Why 2025 is the year to move New Zealand from your bucket-list to your to-do list!
New hotels and best new experiences in New Zealand
From snow-capped alpine peaks to surf-lapped beaches; glassy lakes and sparkling glaciers; dramatic fiords, towering forests and rolling vines, New Zealand’s breath-taking landscapes are the canvas for bucket-list experiences, year in, year out and all year round.
But those who travel Down Under in 2025 will also be among the privileged first to enjoy a raft of new accommodation and experiences, right across New Zealand, including:
Te Arai Links
A new world-class golfing destination has been unfolding at Te Arai Links since October 2022. Just 90 minutes’ drive (or a short and scenic heli-flight) from Auckland, Te Arai Links already comprises 36 holes of championship coastal links golf (including the 18-hole Coore & Crenshaw South Course, and a second 18-hole Doaks-designed North Course), a collection of course-side one-bedroom Suites and two-bedroom Ocean Cottages, the 2.5 acre ‘Playground’ putting green and Ric’s woodfired pizza restaurant.
The offering is soon to be complemented by five new four-bedroom self-contained contemporary accommodation Villas – complete with well-appointed kitchen, generous lounging areas, an indoor fireplace and outdoor firepit. The perfect accommodation option for groups of friends travelling together.
A new signature restaurant, with views over the South Course’s 18th hole to the Pacific Ocean beyond, will provide an elevated contemporary coastal dining experience with indoor and outdoor seating.
Together, Te Arai Links is a brand-new golf resort that competes with the best in the world and complements New Zealand’s collection of world class courses to cement New Zealand’s position as one of the great golf destinations, globally.
Te Arai Links’ new Villas and Ocean Restaurant are due to open in October 2024, with the North Course Clubhouse (and Mexican-inspired dining) due to follow in November.
Flockhill Villas
Two years ago, New Zealand welcomed a spectacular new fully-serviced Ultraluxe private villa with the unveiling of Flockhill’s purpose-built four bedroom Homestead – providing access to an up-until-now, little-visited and almost untouched corner of New Zealand’s South Island. The dramatic Craigieburn Valley in Canterbury’s High Country is a spectacular natural playground that invites breathtaking hiking, mountain-biking, horse-riding, fly-fishing, stargazing – and more!
We therefore now look forward with much anticipation to the addition of seven brand-new Villas to Flockhill’s ‘refined wilderness’ offering. Each Villa has two bedrooms (and two bathrooms) – that can be booked as one or separately – as a Junior Suite or as a Deluxe Suite that also includes a generous lounge area; offering flexibility for couples, families or friends travelling together.
All meals (and selected beverages), use of mountain bikes and e-bikes, and a collection of on-site activities will also be included with a stay at the Flockhill Villas.
The new Flockhill Lodge Experience will be complemented by the addition of an on-site restaurant – Sugarloaf, serving sustainably-produced and seasonally-influenced cuisine.
The Flockhill Villas and Sugarloaf restaurant are due to open December 2024.
Huka Lodge
Arguably New Zealand’s most iconic lodge experience, Huka Lodge is currently closed for a step-change refresh as the property celebrates its centenary as a New Zealand fishing lodge.
The transformation project (that promises modern enhancements which remain true to the lodge’s tradition and heritage) includes the addition of some fabulous new dining and wellness spaces, as well as refreshed look and feel across Huka Lodge’s guest accommodation suites and cottages.
The ‘new-look’ Huka Lodge is due to be revealed in March 2025.
Roki Collection Queenstown
Roki (pronounced ‘Ro-kee’, the Maori word for ‘tranquil) promises to deliver a new level of lakeside contemporary luxury accommodation in Queenstown next year.
The stunning new development includes 15 ultraluxe accommodation suites (in studio, one-, two-, three-, four- and seven-bedroom configurations), a choice of dining options (showcasing delicious regional produce, local talents and breath-taking views), a Library cocktail lounge bar, and a divine wellness centre with heated indoor pool, jacuzzi, sauna, gym and spa treatment rooms.
Roki Collection Queenstown is due to open mid-2025.
Continue reading for a sneak peek of the new experiences and hotels coming to Australia in 2025.
Header Image: render of new Roki Collection Queenstown
