Seascape is Annandale's most rugged and romantic accommodation option. Photo / Supplied
Seascape is Annandale's most rugged and romantic accommodation option. Photo / Supplied
Helena Bay, Northland
In the winterless north, lies Helena Bay - a luxurious six-star lodge with just five double rooms, set among private beaches and pristine coves, overlooking the sea - you’ll find binoculars on hand to view any visiting wildlife, such as whales, birds and dolphins.
Helena Bay is at the top of the winterless north. Photo / Supplied
Archaeologists have found the remains of five pā sites on this historic plot of land, and the area was later used by Croatians families to produce wine. The property was eventually cleared for farming, before being bought by the current owners in 2007.
Since then the land has been used for lower-intensity farming, including Wagyu beef breeding, and the pine forest is used as a carbon sink rather than production.
The beautiful central lodge is extensive - you could enjoy breakfast by the pool, lunch in the library and dine in front of the fire or al fresco overlooking the ocean.
Dine al fresco at Helena Bay. Photo / Supplied
The world’s largest sea cave is 20km away across the water at the Poor Knights Islands, and diving trips to see stingrays, orca and myriad fish can be arranged. Outside the marine reserve, there’s excellent fishing to be had - guests can cast from the property’s pontoon, or off the jetty, with fishing equipment on hand. helenabay.com
Eagles Nest, Bay of Islands
How does a private chef sound? What about a butler? A personal trainer? A spa therapist? Your wish is their command at Eagles Nest, a clifftop peninsula property where guests get an entire villa to themselves.
Sea and skies stretch on forever at Eagles Nest. Photo / Supplied
The smallest villa offers one bedroom and two bathrooms. The largest? Prepare yourself for four bedrooms (all with en suite), a butler, private beach, wine cellar, a 25m pool and the use of a Porsche. Every villa has a private pool, and complimentary champagne on arrival.
The staff will arrange any activity you’re interested in - be it wine tasting, sky-diving, horse-trekking or a foodie tour of the region. There is also a kiwi care programme onsite, and little blue penguins visit the beaches. But there’s really no reason to leave the property, with views of the sea and skies that stretch forever. eaglesnest.co.nz
Holiday like the rich and famous at Delamore on Waiheke, where Madonna, Justin Bieber and Alanis Morissette are all rumoured to have stayed. The glitz and glam of the guests belies the environment here however - Delamore is a peaceful and private escape, atop a cliff overlooking the Hauraki Gulf, but only a five-minute drive from the ferry terminal.
Delamore Lodge on Waiheke Island counts Madonna, Justin Bieber and Alanis Morissette among its guests. Photo / Supplied
This is a small boutique hotel and, as such, guests are treated to a personalised service - the wine and snacks are always at hand. There are only a handful of rooms, so you will be known by name immediately.
Guests approach from the back of the property and are then led through to a wide deck, and the hotel's Instagram-famous pool - an infinity-style on the very edge of the property. Further down the hill are fruit trees and garden walks for exploring.
Delamore Lodge's famous infinity pool, Waiheke Island. Photo / Supplied
Each evening, guests gather on the balcony to enjoy canapes and pre-dinner drinks together. Then in the evening, enjoy a sherry in the lounge, curl up with a book in the library, or take a window seat in the restaurant, and gaze over the incredible view of the Hauraki Gulf as you dine on Coromandel oysters, in-season produce and local wine. http://www.delamorelodge.com/
Treetops Lodge, Rotorua
Cosiness doesn’t usually come with this kind of grandeur. On the edge of Rotorua, on the edge of a forest, on the edge of nowhere, you’ll find a warm hearth, a comfortable sofa, a stack of books and a room full of games. Plus a Goldie, an open decanter and a full estate to make use of.
Trout fishing, horse riding and a Māori food trail are on the menu at Treetops, Rotorua. Photo / Supplied
This is Treetops, a hunting lodge-style hotel that is the epitome of luxury winter retreat. The property is set on a 1000ha of native bush, and is criss-crossed by streams and bush walks. The estate is there to be explored - there are trout in the rivers and deer roam the property - don’t be surprised to see one wandering past your window in the quiet evenings. The lodge will pack you a picnic if you want to explore for the day, or choose from any number of rambles - from a 15-minute stroll to see the glow worms, to a 45-minute walk to the unmissable Bridal Veil Falls waterfall. After a walk through thick bush, it appears, seemingly out of nowhere, crashing 50m down the mountainside.
Cosiness doesn't usually come with this kind of grandeur: Treetops, Rotorua. Photo / Supplied
Other options include fishing, horse riding, a Māori food trail and gathering expedition, and cooking classes. If you prefer to hang out near the lodge, there are reading rooms, a billiards table, and the forest spa, with massage, beauty treatments, and bush-side hot tubs.
The main lodge is decorated hunting style - with antlers and beasts aplenty, thick rugs and heavy coffee table books to peruse over a welcoming drink. And the restaurant serves up local fare - which means those trout and deer are popular choices, as well as other ingredients grown or foraged from the property. https://www.treetops.co.nz/
Wharekauhau, Palliser Bay
Live like royalty at Wharekauhau Country Estate. Built on one of the country’s oldest working sheep stations, at the foot of the Rimutaka Ranges, this luxurious lodge is a celebration of New Zealand’s farming history. However it’s also a favourite with royalty - the estate was famously used by William, Kate and George on their royal tour in 2014, and the king and queen of Denmark in 2018. James Cameron lives next door.
Wharekauhau lodge at the foot of the Rimutaka Ranges. Photo / Supplied
The lodge is a 90-minute drive from Wellington, and is nestled between the mountains, gorges and the coastline. This is a space for outdoorsy types - during the day guests can explore the gardens, take a quad-bike farm tour, or hike on Mt Wharekauhau, and you’ll find the lodge entranceway lined with gumboots.
At night, the formality steps up in the dining room, with a farm-to-table menu, and a world-class wine cellar. There are also private dining-room options.
Live like royalty at Wharekauhau Country Estate Lodge, whose patrons include the Cambridges William, Kate and George. Photo / Supplied
Wharekauhau is also a perfect spot for families - kids are encouraged to get out on to the farm to experience life here. They can collect the eggs from the chicken hutch, cook with the lodge chefs, or try clay-shooting as a family. wharekauhau.co.nz
Bay of Many Coves, Marlborough
With entry only by boat or air (a 20-minute helicopter flight from Wellington), the approach to Bay of Many Coves is the beginning of your luxury experience. The Marlborough Sounds is one of New Zealand’s most beautiful spots - ancient river valleys that have filled with the ocean creates an epic landscape of curves and corners and spots that can be discovered only from the water.
Bay of Many Coves: The luxury lodge is at the end of a 20-minute helicopter flight or lengthy bush walk. Photo / Supplied
