There's nothing like a long walk to rekindle the romance in a relationship.
Maybe it's the ample opportunities for hand-holding, or perhaps the solitude, which is conducive to restoring that personal connection.
Possibly it is just all that fresh air that raises the libido levels and turns a romantic break into a true lovers' tryst. But whatever it is, it works, so why not try one of these great hikes to revive the romance?
Tongariro Crossing
If there is anything to make a woman want to clamp on tightly to her man's hand (or vice versa) then it's the thought of trekking through a volcanic crater or three.
The Tongariro Crossing, lauded as the best single-day tramp in New Zealand, features enough adversity to bring out the ruggedness in anyone.
With dark volcanic geology and boiling lakes, the nation's oldest national park starred as Mt Doom in Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings trilogy.
But wait until you clap eyes on the emerald lakes and spectacular glacial valleys, which turn a simple hike into a seven to eight-hour sightseeing tour. Throw in a few steaming vents and a finale of lush forest and your love will be ready to erupt with adoration.
If you go
Stay: Bayview Chateau Tongariro, Whakapapa Village: At the foot of towering Mt Ruapehu, the Bayview Chateau provides an opulent contrast to the harsh badlands of the Tongariro Crossing, with fine dining and luxury accommodation in a Georgian-style, heritage-listed building. Bookings can be made at www.chateau.co.nz, with standard rooms from $NZ190 or suites from $NZ475.
Skotel Alpine Resort, Whakapapa Village: If romance on a budget is more your thing, then there's plenty to appreciate about New Zealand's highest hotel. Marketed primarily as a ski resort operating during the winter months, the alpine-style lodge also functions for walking, with rooms from $NZ130 per night. Visit www.skotel.co.nz for more details.
Matangi Island, Fiji
From a lazy amble along the fine sands just metres from your Polynesian-style bure to cresting the summit of the island, Matangi has all the walking options any romantic break could offer.
A coconut plantation until 1986, the property has been developed by its owners, the Douglas family, into a private island resort catering for couples who want to experience the Fijian lifestyle in luxury.
Walking tracks ascend to the highest point on the island, giving a spectacular view over Horseshoe Bay, an entirely secluded inlet where private picnics and superb snorkelling are on offer, or along the shores of the island.
If you tire of trekking then get your feet wet with a trip scuba diving at some of the region's most spectacular dive sites, where resident turtles and white-tipped reef sharks can be spotted among luminous coral gardens.
For those wanting to stay at the surface there is even a snorkel wreck - a result of the resort's own bungled attempt at creating an artificial wreck dive.
There is also a chance to show your philanthropic side by making a visit to nearby Togo village, perched on the edge of waters so shallow you need to get out of the boat and wade at low tide.
Previous tourists have made donations to the village enabling the school to build a library - ideal for showing your beloved how generous you can be.
If you go
Stay: Matangi Private Island Resort has island bures from $814 Fijian dollars ($NZ692.92) per night, or beachfront bures from F$1114 ($NZ951.61) until March 31. Further details at www.matangiisland.com.
Dove Lake, Cradle Mountain, Tasmania
A stroll round the picturesque shores of Dove Lake, at the foot of Cradle Mountain, is long enough to work off lunch but short enough to leave plenty of time for dessert back at the hotel.
The 5km circuit is the first part of the six-day Overland Track, but does not involve becoming a paid-up member of the backpack-wearing, sweaty-socked walkers brigade - which, let's face it, is just never going to impress your crush.
Point out (but don't pick) a few wildflowers along the way round the lake, or take a detour up to one of the high-altitude lakes for a dip in blissfully cool water, not forgetting to take plenty of pictures of the amazing views of Tasmania's premier national park.
Think about finishing your day on an adventurous four-wheel-drive wildlife-spotting tour, run by local Greg McKerrow, where you can embrace your cute and cuddly side by spotting wombats, wallabies and perhaps an eastern quoll - unique to Tassie. It is the perfect preparation for a wine in front of a roaring fire, or a night snuggling under the doona.
If you go
Stay: Cradle Mountain Chateau, Cradle Mountain Village. This impressive lodge is sure to impress, featuring 60 plush rooms, a la carte restaurant The Grey Gum, and also hosts The Wilderness Gallery, showcasing some of the country's best environmental photography.
Standard doubles are $186 ($NZ214.80) while split level king spa rooms come in at $230 ($NZ265.61) per night. Wildlife spotting and other adventure activities can be booked at the activities desk. Details: visit www.cradlemount ainchateau.com.au for more details and bookings, or call 1800 420-155. - AAP
