There has never been a better time to cross the Tran-Tasman and fly to New Zealand and check into a luxury lodge.
As many seasoned travellers know, there are more luxury, upscale lodges and hotels in New Zealand than in Australia, and the natural beauty is beyond compare at any time of the year.
And with no less than 32 luxury lodges now open, making a selection isn’t easy, as well as deciding between the magnificent north and south islands.
Breath taking walking trails, challenging mountain climbs, fun water sports, skiing adventures, and helicopter flights are just some of the outdoor activities on offer at many lodges.
National parks take up more than a tenth of the country, so this is one of the best locations in the world to get back to nature and isolate.
All lodges have made covid safe changes including extra cleaning, delivery of meals to rooms, hands-free check in, and many offer spa treatments within the confines of rooms to alleviate and minimise guest to guest contact.
Check the prices when you book, as many lodges offer full or half board options, and if you are planning to take children, do check as many of these luxury New Zealand lodges don’t allow children under a certain age.
If that’s not enough, whilst New Zealand only produces one percent of the world’s wine overall, top of the range wineries abound, with wine tastings as well as restaurants on site at many, and the quality of wine is excellent.
These New Zealand lodges are topping our bucket list right now;
Lodge At The Hills:
Located on The Hills private golf course 20 minutes from Queenstown.
Best For: Avid golfers, food and wine buffs and couples looking for top service in luxury surrounds
Price: From $38,000 per night
This exclusive-use luxury lodge sleeps up to 12 people and is set in 500 acres of breathtaking natural, tranquil greenery. The architecture and feel is modern yet inviting with soaring ceilings, floor to ceiling glass, open fires, light filled suites, a private chef, gold bars, a golf course, and sculpture park as well a state of the art spa.
This is a true no-expense spared experience.
Blanket Bay:
Location:Blanket Bay is located a 40-minute (46km) drive from Queenstown on the shores of Lake Wakatipu.
Best For: Celebrity junkies who want to be as remote as possible and enjoy submerging in nature form the luxury of a fabulous lodge.
Price: From NZ$1500 per night
This luxe lodge is a favourite with celebrities, and was booked out with famous names during the making of Lord Of The Rings. It has just celebrated 25 years in business, and is where relaxation and adventure meets luxury accommodation, unparalleled service and five star facilities.
Huka Lodge:
Location: Taupo, home to New Zealand’s largest lake in the heart of the volcanic North Island
Best For: The ultimate and original New Zealand Luxury Lodge experience. Food, fishing and the best of New Zealand’s outdoors.
Price: From NZ$2000 per night
Rated as one of the world’s best lodges, this heritage 1920’s hotel was founded as a simple fishing lodge upstream from Huka Falls, which has grown into the New Zealand holiday destination of the rich, and famous over many years. It was the first luxury lodge in New Zealand in 1924 when the doors opened.
The Queen was a fan for many years and visited every year. Guest chefs, and sublime dining experiences have always been a part of any stay, as well as sublime mountain walks, fishing, and fresh air.
This lodge offers a no expense spared experience where even your shoes are cleaned after a hike if you leave them outside your room.
Aro Ha Wellness Retreat:
Location: In Glenorchy on the South Island is a 45-minute drive from Queenstown.
Best For: Not strictly a lodge, but next level wellness on all levels, so great for fitness fanatics or health gurus looking for a New Zealand nature fix whilst staying healthy.
Price: From NZ $6250 for six nights per person
Not a luxury lodge but a sublime purpose built luxury level wellness facility to help calm the senses and the mind from within. This is a journey as well as an adventure into the body, mind and soul.
Eichard’s Private Hotel:
Location: In Queenstown
Best For: A city escape in absolute luxury and indulgence.
Price: From: NZ$1000 per night
The formal elegance of this hotel is a welcome relief from the hustle and bustle that Queenstown can sometimes be.
The Dacha Luxury Lodge, NZ
Location: Wanaka
Best For: Anyone wanting to explore Lord Of The Rings Country within the lap of modern luxury and take incredible instagram photos.
Price: From NZ $3900 per night
Think private chefs, and spectacular views of New Zealand’s South Island, overlooking Lake Wanaka with the dramatic backdrop of craggy peaks and glaciated valleys and you will have an idea of the luxury waiting at New Zealand’s newest lodge.
Endless walking trails, mountain climbs, water sports, skiing, heli-adventures and wine tours are all on offer.
Robertson Lodge Matakauri
Location: Queenstown, lakeside
Best For: Romance , isolation and intimacy in Queenstown
Price: From NZ $980 per couple per night
There are no crowds here. The spectacular lakeside location on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, one of New Zealand’s most beautiful alpine lakes overlooking snowy peaks makes it a divine location for a real escape. The lodge is small and intimate, and many reviews compare it to an experience in the English countryside.
The Owners Cottage At The Farm, Cape Kidnappers
Location: Hawkes Bay
Best For: Four couples looking for the ultimate in an indulgent, luxury, isolated getaway, and a short walk from the main lodge and spa.
Price: From NZ$16,900 + 15% GST per night.
All Robertson lodges promise a destination with a destination meaning many guests don’t leave the lodge at all during a stay. The Farm accomodates up to 8 people in 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms. Set atop 6,000 acres of stunning pasture-land in Hawke’s Bay, The Farm at Cape Kidnappers affords spectacular uninterrupted 180-degree views of the Pacific Ocean.
Robertson Lodge Kauri Cliffs
Omaru Bay, Waiheke Island
Best For: A Corporate retreat or extended family stay, think stunning vistas, gorgeous private beaches and breathtaking sunrises.
Price: From $21,000 per night
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