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Luxury can sometimes be an elusive concept. Elusive because it tends to come with a price tag not all of us can afford.

But for those willing to venture a little further into the New Zealand bush, you'll be surprised what comes as standard with a Department of Conservation Hut.

With natural hot spring spas on site and million-dollar views, these are not your average backcountry bunks.

There's even an $85 private island.

We've searched high and low to bring you a list of the country's most deluxe DoC Huts.

2. Mimiwhangata Lodge, Bay of Islands

This solo-occupancy lodge overlooking Okupe Beach and Mimiwhangata Bay is fit for royalty.

It is possibly one of the few DoC properties ever to have had a regal visit, when the Royal Yacht Britannia pulled in for a visit in 1970. Queen Elizabeth stopped off for a picnic lunch, while the late Duke of Edinburgh explored Okupe.

The Moretti family who have farmed the area for decades also manage the grounds for DoC.

In the coastal park, the neighbouring Helena Bay retreat has appeared in both Forbes and Conde Nast's 'Ultimate Private Vacations'. You won't find the lodge on any such list. It is far too exclusive.

Previously the most expensive lodge in the DOC network, it's recently dropped its prices from $2044 to $1617 per week.

There's even an airstrip for private plane access. You'll need to swap the Gulfstream for a Microlite, though.

Facilities: Lighting; kitchen; barbecue; wood fire; laundry facilities; hot shower; flush toilets; Sleeps 6 in two rooms

4. Aspiring Hut, Mt Aspiring Wānaka

A historic stone hut set in the Mātukituki Valley, it is as cosy as they come. New Zealand Alpine Club operates the heritage hut, at the heart of a Unesco recognised park. On a good day there are views of Mt Aspiring.

Indoors you'll find plenty of space to luxuriate around the large potbelly burner, even at full capacity of 29 bunks.

You'll find it at the end of a family-friendly two-hour walk from the Raspberry Creek car park, or a more adventurous four hours from the Liverpool and French Ridge huts.

Facilities: Lighting; gas cookers; log burner; 29 bunks

6. Mt Heale Hut, Aotea / Great Barrier

The middle of Great Barrier Island is serviced by a heli-pad. Though you'd be robbing yourself of a fantastic day walk from the thermal springs or the scenic Windy Canyon route.

The newest and most spacious of two DoC huts on the Aotea trail, it is not unusual for hikers to book back-to-back nights at Mt Heale Hut.

The biggest draw is the uninterrupted views out to the Broken Islands, Port Fitzroy and Little Barrier/Hauturu-o-Toi.

Given there is no centralised power grid on the island, the solar lights and gas cookers are as luxurious as it gets.

Facilities: Cooking; mattresses; 20 bunks

8. Luxmore Hut, Fiordland

Luxmore by name, this hut is luxury in nature – with resident kea to keep you company.

Hike up to the pristine snowline or visit the network of limestone caves.

A day's walk from Te Anau, the alpine lodge is open all winter with on-site volunteer staff. You can continue on with the three- or four-day Kepler track, or take a water taxi back to Te Anau.

Facilities: Cooking; heating; lighting; flush toilets; 54 bunk beds