9 Luxury Lodges To Stay In New Zealand

Luxury lodges to stay in New Zealand offer a dream vacation with stunning views, delicious food, and luxurious accommodations. These special retreats provide a unique experience combining comfort, style, and adventure, letting you enjoy New Zealand’s culture, nature, and friendly hospitality.

Whether you’re traveling to New Zealand with family, a partner, or on your own, this guide will help you find the perfect luxury lodge for your 2024 New Zealand vacation. There are amazing options on the North and South Islands, so you’re sure to find the perfect place to relax and explore.

What Makes Luxury Lodges To Stay In New Zealand Special?

You might be wondering what sets New Zealand’s luxury lodges apart from other high-end accommodations around the world. Well, it’s not just the plush interiors and gourmet dining (though they’re certainly world-class). It’s the seamless blend of luxury and authenticity, crafting experiences truly unique to this breathtaking country.

Here’s a glimpse of what makes them extraordinary:

• Unforgettable settings: Nestled amidst New Zealand’s renowned natural beauty, these lodges boast the most spectacular locations. Perched on cliffs overlooking the vast ocean, on tranquil lake shores, or in remote alpine havens.
• Intimate escapes: Unlike sprawling resorts, these lodges offer just a handful of suites or villas, ensuring utmost privacy and personalized attention that’ll make you feel like the only guest.
• Service that spoils: The moment you step foot in a New Zealand luxury lodge, you’re treated like royalty. The attentive staff goes above and beyond to anticipate your every need, guaranteeing a flawless stay.
• Experiences unlike any other: Fancy a private helicopter tour of a glacier? A personalized wine-tasting adventure? Or perhaps delving into Māori culture with a local expert? These lodges curate exclusive activities you won’t find elsewhere.
• A culinary journey: New Zealand’s culinary scene is renowned for its fresh, flavorful fare. Many lodges even have on-site gardens and partner with local farmers and producers, bringing you dishes that are as vibrant and delicious as they are beautiful.
• Indulgent amenities: From secluded hot tubs with mesmerizing views to world-class spas and cozy libraries, these lodges cater to your every whim. You’ll want for nothing during your stay.

Top 9 Luxury Lodges in New Zealand For Every Traveler

New Zealand’s luxury lodges are accommodation gateways to unforgettable experiences tailored to every traveler’s desires. Whether you seek tranquility amidst breathtaking scenery, thrilling adventures in nature’s playground, or a romantic escape steeped in luxury, these havens offer it all.

1. The Lindis (Ahuriri Valley)

A masterpiece of design nestled in the pristine Ahuriri Valley, The Lindis blends seamlessly into the surrounding landscape. Its undulating timber roof echoes the contours of the mountains, creating a harmonious connection with the environment.

Inside, you’ll find a haven of calm and comfort, with just two master suites, three luxurious lodge suites, and three unique mirrored pods. Each space maximizes the breathtaking views with floor-to-ceiling windows that blur the lines between indoors and out.

• Price: From NZD 2,965 per night for two people, including daily breakfast, pre-dinner drinks, light or packed lunch, multi-course dinner, and mini-bar
• Highlights: Stunning architecture, fly-fishing in world-class rivers, stargazing in the International Dark Sky Reserve
• Location: 2.5-hour drive from Queenstown, set in the pristine Ahuriri Valley

2. Cape Kidnappers (Hawke’s Bay)

Set on a rugged peninsula in Hawke’s Bay, Cape Kidnappers combines the charm of a traditional farm stay with world-class resort amenities. The 6,000-acre property includes a working farm, a renowned golf course, and a native wildlife sanctuary.

The lodge has 22 guest suites and a four-bedroom Owner’s Cottage. They are rustic-chic, with cozy fireplaces, comfortable furnishings, and local artwork. Each room offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean or the golf course.

• Price: From NZD 995 to NZD 13,750 per night, depending on the season and room type. Rates include all meals, pre-dinner drinks, and access to lodge facilities.
• Highlights: Working farm, award-winning golf course, gannet safari, spa
• Location: Set on 6,000 acres of rolling pastureland in Hawke’s Bay, North Island

3. Eagles Nest (Russell)

High on a private peninsula in the Bay of Islands, Eagles Nest is a sanctuary for those seeking ultimate luxury and seclusion. Only five ultra-luxurious villas dot the landscape, each a unique haven of indulgence. Take, for instance, the Rahimoana, a two-bedroom oasis with a 25-meter infinity pool that seems to melt into the horizon.

Or, perhaps the Waka will tempt you, a sprawling four-bedroom retreat complete with a private beach and even a helipad. In any case, you’ll find each villa a symphony of comfort, relaxation, and privacy, where meticulous design and breathtaking views intertwine to create an unparalleled experience.

• Price: From NZD 3,650 per night for a villa with private amenities like jacuzzis and infinity pools. Includes daily breakfast and fresh fruit.
• Highlights: Private beach access, customized dining experiences, boat charters and island-hopping
• Location: Set on a private peninsula with panoramic views of the Bay of Islands, Russell

4. Huka Lodge (Taupo)

Steeped in 90 years of history, the iconic Huka Lodge has hosted a who’s who of celebrities, dignitaries, and even royalty. Nestled on the banks of the Waikato River, just a stone’s throw from the mighty Huka Falls, it’s a haven of tranquility and luxury.

The lodge boasts 25 guest suites, each offering stunning river views and surrounding landscape. But for those seeking ultimate seclusion and indulgence, two exclusive cottages await: the four-suite Alan Pye Cottage and the intimate two-suite Owner’s Cottage.

• Price: From NZD 2,700 per night for a junior suite, including meals and activities
• Highlights: Riverside location, acclaimed dining, trout fishing, golf
• Location: On the banks of the Waikato River near Lake Taupo, North Island

5. Kauri Cliffs (Matauri Bay)

Kauri Cliffs, part of the prestigious Relais & Châteaux collection, offers a luxurious escape where relaxation and adventure intertwine. Perched high above the Pacific Ocean, guests can choose from 22 cozy suites with private porches, each offering breathtaking 180-degree coastline views and surrounding islands.

For those seeking the ultimate indulgence, the Owner’s Cottage awaits with its two suites, private infinity pool, and fully equipped kitchen. Beyond the lodge, adventure beckons with a championship golf course, rejuvenating spa treatments, and outdoor activities like surfing, fishing, kayaking, and horseback riding.

• Price: From NZD 2,450 per night, including meals, golf, and activities
• Highlights: Stunning ocean views, championship golf course, three private beaches, spa
• Location: Set on 6,000 acres near Matauri Bay, Northland

6. Wharekauhau Lodge (Featherston)

Wharekauhau Lodge is a luxurious escape for those seeking a taste of country life. Nestled on a sprawling 5,500-acre working sheep station in picturesque Wairarapa, this historic lodge has been welcoming guests since the 1840s, even royalty like the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

Choose from cozy cottages or spacious suites, all offering stunning views of the rugged coastline and rolling farmland. They’re renowned for their exceptional farm-to-table cuisine, showcasing the freshest local produce and wines. It’s an authentic taste of New Zealand hospitality.

• Price: From NZD 1,750 per night, covering all meals, selected beverages, and activities such as clay target shooting and farm tours
• Highlights: Working sheep station, stunning coastal views, farm-to-table cuisine, outdoor activities
• Location: Set on a 5,500-acre estate in the Wairarapa region, 90-minute drive from Wellington

7. Matakauri Lodge (Queenstown)

With a prime location on Lake Wakatipu’s shores, Matakauri Lodge is your gateway to the adventures and relaxation Queenstown has to offer. Whether you’re into world-class skiing and golfing, prefer wine tasting or crave scenic flights, there’s something for everyone.

But the lodge itself is a travel destination in its own right. Imagine 12 spacious suites, each with a private balcony that showcases the stunning lake and dramatic Remarkables mountain range. And if you’re looking for the ultimate luxury lodges to stay in New Zealand, the four-bedroom Owner’s Cottage with its own infinity pool will take your breath away.

• Price: From NZD 2,000 per night, including meals, drinks, and lodge facilities
• Highlights: Stunning views of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables, spa, nearby golf courses and wineries
• Location: 10-minute drive from Queenstown, set on the shores of Lake Wakatipu

8. Blanket Bay (Glenorchy)

If you’re the kind of traveler who craves both luxury and the great outdoors, Blanket Bay is calling your name. Just 45 minutes from Queenstown in charming Glenorchy, you’ll find cozy lodge rooms and spacious suites.

There are even private villas, each offering breathtaking views of Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountains. The interiors seamlessly blend rustic charm with modern comfort, creating the perfect setting for relaxation.

But don’t get too comfortable – just outside your door, adventure awaits. You’ll be spoilt for choice with heli-skiing, fly fishing, horseback riding, and scenic hikes on offer. Blanket Bay is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise with a touch of luxury.

• Price: From NZD 2,800 per night, including meals and activities such as hiking and kayaking
• Highlights: Lakefront location, outdoor adventures, heli-skiing, fly-fishing
• Location: 45-minute drive from Queenstown, set on the shores of Lake Wakatipu

9. Minaret Station (Lake Wanaka)

Tucked away in the heart of the Southern Alps, Minaret Station is an experience unlike any other, accessible only by helicopter. It’s the perfect escape for those seeking adventure and exclusivity, surrounded by glaciers, alpine lakes, and untouched wilderness.

With just four luxurious chalets, each boasting a private deck and hot tub with stunning views, you’ll feel like you have the whole place to yourself. You can spend your days heli-skiing down pristine slopes, casting a line for trout in crystal-clear waters, hiking through rugged backcountry trails, or enjoying a gourmet picnic on a glacier.

• Price: From NZD 4,000 per night, including meals, guided activities, and helicopter transfers
• Highlights: Ultra-remote location, fly-fishing, heli-skiing, backcountry hiking
• Location: Accessible only by helicopter, set in the heart of the Southern Alps near Lake Wanaka