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Golden Bay resident and member of the German nobility Michael von Pupka, 61, had been living alone in his remote Swiss-style chalet on the top of a mountain he's named Mount Pupka at Clifton.
Twenty thousand kilometres away, artist Luane Brauner, a 47-year-old widow, was also living alone in a house surrounded by forest near Nauen in the east of Germany.
In November last year they both signed up with a German dating agency, filling in detailed personality questionnaires designed to match them up with a partner of perfect compatibility.
One of the questions asked "What work of art would you like to be?" Both Mr von Pupka and Ms Brauner chose August Rodin's The Kiss.
While "many women" responded to Mr von Pupka's ad, it was Ms Brauner's reply he was most interested in.
Just two months later Ms Brauner found herself on a plane for the first time in her life, bound for New Zealand.
Having spent the previous weeks writing "long volumes of intimate e-mail correspondence" to get to know each other, they were feeling "full of expectations" before their first meeting at Nelson Airport on January 13.
"The first moment felt a bit strange but in the next, we were like long-lost lovers, hugging and kissing on the spot," Ms Brauner said.
"We stopped off in Motueka for an extended break," Mr von Pupka added.
Since then the couple have been living at his chalet, which at an altitude of 646m, has arguably the best view of Golden Bay and the surrounding peaks of the Abel Tasman and Kahurangi National Parks.
"This place really is a paradise," Ms Brauner said.
Mr von Pupka spends most of his time looking after the 50ha property and as a former librarian, has a keen interest in collecting books. Every room of his home has shelves stacked with books - more than 4000 books in total, ranging from old encyclopedias and classic literature to modern novels in both German and English.
Inspired by the landscape of Golden Bay, Ms Brauner has begun painting in the mountain-top studio.
The couple share a passion for art and music. Mr von Pupka plays the clarinet in the Golden Bay Orchestra, and Ms Brauner plays a traditional hunting horn.
However, their new life together was not perfect and there were certain issues they had to deal with, they said.
For a start, Ms Brauner does not yet have New Zealand residency and she has to return to Germany for a short time to sell her house there.
"I wanted to make a new beginning and I was prepared to take a risk. I'm not disappointed and I feel positive and hopeful for the future."
Also optimistic, Mr von Pupka said he really wanted the relationship to succeed. He had been living alone since his first marriage ended in divorce several years ago.
The couple says the Internet is a great way to meet new people, especially for those who live in such remote locations. It's also a good way to find out about a potential partner's background and interests.
But they admit that this modern method of dating has its shortcomings.
"While you can get to know someone by writing intimate letters, it's not a substitute for direct contact," Mr von Pupka said.
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