Hapuku - Kaikoura, South Island
FOR: A unique treehouse stay with amazing food and wine
KAIKOURA: A picturesque coastal town offering incredible marine life encounters (think dolphins, whales and orca), a spectacular mountain backdrop and exemplary fresh seafood.
The beautiful Hapuku Lodge & Tree Houses offers a luxurious and relaxing country retreat boasting unique contemporary accommodation created from wholly natural products. At the heart of the Hapuku Lodge experience is a passion for good food and wine, with the chefs making use of home grown and locally sourced produce, paired with an extensive all New Zealand wine list. The property offers experiences from mountain biking, to olive picking and crayfish catching. Alternatively, set off on one of the nearby beach or bush walking trails with a picnic basket in hand.
Rainforest Retreat - Franz Josef, South Island
FOR: A relaxing nature retreat after a day of scaling glaciers
FRANZ JOSEF: A World Heritage area where you can climb glaciers or lose yourself in the rainforests, waterfalls, and lakes
Surrounded by spectacular snow-capped mountains, these rainforest cabins offer a unique stay, perched on stilts or nestled amongst the trees. With a range of cabins to suit all tastes and budgets, choose between traditional in style, or modern chalets which stylishly combine striking wooden architecture with contemporary furnishings and features. With an ideal location in the heart of Franz Josef village, the Rainforest Retreat is well placed for exploring the glaciers the region is famous for, or for a visit to the West Coast Wildlife Centre, home to rare kiwi chicks. This picturesque retreat allows guests to immerse themselves in nature without sacrificing on home comforts.
Eagle’s Nest - Russell, North Island
FOR: A truly luxurious and exclusive experience with sweeping island views
RUSSELL: This charming historic town boasts old world charm, spectacular coastal views and a laidback restaurant scene.
Poised on a ridgeline within a 30 hectare private estate, the exclusive Eagle's Nest boasts just 5 villas and offers the utmost in luxurious accommodation. Each villa offers privacy, stunning design features and unsurpassed views across the glistening bays and lush, tropical landscape of the Bay of Islands. Although there are no restaurant facilities on site, in-villa dining can be arranged or the charming town of Russell is just a short drive away.
The Martinborough Hotel - Martinborough, North Island
FOR: Heritage charm and being within walking distance of world-class vineyards
MARTINBOROUGH: Martinborough offers a range of attractions from first-class vineyards to boutique retail shopping
This delightful boutique hotel is located in the heart of the fabulous Martinborough wine region with a number of vineyards within walking distance of the property. The best way to discover them is by following the hotel’s specially designed wine trail by bike, through pretty vineyards and countryside. Set on the charming village square, the hotel is surrounded by heritage buildings including a quaint museum and a great selection of cafés and restaurants. The hotel’s own bistro-style restaurant is the perfect place to relax after a busy day exploring, serving delicious, locally sourced cuisine with a French influence and paired with an extensive wine list. Boasting old-world character and charm, The Martinborough Hotel is a wonderful choice.
Bay of Many Coves - Marlborough Sounds, South Island
FOR: Spectacular scenery, outdoor adventures and rejuvenation
MALRBOROUGH SOUNDS: A collection of ancient sunken river valleys filled with the waters of the Pacific Ocean. Enjoy crystal clear waters, hidden inlets, sandy bays and verdant forest.
Nestled amongst lush native bush in the spectacular Queen Charlotte Sound, Bay of Many Coves offers the utmost in understated luxury, impeccable dining and warm Kiwi hospitality. Dotted across the hillside, each spacious apartment boasts sublime views of the Sounds from the balcony and offers the perfect setting to rejuvenate. Enjoy one of the many activities on offer including kayaking, bush walks and stand-up paddle boarding or simply relax with a glass of crisp sauvignon blanc as the sun sets across the water, keeping an eye out for playful seals and dolphins in the bay. As night falls, indulge in gourmet cuisine created from fresh seasonal produce and perhaps head to the local glowworm grotto, where you can watch them twinkling in their thousands under the darkness of the forest canopy.
The Lindis - Ahuriri Valley, South Island
FOR: Star gazing, walking, horseriding and vineyard exploring from a lodge with a unique design
AHURIRI VALLEY: A rugged valley shaped by glaciers offering outdoor pursuits, this is a nature lover's paradise
Purposely designed to blend into the dramatic mountain landscape of the Ahuriri Valley, this extraordinary lodge features spectacular views and exquisite architecture both inside and out. Guests can choose from a range of exciting activities during their stay, from horse riding and e-biking to fly fishing, or can simply explore the peaceful wetlands, grasslands and beech forests of the expansive valley on foot. With an elegant interior, the lodge itself offers a haven of tranquillity and many cosy communal areas to relax and take in the astounding views. As night falls, an indulgent evening of fine dining cuisine and incredible star gazing awaits, one the main benefits of this remote and exclusive location. For an unforgettable stay in pristine surroundings, The Lindis will not disappoint.
Kamana Lakehouse - Near Queenstown, South Island
FOR: One of the best hot tub views in New Zealand
QUEENSTOWN: Vibrant Queenstown is both an adrenaline junkie’s paradise and the perfect place to relax and enjoy breathtaking view of Wakatipu Lake and the Remarkables mountain ranges.
The recently refurbished Kamana Lakehouse hotel boasts sweeping views of the lake and The Remarkables mountain range, offering a peaceful retreat in the adventure capital of Queenstown. The focus at this stylish property is all about slowing down, trying new things and experiencing the beautiful surroundings. Kamana also offers the ultimate private hot tub experience where guests can enjoy a soak whilst looking at one of the most beautiful views in the country.
Blanket Bay - Glenorchy, South Island
FOR: An impressive lodge with spacious and stylish interiors
GLENORCHY: Nestled on the northern shores of Lake Wakatipu, Glenorchy is the gateway to hiking trails and Lord of the Rings film locations.
A spectacular drive winding alongside shimmering Lake Wakatipu from Queenstown takes you to one of New Zealand’s most renowned and exceptional lodges: Blanket Bay. As you enter through the lodge gates, be astounded by the vast and inherent beauty of your surroundings as green pastures give way to native beech forest and snow-capped peaks. Imposing yet welcoming, the timber and stone clad lodge stands proudly amongst the extensive grounds and offers seclusion and comfort within. Relax by the crackling fire in the Great Room or rejuvenate in the steaming hot tub that looks across the lake towards the magnificent Humboldt mountain range. There are a wealth of optional activities on offer from hiking and horse riding to golf and heli-fishing, allowing you to truly immerse yourself in this awe-inspiring landscape. Award-winning Blanket Bay offers the ultimate Luxury Lodge experience in a sublime setting.
For more inspiration take a look at our New Zealand Holidays pages.