Instead of flowers, fancy dinners or gifts, jump in the car with your loved one this Valentine’s Day and tackle a classic Kiwi road trip. What could be more romantic than a spontaneous long weekend together – starting Thursday – exploring the best our beautiful country has to offer?

With more than 37 million kilometres driven across New Zealand in Avis rental cars in 2018, Avis New Zealand has pulled together some of the most romantic road trips around the country for you and your loved one to take this Valentine’s Day.

The Lindis Pass

It wouldn’t be a romantic Kiwi road trip without long stretches of wending and winding roads, and it doesn’t get longer or windier than the Lindis Pass.

Found between the valleys of the Lindis and Ahuriri Rivers in Otago, the views of this mountainous landscape will leave you fawning for more than just your loved one this Valentine’s Day. The 63km trip from Lake Wanaka to Lake Pukaki should take around two hours.

Wellington to Martinborough

Martinborough may be only an hour away from Wellington but it’s tranquillity and colonial charm are a far cry from the hustle and bustle of the Capital. During the journey you’ll drive the dramatic and picturesque Rimutaka Range before descending into the Wairarapz.

Don’t go straight to one of Martinborough’s many wineries for lunch. Instead, carry on and explore the rugged and romantic coast at Castle Point. Once you’ve worked up an appetite and thirst head back to a boutique vineyard or explore the town’s restaurants for dinner.

Queenstown to Milford Sound

Often called one of the best road trips in the world, the drive from Queenstown to Milford Sound is as beautiful as the fiord itself.

You’ll have plenty of time to soak up the view of The Remarkables during the four-hour drive. To make a weekend of it, stop in Te Anau for a night or go for a romantic hike in Fiordland National Park before continuing your journey.

Auckland to the Coromandel Peninsula

Only a few hours’ drive from Auckland, the Coromandel is a favourite amongst Kiwis and international visitors alike. Surrounded by lush greenery and views of the ocean you’ll enjoy the drive just as much as the destination.

Stop in at Cathedral Cove on the Eastern part of the Peninsula (accessible by foot or boat) to get your cute couple photo for Instagram. Other popular destinations include Hot Water beach where you can dig your own natural spa pool and New Chums, one of the top ten beaches in the world. February 2019.

Christchurch to Arthur’s Pass

Before heading off on the two-hour drive to Arthur’s Pass, make a detour to Akaroa, New Zealand’s French settlement, where you can admire the heritage buildings and architectural treasures with your chéri or beau.

Known as the ‘back bone’ of the South Island the drive will take you through high mountains, steep gorges and wide rivers that mirror the highs and lows of being in love.

Book an Avis rental for your Valentine’s Day adventure here, or take the rental experience on-the-go with the Avis Mobile App.