Otago peninsula, the Wildlife capital of New Zealand, has been proclaimed one of the most romantic places on the planet to propose marriage.

United States news organisation CNN International has released its top 10 places to propose to a loved one on Valentine's Day and the peninsula located in the heart of Dunedin came in the ninth place.

"If your beseeching eyes can't soften her heart, the mating rituals of South Island's unusual coastal wildlife may do it for you," said CNN.

"Wildlife reserves near the town of Dunedin are home to colonies of hoiho [yellow-eyed penguins] and blue penguins. The Otago Peninsula also has breeding colonies of New Zealand fur seals and royal albatross."

"Joining wildlife tours organised by one of South Island's many nature tour operators will help you figure out which wildlife hot spot is best for the occasion," it said.

The 10 most romantic places in the world to propose are:
1. North Lees Hall, England.
2. The Great Wall of China.
3. Jaipur, India.
4. Lismore Castle, Ireland.
5. 360 Leti Hotel, India.
6. Maldives.
7. Shiraz, Iraq.
8. Hotel Excelsior, Dubrovnik.
9. Otago Peninsula, Dunedin.
10. Petra, Jordan.