This year Valentine’s Day falls on a Friday, making it ideal for an intimate, long weekend getaway.
Known for their romantic ways, you could take a lead from the French and head to Akaroa, the historic township on the Banks Peninsula in the South Island that was settled by them in the 1840s.
There’s accommodation to suit every budget and plenty to see and do. The town’s Gallic charm will sweep you off your feet, as will adventures such as kayaking and boat cruises.
Local waters are home to the Hector’s dolphin, one of the rarest and smallest, and at Flea Bay you’ll find the fascinating penguin colony.
under the stars
Wellington
After a stroll through the Botanic Gardens, visit the Carter Observatory for a special Valentine’s night show. Tickets are $90 per couple and include wine, food and a planetarium show that reveals star-struck love stories and myths of our galactic universe.
Auckland
Adopt your own star with your loved one as part of a special Valentine’s evening at Auckland’s Stardome. Tickets to the wonderfully romantic planetarium show are $140 per couple and include a glass of bubbles, chocolates, a show and even your own star.
Waitomo
Be enchanted by twinkling lights of a different kind at the famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves with tours that run from 9am-5pm. And to mark the 125th birthday celebration this year, if you visit the caves anytime before March 31, 2014, you can return as many times as you like during the rest of 2014 for free.
