Across both the North and South Islands, New Zealand’s luxury lodges deliver outstanding landscapes, unbeatable privacy, gourmet dining and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re after romance or wellness, adventure or relaxation you’re sure to find an ultra-luxury escape to suit.

Wharekauhau Country Estate(opens in new window) 

Perched on the cliffs above Palliser Bay with jaw-dropping views of the thunderous surf of the Pacific Ocean, this Relais & Châteaux property is a wildly beautiful place to stay. Set on 3,000 acres of working sheep and cattle farm in the Wairarapa – just an hour and a half’s drive or 10-minute helicopter flight from the capital, Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington – the cottage suites and stand-alone villa are timeless, light-filled spaces. Expect refined farm-to-table dining including complimentary daily country-style breakfasts, pre-dinner drinks and canapés and nightly multi-course dinners. Activities come in abundance with tennis courts, a heated indoor swimming pool, treatments at Hauora Spa, 4WD farm tours and guided star gazing of Aotearoa New Zealand’s newest Dark Sky Reserve. Further afield, explore the wineries of Martinborough or visit the seal colony at the Cape Palliser lighthouse. 

Huka Lodge(opens in new window)

Set amid 17 acres of award-winning gardens along the banks of the mighty Waikato awa (river), this grand estate has cemented its status as one of New Zealand’s most celebrated luxury lodges. An idyllic location just downstream from the famed Huka Falls – only a 10-minute drive from central Taupō – and outstanding service are just a couple of the reasons why Queen Elizabeth II stayed here four times during her reign. Your choice of accommodations includes Junior Lodge guest suites and exclusive multi-bedroom owners’ residences, all with deep bathtubs, premium linens, generous verandas and fully stocked mini bars replenished daily – breakfast and gourmet evening dining are also included. Extensive facilities and experiences provide endless entertainment from games of pétanque, dips in the heated swimming pool and indulgent spa treatments to fly fishing for brown and rainbow trout and rounds of golf at two nearby world-class courses. 

Rosewood Cape Kidnappers(opens in new window)

Epitomising rural luxury, Rosewood Cape Kidnappers is set on 6,000 acres of rolling farmland with awe-inspiring panoramic ocean views, just half an hour’s drive from Ahuriri Napier – helicopter transfers can be arranged for those who prefer to fly. While the service from the knowledgeable staff is seamless, the collection of suites and owner’s cottage sumptuous and inviting with their rustic-luxe style, and the meals – included for all staying guests – delicious, it’s the incredible experiences that really standout here. Within the grounds is an award-winning Tom Doak-designed 71 par golf course and a privately owned and funded predator-proof conservation sanctuary that helps with the protection of juvenile kiwi and the preservation of a gannet colony – night tours and bird feeding can both be arranged. Not to be missed are the private dining options that range from sunrise clifftop breakfasts to secluded beach picnics. 

Rosewood Kauri Cliffs(opens in new window)

Commanding panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, Cape Brett and the Cavalli Islands, Rosewood Kauri Cliffs is a secluded retreat in the Bay of Islands. Set on 6,000 acres, this five-star property – four hours’ drive from Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland or 30 minutes by road from Kerikeri regional airport – exudes understated elegance and sophistication. The main drawcard here is the David Harman designed championship golf course, measuring 6,528 metres with 15 ocean-facing holes and five sets of tees, though the spa sanctuary set within a native totara forest is also a highlight. All meals are included for staying guests and there’s a focus on local, seasonal ingredients: think farm-to-table and ocean-to-plate dishes for lunch and dinner. The lodge team can arrange almost anything from picnics on a pink sand beach, private surfing lessons and sailing charters to cultural heritage tours. 

Rosewood Matakauri(opens in new window)

A serenely beautiful retreat with an exclusive location on the edge of Tāhuna Queenstown’s Lake Wakatipu, the dramatic mountain views take centre stage at Rosewood Matakauri. Inside, the contemporary design of glass, stone and timber is understated with warm tones and an incredible art collection that includes works by Picasso and top New Zealand artists. Regardless of which of the four different accommodations you stay in, you’ll be treated to stunning views of The Remarkables, Cecil and Walter Peaks from your private balcony. The on-site restaurant showcases New Zealand produce and top regional wines during its three-course lunches and five-course dinners, while the spa set on the edge of a pine forest is a soothing place to spend a few hours. And when you want to explore, the centre of Queenstown is only a seven-minute drive away for heart-racing activities such as bungy jumping, jet boating and scenic flights.

Eagles Nest(opens in new window)  

Atop a private peninsula with spectacular ocean views, the multi award-winning Eagles Nest offers the ultimate in exclusivity in the Bay of Islands. While just a short drive (or walk) from the centre of Kororāreka Russell – three hours’ drive from Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland or an hour by car from Kerikeri regional airport – each of the five individual villas feels like a secret haven. Each one comes with a private hot tub, home theatre system and fully equipped gourmet kitchen including a fridge stocked with complimentary breakfast provisions and seasonal fresh fruit, not to mention a bottle of champagne on arrival. While there are no traditional facilities such as a restaurant, bar or spa, the dedicated guest experience coordinators can arrange nearly anything including a chef to prepare an in-villa meal. Off-site, spot dolphins on an island-hopping cruise or learn about the history of Aotearoa New Zealand at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds.

Split Apple Retreat(opens in new window) 

Escape to Split Apple Retreat, a two-storey property built into a cliff-face on the edge of the Abel Tasman National Park, famed for its golden sands, pristine waters and mild year-round climate. Three hours’ drive from the city of Whakatū Nelson, this intimate hideaway features a wrap-around wooden balcony with sparkling sea views, private pathways to two beaches including the 120-million-year-old Split Apple Rock and a collection of artefacts from around Asia including ancient scrolls. Serene and restful, there’s an emphasis on wellness here with massage treatments, mediation, a saltwater infinity pool, onsen hot bath and yoga pavilion surrounded by a Japanese-style garden. Meals at the gourmet Asian-Mediterranean fusion restaurant come highly recommended with the five-course evening menu changing daily and dietary requirements easily accommodated. Beyond the retreat, go hiking, sea kayaking or wildlife spotting including dolphins and kekeno (New Zealand fur seals).