With its wide-open spaces, dramatic coastlines, and delicious food and wine, far-flung New Zealand is a traveler’s dream. “Easy access to the ocean, mountains, lakes, beaches, streams, water and land activities, and great little cities and communities are just a few of the selling points,” says Matt Lines, a founder of New Zealand destination specialist company Seasonz. The country is safe, English-speaking, easy to navigate, uncrowded, and incredibly beautiful. The island’s humble and understated luxury is also a huge draw. “The pace of life, the natural environment, the rich cultural history, and the climate make it an ideal setting for luxury destinations,” says Helena Bay Lodge’s general manager Neil McFarlane. “It’s an emotional experience traveling here and very easy to get swept up in the glorious vistas.” Last but not least, the diversity of the landscape is unlike anywhere else in the world. “In Northland, for example, you might look across sandy beaches toward the Pacific, while down south count on a view of alpine lakes into some of the world’s most dramatic mountain scenery,” explains Hall Cannon, managing director of the Otahuna Lodge outside of Christchurch. With all that, it’s no wonder so many filmmakers have chosen the country’s landscapes as a backdrop for other-worldly scenes; The Lord of the Rings trilogy was famously filmed there, as was Scarlett Johansson’s most recent film, Ghost in the Shell.
Here, a look at the most astounding views and seven luxury spots from which to take them in. And with no more than 24 rooms on any one property, these places are so intimate you might even feel like you’ve got your own private billionaire’s retreat.
Helena Bay Lodge, an over-the-top, eight-room resort that just opened on 800 acres in November in Hikurangi (north of Whangarei, a three-hour drive from Auckland), faces east into Helena Bay, leading to magnificent sunrises and dramatic skies. From rolling pastures and natural bush areas to more manicured, formal gardens, verdant greenery is everywhere you look. “The lodge has a kind of Old World feel about it from the moment you arrive that makes you naturally relax and unwind,” says general manager Neil McFarlane. “It has a strong sense of community spirit that makes you feel part of the ebb-and-flow of life here.” No expense has been spared in the sensational (and massive) rooms and common areas; the 25-meter pool faces lush mountain farmland, while the spa boasts a cold plunge pool, sauna, and steam room (great for kicking that jet lag). The property feels more like a grand home than a hotel.
The Landing in the Bay of Islands on the North Island offers a different set-up from a traditional lodge: four luxury villas to rent (which can accommodate four to 12 guests each), with a common vineyard, boathouse, and fitness/spa facility exclusively for guests. The development is situated on Wairoa Bay and has its own jetty and beach, home to gorgeous 360-degree views of 144 islands—hence the name Bay of Islands. The historically significant land around the property features archaeological sites, restored wetlands, regenerated native bush, and bird sanctuaries—going kiwi bird-spotting at night with flashlights is a fun adventure.
The 19th-century Victorian estate of Otahuna Lodge, a 30-minute drive from Christchurch, surrounds an ancient volcano. The property looks over century-old botanic gardens that feature fruit trees and daffodil fields originally laid out in the 1900s by a team trained at Kew Gardens; beyond the sweeping Great Lawn are the snow-capped Southern Alps. “The absence of global, five-star chain properties has meant that independent hoteliers have been able to start from scratch and develop highly unique, deeply atmospheric lodges,” says Hall Cannon, managing director of Otahuna, who, along with his partner, Miles Refo, decamped from New York City to reinvent the home as a Relais & Châteaux-level property in 2005. “At Otahuna, we are able to show off our deep love for fantastic, locally sourced foods in a unique heritage environment.” The 30-acre estate is so special that it’s listed on the New Zealand Historic Places Trust.
Tiger Management founder and New Zealand hospitality pioneer Julian Robertson owns three luxury lodges in New Zealand: Matakauri Lodge, Kauri Cliffs and The Farm at Cape Kidnappers. Located in the heart of Hawke’s Bay wine country and positioned above 6,000 rolling acres with views to the Pacific, the 24 suites at the Farm at Cape Kidnappers may be the most grand—and yet also down-to-earth—farm in the world. “The lodge’s design suggests a working farm for a more authentic experience, and affords views of the award-winning golf course carved alongside a dramatic cliffside that plunges into the ocean below,” says chief operating officer for the Robertson hotel group, Euan Taylor.
The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs is set on a gorgeous location near Matauri Bay in Northland. The panoramic views of Cape Brett, the Pacific Ocean and Cavalli Islands are easily seen from the private porches of each of the 22 cottage suites, the main lodge and award-winning, cliff-top golf course. This was the first property Robertson and his late wife, Josie, opened in 2001 after falling in love with the country, and the property’s whitewashed New England look is truly memorable. “From the lodge, guests enjoy picturesque views of the award-winning championship golf course, can hike through an ancient kauri forest, or relax on one of three private beaches,” says Taylor. “Plus, some of the best island-hopping sailing is found in Northland.”
Set above Palliser Bay, the secluded Wharekauhau Country Estate’s 13 freestanding cottage suites offer unparalleled vistas—some of the best of which can be viewed from their massive bathtubs. An hour-and-a-half-drive north of the nation’s capital, Wellington, Wairarapa is known for its vibrant farm life (you’ll find far more sheep than people), and its proximity to wine-growing regions. The Edwardian estate is set on a 5,500-acre working sheep and cattle farm with pastures, rivers and forests, as well as on a remarkable stretch of coastline. The hotel’s three-bedroom owner’s cottage was compelling enough for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, who brought then-10-month-old Prince George with them for a visit to the island nation.
The Matakauri Lodge—located on the south island in Queenstown, known as “the adventure capital of the world”—offers striking views of Lake Wakatipu. The 12 individual, alpine-style bungalows face the Remarkables mountain range and offer jaw-dropping views from every room. “With stunning views across the alpine lake and rugged mountain peaks from floor-to-ceiling windows, guests can enjoy uninterrupted views from any vantage point on property and allows nature to take center stage,” says Taylor.