Romance, Kiwi Style
Source: AOL.ca
Posted: 01/29/10 2:15PM
Filed Under: Trip ideas
New Zealand might be best known for breathtaking vistas, adrenalin filled adventure and The Lord of the Rings movies, but the land of the long white cloud also has a softer, gentler side that would appeal to the more romantic.
Kiwis place matters of the heart right up there with bungy jumping. And, as a matter of fact, tandem bungy jumping can be incredibly romantic. Hearts pumping, palms sweating, being bound together as you leap off a bridge…What else could bring a couple so close together?
Whether you are on the North or South Island, there are plenty of opportunities for a more laid back version of romance. Everyone knows that wine and love go hand in hand and since New Zealand has 10 main wine growing regions throughout the country, with many of the wineries offering bed and breakfast accommodation, there is an incredible choice for wine lovers to indulge. Kennedy Point Vineyard Guesthouse is one option. Located on beautiful Waiheke Island, just a short ferry ride from Auckland, Kennedy Point focuses on growing and producing Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah wines that reflect the essence of the land. The B&B is surrounded by vines and has spectacular views of the sea. Just a short walk across the property is the Cellar Door & Wine Bar, a lovely restaurant that serves lunch and dinner and offers wine, olive oil and honey tastings year-round from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily.
For those looking for a more historic environment, just twenty minutes out of Queenstown, on the South Island, is Arrowtown. This historic gold-mining community feels like you have stepped back into the past with the main street peppered with original structures from back in the day of the gold rush. Arrowtown is also becoming widely renowned for its café and restaurant culture. For excellent cuisine visit Saffron, Pesto or the Postmaster’s House. There are several lovely resorts in or close to Arrowtown, the most famous being the Millbrook Resort. For something a little more quaint and historic, Pittaway’s Cottage is right in town and described as a romantic, self-contained cottage built in 1875. A former stone miner’s cottage, it has been tastefully refurbished and sits on the famous tree-lined Buckingham Street, just a two-minute walk from all the action.
And there is nothing more romantic than a helicopter ride to the top of a glacier for a glass of champagne. There are several well known helicopter companies that will take you on a tour on both the North and South Islands. One of the leading companies is The Helicopter Line, which covers most of the South Island and offers a range of tours. The helpful folks here are happy to customize a tour if your plans are to sip champagne and propose high up above the crowds.
LINKS:
Kennedy Point Vineyard Guesthouse
Millbrook Resort
Pittaway's Cottage
The Helicopter Line
Visit New Zealand.com for more information.
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