When in New Zealand, one of the best things to do as a couple is watch the beautiful sunset as it fades into the horizon behind the snow-capped mountains, green landscapes, or the seemingly endless sea. Any pair who catches a glimpse of its warm, captivating colors will surely stop in their tracks.
Enjoying the view while you’re holding hands or laced in each other’s arms is a great opportunity to take a break from a long day and reflect on your life as partners. Here are some of the perfect spots to experience the magical afternoon with a special someone:
Hobbiton Movie Set
When you’re visiting New Zealand, you don’t want to miss going to the Hobbiton in Matamata. It’s probably already in your list of must-see places if you’re a Lord of the Rings Fan. Unknown to many, it’s an operational farm turned fantasy-fiction movies set, with a fully operational pub that serves food and drinks. You can even rent the whole place for an event, like, ahem, a proposal.
It’s already a fascinating place, but wait until you see the sunset. The whimsical trees, rolling hills, and the symphony of colors go along so well they create an ethereal view of the skies saying goodbye for the day.
Mount Eden
Think of a place where you can rest on the banks of a volcano and watch the sun disappear behind a mountain range, leaving a burst of color. It’s probably hard to have something in mind, but if you go to Mount Eden in Auckland, you’ll always have a place to remember.
Mount Eden is among the more than 50 volcanoes in the City of Sails, where you can watch New Zealand’s breathtaking sunset. It has the highest peak, so it offers the best panoramic view of the metropolis and beyond as you and boo watch the golden colors of the sun hide behind the Waitakere ranges.
Waiheke Island
The sun really puts on a show on Waiheke Island as it dips behind Hauraki Gulf Marine Park during the golden hours. All the colors of the sky seem to dance as sparkling waters reflect them. It’s definitely a sunset worthy of the name.
Finding the perfect spot to watch the sundown in Waiheke Island is the more daunting task. There are plenty of pristine shores and beautiful vineyards overlooking the gulf. But, for starters, you can opt for the serene ambiance of the Oneroa beach, or the homey, welcoming setting of the Mudbrick Vineyard. If you’ve decided, grab a glass of the island’s exquisite wine, sit back, and relax.
Pouakai Tarns Circuit
If you lovebirds have a thing for hiking and have plenty of time to spare, then the Pouakai Tarns are the perfect place to watch the sunset. It’s a 2 to 3.5-hour walk from the end of Mangorei Road, which is 30 minutes away from New Plymouth. Take another 20-minute trek, and you’ll end up in the tarn that has a picturesque view of Mount Taranaki. This ice-capped mountain is so beautiful it was cast as Mount Fuji in Tom Cruise’s film, “The Last Samurai.”
If you want an amazing view of the golden hour, find a nice camping spot around Alpine Lake, which is in front of Mt. Taranaki. You can stay here overnight. On a calm day, the waters reflect the mountain perfectly as well as all the warm array of colors in the sky. And, while you’re at it, don’t miss the chance to get a shot of this Instagram-worthy scenery.
Te Mata Peak
Te Mata peak is another ideal destination if you’re in for a hike. The scenery from this natural wonder boasts of the beautiful Heretaunga Plains, a 360 view of the Hawkes Bay, and its rolling hills seemingly carved to perfection.
Legend has it that the giant Waimarama Leader, Te Mata, shaped the mountains to prove his love for the village chief’s daughter, Hinerakau. He perished while doing the task, with his body forming Te Mata Peak. It was said the mist covering the mountain range every sunset since then was the blue cloak used by Hineraku to cover her husband’s body as she grieved for her death. You can share this story with your significant other as you watch the sun melt into the horizon.
Dates don’t always have to be a fancy affair. It’s all about spending quality time with each other, creating memories that you’ll cherish for the rest of your lives. No matter how long you and your partner have been a couple, it’s possible to fall in love deeper by doing simple activities like watching the sunset, as long as you’re together.
If you’re going around New Zealand to find magical sunset spots, better travel with ease, comfort, and style. Get in touch with a Motorhome Rental in NZ as you chase the golden hour with your special someone.
