LET THE ROMANCE BEGIN!
A little romance can go a long way in a relationship – so if you’re searching for the perfect location or a special activity to enjoy together as a couple in the Bay, here are our top tips:
1. WINE & DINE
Who doesn’t love dinner out at a fancy restaurant? Book a table at one of our favourite local picks below and spoil your tastebuds as well as your loved one.
Clarence Bistro, 51 Willow Street, Tauranga
Fife Lane Kitchen & Bar, 512 Maunganui Road, Mount Maunganui
Harbourside, 150 The Strand, Tauranga
Solera, 165 Maunganui Road, Mount Maunganui
Somerset Cottage, 30 Bethlehem Road, Bethlehem
2. SOAK IN STYLE
Bay of Plenty has some beautiful hot pools to sink into and a visit can be a dreamy date – day or night. Relax among native ferns and birdsong at Fernland Spa, Sapphire Springs and Ōropi Hot Pools, or book a private pool or couples massage at Mount Hot Pools.
Fernland Spa, 250 Cambridge Road, Bethlehem
Sapphire Springs, 274 Hot Springs Road, Katikati
Ōropi Hot Pools, 1 Warner Road, Ōropi
Mount Hot Pools, 9 Adams Avenue, Mount Maunganui
3. BEACH SUNSET
Watch the sun go down over the Pacific Ocean as you stroll hand-in-hand along the sand, or enjoy drinks, fish and chips or a picnic dinner on the beach. Mauao’s base track is also a beautiful spot for an evening walk as the sun sets and the waves roll in.
4. WINE TASTING
Pay a visit to Leveret & Mills Reef Winery’s cellar door on State Highway 2 at Aongatete (20 minutes north of Tauranga). This romantic-looking Dutch-style building is the perfect place to sample premium "méthode traditionnelle" sparkling wine, red, white and rosé wines including the Leveret Estate and Mills Reef brands.
Leveret & Mills Reef Winery, 2389 State Highway 2, RD4, Katikati
5. PADDLE & GLOW
If you want to really impress your date, look no further than Waimarino’s glow worm kayak tour across Lake McLaren on the outskirts of Tauranga. Enjoy delicious wine and cheese on the lakeshore at dusk before launching your double kayak onto the lake as the moon begins to rise. Your guided tour will take you upriver to view a magical glow worm canyon before paddling home again in the dark. This will be a date night you’ll never forget!
Waimarino Kayak Tours, 36a Taniwha Place, Bethlehem
6. CYCLE & CIDER
Enjoy a fun day out together riding the Ōmokoroa Cycle Trail followed by long, lazy lunch at The Cider Factorie Restaurant. The 19km cycleway winds its way along the edge of Tauranga Harbour and the rolling green hills of Plummers Point and Te Puna. From there it’s just a quick detour down Oikimoke Road to The Cidery and its heavenly refreshments.
The Cider Factorie, 50 Oikimoke Road, Te Puna
7. STAYCATION
Need a romantic change of scene? Book a room elsewhere for a night and enjoy a holiday close to home. If you want a little luxury, Trinity Wharf on Tauranga’s waterfront is sure to impress. A cabin at Pāpāmoa Beach’s holiday park is also lovely or pitch a tent and sleep under the stars together.
Trinity Wharf Tauranga, 51 Dive Crescent, Tauranga
Tasman Holiday Parks - Pāpāmoa Beach, 535 Pāpāmoa Beach Road, Pāpāmoa
8. SWEEPING WATERFALLS
Nature’s beauty and the sight of freshwater tumbling towards a tranquil pool will melt anyone’s heart! Recharge your mind and your relationship with a walk to view our region’s amazing waterfalls such as Kaiate Falls, McLaren Falls or Whataroa Falls in the Ōtanewainuku Forest.
9. RISE & SHINE
Set an alarm and climb to the top of Mauao to watch the sun rise on a brand new day. A little adventure in the dark followed by breathtaking views and a delicious breakfast at a Mount café will create a lasting impression. Check out some of our favourites from the Dine on a Lime self-guided foodie trail guide.
10. GO OFF-THE-GRID
Ditch all digital distractions and spend a weekend in one of our region’s exquisite off-the-grid accommodation options – cob cottages, glamping sites and rainforest retreats are all on our doorstep. Light some candles and enjoy an outdoor bath or cuddle up next to the fire. Check out some of the Bay's beautiful off-the-grid accommodation.