Popping the question to the love of your life is never easy. For that one extraordinary moment, everything should be perfect – especially the location. So how do you choose the best place to go to, knowing that this story is the one you will tell for the rest of your life?
While various places are becoming immensely popular to have a lover’s proposal, New Zealand captures the mood better than others. Known for its stunning natural landscapes, New Zealand has plenty of spots offering breathtaking views that Filipino romantics can use as a backdrop for an unforgettable moment.
1. High hopes with Auckland Seaplanes
Appreciate the beauty of Waitemata Harbour from above while aboard the amphibious plane. With the sea as your runway, these robust little machines taxi out through the wharves of Wynyard Quarter before soaring over the island jewels of the Hauraki Gulf.
Chris Sattler, CEO of Auckland Seaplanes, describes their most popular proposal package, “We fly the guests to magnificent Motuihe Island, then leave them on a deserted beach with a bottle of chilled bubbles. Returning some time later, we fly the happy couple on to Waiheke for lunch, to enjoy the rest of the day or stay overnight. We’ve never had anyone say no yet.”
2. Light up each other’s lives
If your beloved is an active type, you might want to take them to the Cape Brett Walkway in the Far North before asking their hand in marriage. The hearty 16km hike to an isolated lighthouse takes eight hours. Taking a shortcut and chartering a water taxi part of the way is also an option, which can slash the trip to a two-hour (5km) ramble.
With plenty of stunning sites to declare your love, you’ll want to speak in a clear voice on account of the raucous tweeting of native birds, the roar of the sea and the wind in the branches of the Manuka trees.
3. Aim high for the stars
Gazing up at the heavens can often make a couple feel like canoodling, or perhaps formalising their union. If aiming for the stars, you’d be hard pressed to find a rival for the South Island’s phenomenal starscape at the Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Night Reserve. With a designated 4300sq km light pollution zone, the only thing to outshine the twinkle in your eyes will be the glittering constellations above.
4. Striking gold in romantic Clyde
Once a bustling Central Otago gold mining town, Clyde sits beside the Clutha River and is popular with history buffs, cycling enthusiasts and hikers. But the jewel in Clyde’s crown is surely the lovingly restored Olivers Lodge and Stables, an elegantly historic accommodation complex that deserves every one of its five stars. Olivers plays host to plenty of weddings, given its fabulous gardens, exquisite food, wine, deli, and brewery.
5. Put your best foot forward
A long walk with your beloved is a magical way to nurture a relationship, making the Te Araroa Trail an outstanding place to propose. Starting at the tip of the North Island and finishing in Bluff in the South, this journey takes 50-80 days per island to complete. It can be the first step to take towards a life-long commitment.
With so many picturesque spots, it’s hard to pick just one bended-knee moment but we suggest stopping about halfway along on the Paekakariki Trail just outside Wellington. Choose between the very top of the Devil’s Staircase with impressive views of the Kapiti Coast, or in the middle of one of the breathtaking swing bridges along the way.