Romantic Getaway Rotorua: The Perfect Long Weekend Itinerary

It's known for geothermal parks, bubbling mud pools, Māori cultural experiences, and mountain biking - not exactly the usual ingredients for a couples' retreat, at least for most people.

But look closer and you'll find a quieter side. Between the adventure lies space to slow down, reconnect, and simply be together. Situated in the heart of the central North Island with easy access to surrounding attractions, Rotorua makes for a stress-free weekend away without the usual hassle.

For couples seeking something more than a standard hotel stay, On The Point offers lakefront accommodation where the view does half the work. To help you make the most of a long weekend, here's an itinerary that balances relaxation with just enough to do.

Day 1: Arrival and Relaxation 

Afternoon: Welcome Spa Treatment 

Arrive at On The Point and settle into your suite or waterfront cottage. Sit and admire in the view, or take your time to explore the property - the tennis court, private jetty, and grounds are yours to wander.

Start your stay with a couples' spa treatment. Full-body massage, revitalising facial, hot stone therapy, whichever helps you leave the week behind. Each treatment is tailored to what you need, and nothing you don't, leaving you feel refreshed and ready for the weekend ahead.

Evening: Private Dining Experience

After your spa treatments, enjoy an intimate dinner at The Mains, our acclaimed restaurant. The menu focuses on seasonal, Farm-to-Table cuisine with fresh local ingredients, some of which are from our very own gardens. These are perfectly complimented by our range of New Zealand and international wines.

Prefer more privacy? Dine in one of the quieter spaces around the property, or have your meal delivered to your balcony as the sun sets over the western side of the lake. Sometimes the best conversations happen when it's just the two of you.

Day 2: Nature and Connection 

Morning: Redwoods Tree Walk 

After breakfast in our sunlit breakfast room, head to the renowned Redwoods Tree Walk, where elevated walkways wind through towering redwoods, offering a perspective you won't get from ground level. The walk takes about 30 minutes so we urge you to take your time at the viewpoints and learn about the ancient forest beneath.

Afternoon: Volcanic Air Scenic Flight 

Following lunch at a local Rotorua café, return to the lodge for your scenic flight with Volcanic Air, departing from the private jetty. The floatplane offers aerial views of Rotorua's geothermal landscape - steaming lakes, bubbling geysers, and terrain that looks more like another planet than New Zealand. Your pilot knows these features inside out and can point out what you're seeing below.

Evening: The Choice is Yours

Back at the lodge, freshen up, perhaps with a bubble-filled bath, then join other guests in the lounge for pre-dinner drinks if you're feeling social. Or venture into town to try one of Rotorua's local restaurants - there are many excellent options so you'll certainly eat well.

Day 3: Unwind and Reflect 

Morning: Spa Experience 

Start your final day with a nourishing breakfast, then visit one of Rotorua's spa experiences. The Polynesian Spa offers private pools with Lake Rotorua views, while Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa brings Māori healing traditions into the experience. Both provide the kind of environment where time slows down and conversations happen naturally. For something more indulgent, book a treatment at Wai Ariki's day spa. The setting and therapists know exactly what they're doing.

Afternoon: Heading Home

As your time at On The Point winds down, take a moment to reflect on the quieter moments you've shared here. Then pack up and head home, hopefully feeling more rested than when you arrived.

Why Stay at One The Point for Your Romantic Getaway? 

Our property sits on the serene shores of Lake Rotorua, offering the kind of peace and privacy that's increasingly hard to find. The suites and villas are designed with couples in mind - spa baths, private terraces, and furnishings that feel thoughtful and considered.

The lodge itself has almost a century of rich history. We've kept the original character, while adding modern conveniences for your comfort, and you'll find our quirky art collection throughout, showing personality beyond the usual luxury lodge aesthetic.

Dine at The Mains, where our kitchen works with local ingredients and views of Lake Rotorua and Mokoia Island come with every table. Or perhaps visit our on-site spa, offering treatments designed to help you actually relax and feel renewed.

Our team is attentive without being intrusive, your privacy top of mind, the the view truly speaks for itself.

Planning Your Escape

Rotorua's landscapes and experiences make it worth considering for couples who want time to reconnect without the usual distractions. Ready to plan your stay at On The Point? Book your stay today.