New Zealand walks don’t have to be hikes and treks. When knowing the right places to go for short and easy walks in New Zealand there’s plenty of choice, especially on the beautiful (and arguably better) South Island. For those lovebirds looking for a peaceful South Island escape there’s nowhere better than what NZ has to offer. Luckily anywhere you go will be pretty quiet and mostly people-free, making the South Island the perfect destination for a romantic walk!

Hanmer Springs sunset
Hammer springs
Did someone say spa? Yes, this small alpine town is nestled in the mountains and boasts soothing hot spring pools and fine dining to ensure relaxation and indulgence. Easy walks nearby and around the town are sure to work up an appetite!

Godley Head coastal walks
Godley Head
For the history-loving couples Godley Head will be an ideal break from the busy city nearby. Take a stroll along the dramatic coastline just a short drive up the hill from Christchurch for a unique date idea!

Port Hills view
Port Hills
What better way to woo your beau than with outstanding landscape views? With a 360 sweep across Christchurch you’ll be able to impress your date by spotting the mountains in the distance, and name the beautiful volcanic bays emerging from the ocean.

Devil’s Punchbowl Falls
Arthur’s Pass
Walks such as Bridal Veil Falls (hint hint?) and Devil’s Punchbowl Falls just ooze romance. If you want to capture the perfect romantic moment you’ll be spoilt for choice with the various viewpoints making Arthur’s Pass an Instagrammer’s dream.

Crashing waves at Taylor’s Mistake
Taylor’s Mistake
Couples love a beach break, right? Splash about in the charming bay of Taylor’s Mistake to show off your aquatic prowess. A quieter beach than Sumner or New Brighton, you can access by car or walking and once your arrive you’ll be glad to cool off from the scorching heat of an NZ summer with a dip in the playful waves.

Blue waters of Hokitika Gorge
Hokitika Gorge
Gorge-ous puns aside, who could resist this stunning spot on a romantic road trip? A short walk to the view point across a swinging bridge will take you to the picturesque lookout. The coveted Hokitika Gorge photo is the ideal date keepsake after clambering over rocks to take the best snaps.

Sunrise over French Farm near Akaroa
Akakroa
Looking for that quintessentially romantic French vibe? Look no further! New Zealand has the perfect place for a bit of European ambiance in the form of Akaroa and the surrounding areas of Banks Peninsula. Take a short but steep walk up Onawe Peninsula to work up an appetite for cheese tasting and wine at a nearby vineyard!

A kiss from Hokitika
Hokitika beach
What’s more romantic than a walk hand in hand along the beach? Skip stones, surf, and show your love by making your own couples’ driftwood sculpture!

Abel Tasman lookout
Abel Tasman
Take a water taxi to a remote bay such as the Pithead Track to Te Pukatea and enjoy a winding walk through the trees to eventually be met by stunning views across the Cook Strait. A perfect picnic spot, and you might even spot some seals on the boat ride over!

clear waters of Lake Tekapo
Lake Tekapo
Enjoy a casual stroll arm in arm up Mount John as you bask in views across the lakeside mountains before star gazing during a visit to Lake Tekapo. I’ll leave the cheesy lines to you!

The Remarkables from Kelvin Heights
Kelvin Heights
Who doesn’t love a sunset walk? Enjoy a unique perspective of The Remarkables from this forest walk while the sun goes down to round off a romantic evening.
What are your favourite romantic walks in New Zealand? Still stuck for New Zealand date ideas? Here are my top things to do in Canterbury, a budget-friendly Auckland itinerary and what to do with a week in Queenstown – all featuring some of the best picnic spots in NZ!
Pin it for later!
32 Comments
brooke
02/16/2018 at 10:49 pmSo many places I still need to explore!! Lake Tekapo and the Hokitika Gorge on the top! Love this roundup!
suzystories
02/16/2018 at 10:54 pmThere’s so many to pick from I had a hard time narrowing it down! NZ is just the best 🙂
josypheen
02/17/2018 at 6:49 pmThese are lovely!
You know, we were hiking near lake Tekapo last month and saw a couple taking wedding photos at the end of the lake with those stunning mountains behind them. So you must be right – that IS a romantic walk!! 😀 <3
suzystories
02/17/2018 at 7:43 pmOh no way! There’s so many great spots around there I’m not surprised, imagine a wedding shoot with that scenery ? Are you still in NZ? Hope you’ve had the best time!
Maike
02/17/2018 at 7:39 pmWhat a great post! All your pictures look so amazing. I never been to New Zealand but I would love to go there for so long.
suzystories
02/17/2018 at 7:44 pmThanks so much! It’s really beautiful, hope you get to visit sometime!
delacroixllc
02/17/2018 at 8:45 pmThis looks more like a list of gorgeous artwork than actual places to visit, since they’re so beautiful they hardly seem real! Especially Godley Head and the Punchbowl Falls. Just wow!
suzystories
02/17/2018 at 9:12 pmThank you so much, that’s so kind! Totally agree, being there feels like being in another world!
Travel Birdie
02/18/2018 at 10:20 amNZ has been on my bucket list for a while now, but those pics just make me wanna go right away 😀
suzystories
02/18/2018 at 4:42 pmIt’s really amazing! Hope you get to go sometime soon!
sumit
02/23/2018 at 10:54 amfor me , all the places that you have mentioned remind of the immense photographic appeal of he nature that showcases herself all over again n again . definitely a great place to visit
suzystories
02/23/2018 at 11:11 amTotally agree! Nature is truly wonderful and we’re very lucky to be able to explore it all 🙂
JessiesJourneys
03/07/2018 at 1:25 pmI am in australia now and soooo badly want to go to NZ after! Will definitely have to try some of these beautiful walls for date nights with my bf.
suzystories
03/07/2018 at 10:23 pmOh awesome! You definitely should if you can, it’s the best country. Sounds like a plan, hope you both enjoy!
mitalistraveldiary
03/07/2018 at 1:40 pmit is time for me to look for someone to travel with me to New Zealand.. lol. all these places look stunning
suzystories
03/07/2018 at 10:23 pmHaha great idea! They really are beautiful 🙂
Caroline (www.packthesuitcases.com)
03/07/2018 at 1:47 pmSo, so beautiful! I would love to go to New Zealand one day. I like that these are short walks too haha I am too lazy for long ones 🙂
suzystories
03/07/2018 at 10:24 pmHaha me too, not quite as romantic sweating up a mountain somehow! Hope you get to visit some time 🙂
Ana - JauntingTrips.com
03/07/2018 at 2:37 pmI just read another NZ post earlier… such a beautiful country, such landscapes! I’d go there in a heartbeat… but it’s on the other side of the planet for me.. it requires more savings. But would love to visit someday!
suzystories
03/07/2018 at 10:25 pmAhh it must be calling to you! Yes I do agree, it’s a big commitment to visit! Hope you can go soon 🙂
Josephine Sandig
03/07/2018 at 5:16 pmI just went there last year however I ‘only’ went to Abel Tasman, but now I have to go back!
suzystories
03/07/2018 at 10:25 pmAbel Tasman is a beautiful spot! I hope you can go and see more again soon 🙂
Carly Wayward Heyward
03/07/2018 at 7:27 pmHahah, I love the Bridal Falls hint hint!! I’m also super relieved to find that NZ isn’t all about just hikes and there are some nice leisurely walks too! Now I just gotta get out there!
suzystories
03/07/2018 at 10:26 pmHaha thanks, it made me chuckle to imagine all those couples making a visit! Absolutely, there’s something for everyone! Hope you get to visit soon 🙂
Joy Generoso
03/08/2018 at 6:52 amMy husband and I would really love places like these. Nature walks, watch sunsets and enjoy amazing views are things we love doing together. Hopefully we’ll get the chance to explore New Zealand in the future.
suzystories
03/08/2018 at 10:11 pmAww absolutely! It’s a great activity to share with someone special 🙂 Hope you get to visit soon!
Lucile Deprez
03/09/2018 at 8:05 amI have been to most of those places and you are so right, they are perfect romantic little few steps walks!! Great pictures by the way!
suzystories
03/09/2018 at 9:47 pmThank you! Glad you’ve enjoyed them yourself too!
Brit Hemming
03/09/2018 at 12:15 pmThere are so many places I need to explore. The South Island looks amazing. I guess I will have to do both islands when I get to New Zealand. I can’t choose.
suzystories
03/09/2018 at 9:48 pmIt’s definitely a tough choice! I adore the south island, hope you’re able to see it!
madhu-on-the-go
03/09/2018 at 12:55 pmWow these places looks so surreal and peaceful..nature at its best definetly. Would love to visit these soon !Thanks for sharing
suzystories
03/09/2018 at 9:48 pmThanks! Nature is certainly a magnificent thing!