Rua Moana, the 27-metre superyacht, can host up to 60 guests for a day charter. Photo / AucklandNZ
From spectacular Waiheke hideaways to world-class dining, Sarah Pollok shares how to find true luxury without leaving Auckland.
It’s easy to think luxury travel is simply about choosing the most expensive experiences, but that’s not entirely accurate. One can certainly drop cash on a big trip, yet the designation of luxury promises something more specific: ease and exclusivity.
Luxury travel, at its peak, gives us the best of the best and takes care of the messy, exhausting rest. Needs are anticipated, friction smoothed and we’re free to solely dedicate ourselves to enjoying the experiences before us.
Even better, one doesn’t have to pay thousands for a long-haul flight to Europe or the US to experience such opulence. Aotearoa’s rugged, natural beauty has long made it a perfect setting for luxury experiences, and we have the awards to prove it.
Just one example is Ōmana Luxury Villa, a sophisticated four-suite property hidden away in Waiheke that won the title of Oceania’s leading Boutique Hotel 2025 at the World Travel Awards. And rightly so.
After a divinely sunny ferry ride from Auckland City (a positively cleansing 40-minute trip that always delivers me to the island calmer than when I departed) and a 10-minute taxi ride, I reach the hilltop above Woodside Bay.
A few steps down from the gravel road, nestled amongst native plants and little else, are Ōmana’s four luxury villas. Armed with a digital touchpad code, check-in to “Haven” villa is discreet and seamless, and the front door opens to floor-to-ceiling glass windows that frame the peaceful blue bay below and grassy peninsula on the horizon.
Past the kitchenette, a small table holds a gourmet grazing platter and ice-cold bottle of champagne and my friend and I fall into the seats to enjoy the treats with the spectacular view.
The next 24 hours pass in a dreamy collage of plush white robes and giant baths with an ocean view, morning forest walks and swims on empty beaches. All the while, there’s the orchestra of birdsong, sweet and clear through the warm air. Free from obligations or plans, we spend hours chatting and laughing, reading hearty chunks of books, journaling on the private patio or indulging in a massage (yes, they bring everything right to your villa). We enjoy what feels like the most Edenic little slice of Aotearoa and are reminded of why the world is so in love with it.
One day later, we’re delivered back to Quay St, dazed and amazed at what a little dose of luxury can do.
For those seeking ease and exclusivity in the big smoke, here are seven other ways to get your fix.
Polish your putter and head 90 minutes north of Auckland to Te Arai Links, where people go to play and be seen playing. Set on stunning duneland, the two Tom Doak-designed courses are the epitome of luxury, not to mention the fancy villas and lodges that are perfect for a multi-day stay. Even better? Te Arai is getting a high-spec spa and fitness centre in winter 2026. tearai.com
Eager for world-class art set amongst lush, native gardens? Then Matakana’s Sculptureum is the spot to visit. For a properly decadent day out, stop by the on-site restaurant Rothko, which was awarded Best Destination Restaurant at the 2025 Metro Awards and earned its first Hat during this year’s Cuisine Good Food Awards. Go for the art and food, stay for the day. sculptureum.nz
Want something money genuinely can’t buy elsewhere? Then you’ll want to take the VIP Player Tour. The three-hour experience starts with a private, 45-minute guided tour around the All Blacks Experience. Next, you’ll enjoy an entire dinner at award-winning restaurant Metita, personally hosted by a former All Black or Black Fern. Exceptional dining, exclusive access and an intimate peek into sporting legacy, it’s the definition of luxury. experienceallblacks.com/experiences/vip-player-tour
One’s most valuable resource really is their wellbeing, so it’s fitting that SO/Spa is housed in the former Reserve Bank building’s gold vault. More than just a hotel spa, SO/Spa has your mind and body covered with a luxe menu of facials, massages and bespoke treatments (think algae body wraps, French skin scrubs or volcanic masques). Make a day of it and grab a day pass to use the spa’s sauna, pool, jacuzzi and gym. so-hotels.com/en/auckland/wellness/spa
Elegant and upmarket, Britomart has long been a luxury hotspot in Auckland city. The refined retail precinct places local flagship stores amidst beautiful heritage architecture, making for a beautiful and efficient shopping spree. After grabbing a bite at Amano or Kingi, mooch around beautiful stores like Maggie Marilyn, Karen Walker, Allbirds, or Trelise Cooper, as well as international labels such as Jo Malone, L’occitane or Chanel. If you shop till you drop, you can always stay the night at The Hotel Britomart, which recently won a Michelin Key. britomart.org
Want Aotearoa’s world-class coastlines and vistas without the crowds? There is no better way to enjoy the city of sails than on a bespoke yacht with Cruise New Zealand.
Standing on Rua Moana (a 27-metre, $20 million superyacht) you’re guaranteed to feel like an A-list celebrity as you sail around Aotearoa’s pristine coastline, visit wineries and golf courses or simply enjoy a day of fishing and water sports.
The yacht can take up to 60 guests for day trips or eight special guests on overnight adventures, treating them to gourmet catering, private anchorages and full-crew service. cruisenewzealand.co.nz
Henry Onesemo’s Tala has been turning heads since it opened in Parnell with its modern take on traditional Samoan cuisine. Now, it’s got the esteemed accolades to match the hype. It scored the title of Supreme Winner in this year’s Viva Top 50 Restaurant awards (discover deemed it the best restaurant in Auckland, plus see the other top 50, at viva.co.nz/top50restaurants), and Onesemo claimed One Knife at this year’s Best Chef Awards in Milan.
Onesemo is in great company, too. Zennon Wijlens of Paris Butter scored Two Knives, while Lesley Chandra of Sidart and Plabita Florence of Forest also earned One Knife. So, if it’s luxury dining you’re after, you’re spoilt for choice.
New Zealand Herald Travel travelled to Waiheke courtesy of Fullers360 and Ōmana Luxury Villa.