New Zealand is a serene travel destination in Oceania. The island country is famed for its otherworldly landscapes, ranging from volcanic mountains to glacier lakes and national parks. In this article, we have handpicked the 7 finest luxury retreats in New Zealand with an unmatched getaway experience.
- Te Arai Links
- Rosewood Matakauri
- ROKI Collection
- Flockhill Lodge
- Wharekauhau Country Estate
- Huka Lodge
- Pihopa Retreat
Te Arai Links
Te Arai Links is one of the finest luxury retreats in New Zealand for golf lovers. Just an hour drive from Auckland, it is perched on a secluded coastline surrounded by forests and sand dunes. Designed by Studio John Irving Architects, the sleek, low-slung structures blend in seamlessly with the landscape.
Te Arai Links offers a range of accommodations, including rooms, cottages, villas, and private homes. The interiors are by Jenni Kayne, which showcase soothing earthy tones. They are each appointed with minimalistic furnishings, a luxurious bathroom, and a private deck with breathtaking views.
Te Arai Links is home to two distinct golf courses, including The South Course and The North Course. You will also have access to a spa, a hydrotherapy garden, a fitness center, sports courts, and more. As for culinary offerings, you will discover multiple dining & drinking outlets with a variety of options.
Rosewood Matakauri
Rosewood Matakauri is one of the finest luxury retreats in Queenstown, New Zealand. Tucked on the northern shores of Lake Wakatipu, the 5-star boutique hotel offers unmatched mountain vistas. The main lodge is home to just 13 tranquil guest suites. They come in soothing creamy tones, each outfitted with refined modern furnishings, a large soaking bathtub, and a private balcony with grand trio views.
The wellness experience at Rosewood Matakauri is gorgeous. The in-house spa features a scenic heated outdoor pool, hot & cold plunge pools, an outdoor cedar sauna, and a 24-hour fitness center. It is also the perfect place for stargazing, lake swimming, or skiing. The meals on-site are rooted in the region’s rich ingredients and flavors, showcasing everything from high-country lamb to lake-caught seafood.
ROKI Collection
ROKI Collection is one of the best new luxury retreats in New Zealand. Located in Queenstown, the hotel is a tranquil sanctuary on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. Designed by local designer Virginia Fisher, the interior exudes a modern elegance. The 15 suites come in a neutral and soft blue palette, each fitted with textured furnishings, a fireplace, a bathtub, Sans Ceutical toiletries, and lake & mountain views.
The wellness experience at the hotel is exceptional. You will have access to a serene indoor pool, fitness center, jacuzzi, ice bath, and sauna. You can also revitalize with a signature 2-hour ritual. Chef Paul Froggatt is behind the three culinary concepts on-site. Essence is a fine dining destination where New Zealand ingredients meet European cuisine, while The Terrace offers a seafood-focused menu.
Flockhill Lodge
Flockhill Lodge is one of the finest luxury retreats in New Zealand. Nestled at the foothills of the Craigieburn Valley, the 36,000-acre estate is a secluded sanctuary to immerse in the South Island’s natural beauty. The guest rooms are spread across the villas and the private homesteads. They feature a stylish earthy design with modern furnishings, organic textures, private decks, and majestic views.
In addition, the homestead boasts a gorgeous outdoor pool and hot spa, while the villa’s deluxe suite has a sumptuous lounge with a gas fireplace, dining table, and indoor music system. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are also included in your stay. Sugarloaf, the alpine restaurant on-site, offers a curated menu rooted in regional and home-grown produce. Make sure you also try out different outdoor adventures.
Wharekauhau Country Estate
Wharekauhau Country Estate is one of the most tranquil luxury retreats in New Zealand. Situated beside Palliser Bay, the lodge is located on a 3,200-acre sheep farm established in the 1840s. Designed by Virginia Fischer, the 16 cottage suites feature a serene neutral palette. They are each crafted meticulously with timeless furnishings, soft natural materials, a double spa bath, and a private ocean view terrace.
Besides, the lodge features a heated indoor pool, a fitness center, a spa terrace with a hot tub, hiking trails, a multi-use sports court, and more. You can also tour around the working farm, go stargazing, or ride an ATV at the beach. The hotel’s restaurant draws inspiration from its natural surroundings. From breakfast to dinner, you can savor aromatic dishes made from the best seasonal and estate-grown produce.
Huka Lodge
Huka Lodge is one of the most acclaimed luxury retreats in New Zealand. Situated in Taupo on the North Island, the 17-acre property sits quietly along the banks of the Waikato River. The lodge is home to 20 guest suites and two multi-bedroom residences. They come in a breezy open-plan design, each outfitted with elegant furniture, a deep soaking tub, large French doors, and a furnished outdoor veranda.
During your stay, you will have access to a lush outdoor pool complex, a tennis court, a gym, a spa, a yoga and meditation lawn, and plenty of lounging spaces. Taupo also offers the perfect setting for golfing, hiking, fly fishing, lake cruising, and more. The hotel’s culinary experience centers around sustainability and seasonality. You will discover fresh organic dishes alongside a curated selection of wine.
Pihopa Retreat
Pihopa Retreat is one of the finest luxury retreats in New Zealand. Tucked away near the top of the Southern Island, it occupies five hectares of verdant grounds in Nelson City. With just six suites on-site, you are guaranteed to enjoy unmatched privacy and tranquility. They are all designed individually, each outfitted with elegant furnishings, patterned headboards, a kitchenette, and a private balcony.
At the heart of Pihopa Retreat is its heated outdoor pool, surrounded by loungers, a pool house, and an open-air gym. You can also explore the landscaped gardens with historic trees and beautiful flowers. There are no restaurants on-site, but a chef-cooked and/or continental breakfast is served at the grand chapel. The hotel also offers complimentary taxis to Nelson, where you will find a range of dining options.
also check out
