Find the perfect New Zealand Luxury Lodge for you

Which New Zealand luxury lodge is just right for you?

Internationally celebrated luxury lodges in spectacular locations are dotted the length and breadth of New Zealand. Having hosted princesses and presidents, chart-toppers and sporting champions, these A-lister accommodations are on many travellers’ bucket-lists, but which New Zealand luxury lodge is just right for you?

Helena Bay or Blanket Bay? Edenhouse or Eicharts Penthouse ? Huka Lodge or Hapuku ? Eagles Nest or Treetops Lodge ? Cape Kidnappers, Kinloch Manor or Kauri Cliffs, ? The Lindis or the Landings ? Mahu Whenua, Matakauri or Minaret Station?

From Annandale to Wharekauhau, welcoming country guest houses to blissful bayside retreats, luxury golfers’ getaways or epic fishing lodges, each New Zealand Luxury Lodge is as individual as you are.

So, here we’ve rounded up a few of our favourite New Zealand Luxury Lodges to help you find YOUR perfect place:

Huka Lodge, near Taupo

Fabulous for fly-fishers, foodies and families.

No list of New Zealand Luxury Lodges would be complete without mention of Huka Lodge, New Zealand’s iconic ‘super lodge’. Set on the banks of the Waikato River, upstream from Huka Falls, this is prime trophy trout fishing territory.

Far from its humble beginnings as a fishing camp nearly a century ago, and whilst Huka Lodge still attracts avid anglers from around the globe, this favourite New Zealand Luxury Lodge now regularly also hosts royalty and rockstars, Hollywood names and other high-fliers; and there aren’t many luxury travel accolades that Huka hasn’t hooked!

Angling aside, this most luxury of New Zealand lodges, offers just about everything from massages to mountain-biking, with options, amenities and exclusive-to-Huka Lodge experiences for guests of all ages.

A member of the prestigious Relais and Chateaux hotels, Huka Lodge offers 18 luxurious appointed lodge rooms, and two ultraluxe exclusive-use cottages; the four-bedroom Huka Lodge “Owner’s Cottage” and the two-bedroom Alan Pye Cottage.

Otahuna Lodge, near Christchurch – Banks Peninsula

Great for garden lovers and gourmands

Celebrating 125 years in 2020, Otahuna Lodge, combines history and hospitality, delightful gardens and gourmet delights. One of New Zealand’s finest homesteads, Otahuna Lodge is a Relais and Chateaux property that delivers heritage treasures with contemporary pleasures.

Otahuna Lodge’s old world charms and impressive collection of new world wines complement the finest of New Zealand regional and seasonal cuisine (much of which is sourced from Otahuna’s sprawling kitchen gardens and orchards). Guests may choose to take their meals in Otahuna’s opulent formal dining room, in the estates’ impressive wine cellar or in a choice of picturesque private garden settings.

Designed by AE Lowe (who trained at Kew in London), Otahuna’s 30 acres of manicured lawns and lakes, fruit and vegetable potager, daffodil fields and decorative gardens are listed as a Garden of National Significance. All only 20km from Christchurch, New Zealand’s ‘Garden City’.

Seven elegant and spacious suites also enjoy shared use of the heated swimming pool and outdoor spa, croquet lawns and library.

Minaret Station, near Wanaka

Awesome alpine adventures, all year round

Set on a 50,000 acre working farm, in a remote glacial alpine valley surrounded by towering peaks and accessible only by helicopter, Minaret Station offers an authentic New Zealand high country experience.

Tailored and private guided heli-hiking and -biking, -hunting and -flyfishing, -skiing and -scenic flights provide adrenalin-packed adventures showcasing the scenic surrounding national parks, mountains and lakes; whilst the breathtaking blue ice caves of Aoraki-Mt Cook, the spectacular Sounds of fabulous Fiordland, and the wild West Coast are also only a heli-day trip away from Minaret Station.

Minaret Station’s four free-standing chalets offer king-size beds and a hot tub on the private deck. Connected to the accommodation cabins by a series of boardwalks, the central ‘Mountain Kitchen’ is the communal Alpine Lodge hub housing the dining room, lounge areas, library and well-stocked cellar.

Split Apple Retreat, near Nelson – Abel Tasman National Park

Wonderful for wellness and walks

On the edge of the Abel Tasman National Park, Split Apple Retreat is surrounded by spectacular bushlands and secluded beaches, providing opportunities for hiking and horse-riding, sailing and sea-kayaking.

Split Apple Retreat also offers wellness-seekers everything from acupuncture to yoga, including meditation, massages, tailored menus and more.

Just three ocean view guest suites share use of Split Apple Retreat’s saltwater infinity pool, intimate theatre, sweeping dining terrace and pampering spa.  Split Apple Retreat welcomes guests 12 years +.

The Lindis, Ahuriri Valley – Southern Alps

Designed for indulgence, spectacular for stargazing.

As sustainable as it is spectacular, as inviting as it is indulgent, the Lindis is a true #NZMustDo.

Indulgent by design, the design-led Lindis offers uninterrupted views and unparalleled contemporary comforts in New Zealand’s Southern Alps. Located on the edge of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, the Lindis offers some of the most spectacular star-studded Southern skies.

Pristine alpine vistas are matched by the lodge’s impeccable service and warm welcome

Surrounded by conservation parks on three sides, with the Ahuriri River running through the 6,000 acre property, this iconic New Zealand luxury lodge is also the gateway to a wide range of outdoor adventures: fly-fishing and heli-hikes, horseriding, gliding, cycling and more.

Intimate and exclusive, the Lindis offers just five luxurious guest rooms and three free-standing Lindis pods (each with its own outdoor hot tub!). The Lindis welcomes children 7 years+.

Kauri Cliffs, Bay of Islands – Northland

Great for golfers and multi-generational family getaways

Perched on a spectacularly rugged stretch of coast, the timelessly elegant and sophisticated Lodge at Kauri Cliffs enjoys panoramic views to the Pacific Ocean; and the challenging championship Kauri Cliffs golf course that attracts many Kauri Cliff guests, clings to the cliffs that look across to the picturesque Cavalli Islands.

Other activities on offer at Kauri Cliffs include fishing and kayaking, surfing and horseriding, quadbiking and mountain biking, farm tours and nature walks. Meanwhile, the indulgent treatment rooms at the Kauri Cliffs’ day spa open on to the surrounding tranquil Totara forests and ferns for the ultimate in relaxation and rejuvenation.

Luxury lodge accommodation is provided in 22 guest suites, coupled in pairs; a private two-bedroom ‘Owner’s Cottage’ and three new UltraLuxe four-bedroom self-contained residences – perfect for families, friends travelling together and multi-generational get togethers.

Wharekauhau Country Estate, Wairarapa

An escape to the country: fit for royalty AND  family friendly

Set on a working sheep and cattle farm in the Martinborough Wairarapa wine region, Wharekauhau Country Estate is a member of the globally lauded Relais and Chateaux hotels. The New Zealand luxury lodge overlooking Palliser Bay has hosted Prince William and Princess Kate and the King and Queen of Denmark; yet families that stay at the infinitely indulgent Country Estate will also feel equally at home.

Dotted with Romney sheep and Black Angus cattle, Wharekau Country Estates, welcomes guests to experience life on the land with family-friendly farm tours; and the property is a natural playground for everything from archery and croquet to fishing and quad-biking.

Gin lovers will appreciate a tipple of the estate’s hand-crafted Lighthouse Gin, whilst those who are partial to a Pinot Noir will also enjoy the Martinborough wine tasting without having to travel too far.

Wharekauhau Country Estate provides luxury lodge accommodation in a collection of 16 elegant cottages and an indulgent three-bedroom Owners Cottage. The estate is also available for exclusive use and boasts an on-site restaurant, tennis court, 24m indoor pool, day spa and a well-equipped gym.

Blanket Bay, on Lake Wakatipu near Queenstown

Lakeside luxury and adventure action

On the edge of one of the world’s most spectacular alpine wilderness regions Blanket Bay raises the bar and sets the benchmark for alpine luxury lodge relaxation and adventure action.

Blanket Bay’s grand stone and timber lodges with beamed ceilings, cosy fireplaces and uninterrupted Lake Wakatipu views, are the idyllic base from which to enjoy hiking on the Routeburn Track, Fiordland helicopter scenic tours, fishing and heli-sking, mountain biking and white water rafting, world-class golf and internationally acclaimed New Zealand wines.

Back at Blanket Bay, the luxury lodge offers decadent dining experiences, generous games room, a hot tub with a view, an outdoor heated pool and so much more.

Choose between the generous suites in Blanket Bay’s impressive main lodge building, standalone chalets just a short stroll from here; or for the ultimate in UltraLuxe, book yourself into Blanket Bay’s self-contained, fully serviced four-bedroom Villa or request the Blanket Bay Owner’s Residence, ideal for multi-generational family stays.

Design your ideal New Zealand Luxury Lodge itinerary

From treetop houses to beachside baches, there are so many more wonderful lodges to choose from .. but why choose at all? Ask us for further inspiration and to tailor a personalised itinerary combining the very finest New Zealand luxury lodges that are just right for you.

Of course, it’s not just about knowing which of New Zealand’s luxury lodges to choose, it’s knowing which room to request, which guide to get you there, how best to access the best that the region has to offer; and it’s this in-the-know insider knowledge and connections that sets us apart from the rest.

Contact our Travel Design team to tailor your ideal New Zealand luxury lodge itinerary today; it’s never too soon to have something to look forward to!