of the river, enjoying coffee on a private deck, and utilizing the on-site amenities like tennis courts and heated pools without the crowds found in larger resorts.

Takatu Lodge & Vineyard: High-End Hosting

If your idea of a romantic getaway involves being pampered by attentive hosts, Takatu Lodge is the benchmark. With high vaulted ceilings and roaring open fires in the communal areas, it exudes a lodge-style warmth. The suites, however, are deeply private. The lodge overlooks the Hauraki Gulf, providing sweeping ocean views that serve as a stunning backdrop for a romantic breakfast. The property is also a working vineyard, meaning you are never far from a glass of their award-winning Pinot Gris.

How to Experience Marine Education Romantically?

Matakana is unique because it sits on the doorstep of some of New Zealand’s most significant marine environments. Integrating marine education into a romantic itinerary adds a layer of depth and wonder to the trip. It moves the experience from purely hedonistic to meaningfully engaging with the natural world.

Goat Island Marine Reserve

Just a short drive from Matakana Village lies Goat Island (Cape Rodney-Okakari Point Marine Reserve), New Zealand’s first marine reserve. For couples, this offers a chance to witness a thriving ecosystem. The romance here is found in the shared discovery. You can rent snorkel gear and hold hands while floating above massive Snapper and Blue Maomao that swim fearlessly around you. It is a surreal experience that fosters a sense of connection through shared awe.

The Glass Bottom Boat Experience

If getting wet isn’t on your agenda, the Glass Bottom Boat tour is a sophisticated alternative. It allows for an educational journey into the marine environment without the need for wetsuits. As you drift over the kelp forests and reef systems, guides provide insights into the conservation history of the area. Learning about the delicate balance of the ocean together can be a surprisingly intimate experience, sparking conversations about nature and stewardship that last long after the boat docks.

Tawharanui Regional Park: Kiwi Spotting

Tawharanui is an open sanctuary located on a peninsula, boasting some of the country’s most beautiful white-sand beaches. However, the true romantic magic happens after dark. The park is home to a thriving population of North Island Brown Kiwi. Taking a guided or self-guided walk at dusk with red-light torches to spot these elusive birds is a thrilling adventure. Walking quietly in the dark, under the southern stars, listening for the kiwi’s call, creates a unique bond and a memory that defines a New Zealand romantic escape.

Where are the Best Private Wine Tastings?

Matakana is an artisanal wine region, distinct from the mass-production scale of Marlborough. The climate here favors boutique varieties like Pinot Gris, Syrah, and Sangiovese. For a romantic getaway, avoid the crowded cellar doors and seek out intimate tasting experiences.

Brick Bay Wines & Sculpture Trail

Brick Bay offers a dual experience of art and viticulture. Before settling in for a tasting, couples can walk the Sculpture Trail, a 2km path winding through native bush and wetlands featuring large-scale contemporary sculptures. This walk sets a contemplative tone. The tasting room itself, the ‘Glass House,’ is an architectural marvel cantilevered over a lake. Here, you can enjoy a paddle of their acclaimed Rosé while discussing the art you’ve just viewed. It is intellectual, sensory, and deeply romantic.

Heron’s Flight: The Italian Connection

For a taste of Italy in New Zealand, Heron’s Flight is the only vineyard in the country specializing exclusively in Sangiovese and Dolcetto. The atmosphere here is rustic and warm. A private tasting can be arranged where the winemakers explain the challenges and triumphs of growing Italian grapes in Kiwi soil. Pairing their rich reds with a platter of local cheeses and olives makes for a perfect lazy afternoon.

What are the Most Romantic Sunset Spots?

No romantic itinerary is complete without a designated spot to watch the sun dip below the horizon. The geography of the Matakana Coast provides several vantage points, each offering a different atmosphere.

Omaha Beach

Omaha Beach is famous for its pristine white sand and clear waters. A sunset walk here is a classic romantic trope for a reason—it works. The beach is long enough that you can easily find a stretch of sand to yourselves. Facing east, you get the stunning colors of the sky reflecting off the water and the pink hues on the horizon as the sun sets behind the hills to the west.

Pakiri Beach

For a wilder, more rugged aesthetic, head north to Pakiri. This beach feels untouched and ancient. The drive there takes you over the hill, revealing sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. It is less developed than Omaha, offering a sense of isolation that is perfect for couples wanting to escape the world. The wind-swept dunes provide sheltered spots to sit with a blanket and a bottle of wine as the light fades.

Where to Find Couples Spa Treatments?

To truly unwind, incorporating a spa treatment into your weekend is essential. It shifts the body from a state of stress to a state of receptivity and relaxation.

Oasis at Matakana

Oasis provides a sanctuary dedicated to wellness. Their couples’ packages are designed not just for individual relaxation, but for shared harmony. Treatments often utilize organic and locally sourced products, grounding the experience in the region. A side-by-side massage followed by a herbal tea in their relaxation lounge allows you to decompress together, setting a calm tone for the rest of the evening.

The Perfect 48-Hour Matakana Itinerary

Planning is the enemy of spontaneity, but a loose structure ensures you don’t miss the highlights. Here is a curated schedule for a romantic weekend.

Day 1: Arrival and Indulgence

10:00 AM: Depart Auckland and enjoy the scenic drive north.
11:30 AM: Arrive at the Matakana Village Farmers’ Market (if Saturday). Sample artisan cheeses, oysters, and craft cider. It’s a sensory overload and the perfect place to buy supplies for a picnic.
1:00 PM: Check into your boutique accommodation (e.g., Plume Villas).
2:30 PM: Head to Brick Bay for the Sculpture Trail walk followed by a late lunch and wine tasting at the Glass House.
5:00 PM: Return to your accommodation to freshen up.
7:00 PM: Dinner at a local bistro or a private chef experience at your lodge.

Day 2: Nature and Connection

9:00 AM: Breakfast at the lodge or a local café in the village.
10:30 AM: Drive to Goat Island Marine Reserve. Take the Glass Bottom Boat tour or go snorkeling to experience the marine life.
1:00 PM: Picnic lunch at Tawharanui Regional Park. Find a secluded spot on the grass overlooking the ocean.
3:00 PM: Couples massage at Oasis at Matakana.
5:30 PM: Sunset walk at Omaha Beach.
7:30 PM: Final dinner featuring local seafood and Matakana wine.