Winter in Love
Every season, dependent on your ability to get away, is an opportunity for a reset. Winter is a wonderful time to reconnect with a loved one, switch off and just be.
As our world settles into its quietest season, there is a unique kind of magic that unfolds. The crisp air and shorter days provide the perfect excuse to slow down, retreat from the noise of the everyday and prioritise the people who matter most. While summer is often about adventure and outward exploration, winter invites us inward – into cozy spaces, flickering firelight, and the warmth of shared moments.
In this special four-page feature, Winter in Love, we explore the art of the seasonal getaway. Whether it’s a secluded cabin tucked away in the mountains or a boutique urban sanctuary, the right environment can act as a catalyst for reconnection. There is something profoundly romantic about watching the frost settle outside while you’re safely tucked away with a glass of red for that deep conversation.
Our curated recommendations focus on more than just a place to sleep; we’ve looked for destinations that offer a true ‘reset’. From the softest linens to the sound of rain on a tin roof, these retreats are designed to help you switch off the digital world and tune back into each other. This winter, don’t just endure the cold – embrace it as the ultimate backdrop for romance.
Rewind & Relax in Northland
The Northland winter has a particular rhythm – milder than the south, yet still calling for the kind of restorative pause that only a change of scenery can provide. In Opua, tucked away in four acres of native bush, Rekindle Treehouses offer a deliberate departure from the everyday.
For couples, the appeal of a winter escape here lies in the architecture of stillness. These two standalone treehouses are more than just accommodation; they are elevated sanctuaries designed to bring the outside in. Large glass sliding doors frame a living gallery of the forest canopy, where the vibrant green of the bush feels even more lush against a moody winter sky. Inside, the aesthetic is clean and modern, centered around a king-sized bed and a window seat that invites hours of uninterrupted reading.
A short walk leads you to the Twin Coast Cycle Way. From here, a stroll to the Opua Marina for a morning coffee or a long, slow lunch at the Swordfish Club provides just enough connection to the local community before retreating back to the canopy.
While the bustling hubs of Paihia and Russell are only a short drive away, the true luxury of Rekindle is the feeling of being in the middle of nowhere. It is a place to reset, where the only schedule is the dawn chorus of native birds and the only requirement is to simply be.
A Secluded Waiheke Retreat
Tucked into a seven-hectare lifestyle block on the northwestern end of Waiheke Island, Korora Barn offers a romantic winter escape where silence, stars and olive trees take centre stage.
Set in a rural pocket, just a short drive or bike ride from the main village of Oneroa, the Barn sits amongst a vineyard, olive grove and regenerating native bush. Away from neighbours and traffic, your private outlook is rows of vines and silvery olive trees, a stone’s throw from the beautiful coastline of the Island.
The Barn itself is a generous loft-style space of around 80 square metres, designed perfectly for two. Open-plan and well appointed, it’s the kind of place where you can arrive on a wild winter afternoon, light the McKenzie wood burner, pour a wine and settle in. A full kitchen means you have everything at your fingertips, even a coffee machine for lazy mornings. However, owners, Andrew and Julie Payne, note most guests prefer to explore Waiheke’s celebrated restaurants and vineyards.
Named for the kororā, the little blue penguin often seen in local waters, the Barn is firmly rooted in its place. Guests are treated to a bottle of the owners’ own olive oil, and a walking track just above the grove leads to a two-hour coastal loop around the peninsula.
With Oneroa Beach, art galleries, vineyards and eateries nearby, this is a retreat where you can do everything – or almost nothing at all – and feel utterly content.
Unplugged in Raglan
Set high on the wild west coast near Raglan, Tiny House Escapes is a 35-acre off-grid retreat inviting guests to slow down and reconnect with nature and each other. Just minutes from Whale Bay, three thoughtfully crafted stays offer a unique take on the romantic escape, blending simplicity with a sense of quiet luxury.
Hidden among the pines, the Treehouse feels like a secret suspended in nature. Designed for two, it opens to sweeping views across pasture, native bush and the distant ocean. Evenings are best spent soaking in the outdoor bath beneath a sky full of stars, with nothing but the sound of wind through the trees.
Further along the track, the LoveBus brings a playful spirit to off-grid living. Positioned in a large field, with expansive coastal views, this reimagined house bus pairs rustic charm with comfort. A firepit, outdoor bath and generous deck create the perfect setting to unwind as the sun sinks into the Tasman Sea.
Completing the trio, LoveNest Cottage offers a more grounded, restorative experience. Overlooking the pines and native forest, it’s a peaceful hideaway where birdsong replaces background noise. With a deep outdoor bath and a warm, inviting interior, it’s designed for rest, reflection and reconnection.
Guests can also elevate their stay with a private sauna and ice bath experience, a rejuvenating ritual that contrasts heat and cold while overlooking the surrounding landscape, perfect for unwinding both body and mind.
Together, these stays form more than accommodation – they offer an experience. One that encourages guests to unplug, breathe deeply and rediscover the beauty of simplicity in a truly special corner of our country.
A Shared Reset in the Lewis Pass
Set within a 500-acre private forest estate in the South Island of New Zealand, Maruia River Retreat offers couples a rare kind of romantic escape – one defined by privacy, restoration and meaningful time together.
For many couples, time away is often filled with activity, leaving little space to truly rest or reconnect. Here, a Couples Personal Restoration Retreat is designed to slow down together, shifting from doing to simply being, restoring the body and radiating the energy you need for yourself and each other.
Mornings may begin with yoga or sleeping in, followed by shared experiences in nature – guided nature walks, swims and dips in the heated magnesium pool, or private forest bathing as you sit and soak in the hot tubs and saunas. Spa and massage treatments offer another layer of care, helping to release tension and invite deep relaxation for a complete nervous system reset. Wellness facilities, including an extensive library, a massage chair and reading nooks, further support this sense of ease. Embracing all that is on offer is an important aspect of time spent here, deepening connections and exceeding expectations.
Nourishment is an integral part of the experience. Meals are thoughtfully prepared using fresh, seasonal ingredients, with some coming from the property’s own kitchen garden.
Over time, sleep deepens, conversations flow naturally, and a sense of balance and warmth envelopes you. What begins as a getaway becomes something more enduring: a shared reset that will stay with you long after you leave.
An Eco Hideaway on the West Coast
Imagine arriving at your own secluded tiny hideaway, surrounded by lush native bush, swaying tree ferns and the soft sounds of nature. Tucked away on the South Island’s breathtaking wild West Coast, Gumboot Paradise is an enchanting off-grid retreat custom-made for couples longing to reconnect, unwind and create unforgettable memories.
As evening falls, you can slip into the wood-fired bush bath beneath a canopy of stars, wrapped in the glow of twinkling fairy lights. Cosy up beside the outdoor fire pit, toasting complimentary marshmallows, and let the magic of the moment unfold.
Wake to fresh coastal air and birdsong before wandering hand in hand to the beach, just a five-minute stroll away. Spend your days exploring the famous Punakaiki Pancake Rocks, discovering secret swimming spots, or simply enjoying quiet moments together in your own private paradise. End the day with a spectacular sunset watching the sky be painted in shades of rose and gold before transforming into a canopy of stars.
Thoughtfully designed with sustainability in mind, this EcoStay offers rustic luxury at its best, with the most comfortable of queen beds, adventurous outdoor kitchen under a covered verandah, stand-alone shower with panoramic views of the sky and a deeply intimate atmosphere that feels worlds away from everyday life.
For anniversaries, spontaneous escapes, or if it is simply time to fall in love all over again, this is a destination where romance finds room to breathe.
Unpolluted Skies in Waipara
Imagine waking up to the sun rising over the Three Deans Range, the morning light dancing across rows of Syrah and Riesling vines. This is the reality at Georges Road Wines in the heart of the Waipara Valley. Just 45 minutes north of Christchurch, this boutique estate offers the ultimate vineyard immersion.
The Wine Pod is a beautifully designed tiny home that is more than just a place to sleep; it’s a front-row seat to one of New Zealand’s most picturesque wine regions.
Nestled privately among the vines, the Pod features panoramic views that stretch across the valley to the mountains. After a day of exploring North Canterbury there is no better ritual than soaking in the outdoor hot tub under a vast, unpolluted night sky.
The experience is defined by the personal touch of owners Kirk Bray and Alison Schroeder, who transformed bare earth into a thriving vineyard. Kirk is the winemaker and as a guest, you’re invited to the cellar door for a complimentary tasting of their award winning, European-style wines – often poured by Kirk himself. Pair a glass of their signature dry Rosé or elegant Syrah with a custom antipasto platter filled with local artisan treats.
Whether you’re firing up the barbecue on your private deck, riding the complimentary bikes or enjoying the fresh, locally sourced breakfast basket provided, every moment here feels intentional and serene.
Slowing Down near Ōamaru
Slow mornings, waking to the sunrise across the ocean horizon and the faint rustle of the native bush. Evenings filled with golden sunsets over the distant mountain ranges, warmed by the outdoor fire. Tirohanga Nui Lodge invites guests to slow down and immerse themselves in the ever-changing beauty of the seasons. Perched high above the famous Ōamaru historic precinct, Tirohanga Nui Lodge offers sweeping 270-degree panoramic views, an exclusive coastal retreat designed for travellers seeking welcoming hospitality, outstanding cuisine and luxury accommodation.
Designed by award-winning Virginia Barlow, the bespoke architecture emphasises harmony with the surrounding natural environment, featuring a custom balustrade representing bringing the mountains to the ocean. The name is a tribute to the deep connection to people, land and growth, Tirohanga means ‘view or perspective’ and Nui means ‘great’. Together, Tirohanga Nui speaks to the expansive outlook and deep love for whānau, friends and meaningful relationships.
From the moment you arrive at this exclusive property, tranquillity and privacy take centre stage, offering a serene and secluded retreat. Each stay includes a daily gourmet breakfast, pre-dinner canapés and dinner menus featuring fresh, seasonal produce, all prepared by the resident chef. There are also exceptional amenities including a private cinema, a spa under the stars, luxurious linen and a daily housekeeping and turndown service, creating an unforgettable experience.
Winter Stillness near Dunedin
Perched on the rugged heights of Mt Watkin in Eastern Otago, Fallow Ridge Retreat is a masterpiece of off-grid luxury that shines brightest during the winter months. When the silver tussocks are dusted with frost or a light layer of snow, this secluded cabin transforms into the ultimate sanctuary for those seeking to slow down amidst the wild New Zealand landscape.
The retreat is designed to embrace the elements while keeping the cold at bay. Its architectural heart is a ceiling-suspended sphere gas fire, which casts a warm glow across the moody, earthy interior. Winter stays are defined by indulgence, where underfloor heating, double-glazed floor-to-ceiling windows and plush flax linens ensure you remain cosy while watching the mist roll through the Waikouaiti River valley.
While the retreat encourages stillness, the winter landscape offers unique exploration opportunities. The outdoor cedar bathtub is a highlight, where soaking in steaming water under the vast, unpolluted southern winter skies becomes a transformative experience.
Brisk winter mornings are perfect for spotting fallow deer or the New Zealand falcon using provided binoculars and several walking tracks are on your doorstep. Ranging from gentle strolls through the schist outcrops to the more demanding climb to the 616m peak of Mt Watkin.
A short 15-minute drive takes you to Waikouaiti Beach or Karitane for a refreshing coastal walk, where you might encounter fur seals on the Huriawa Peninsula.
Staying here is an exercise in self-catering luxury, where the harshness of a South Island winter is reconciled with sophisticated comfort.
