Looking for a place to stay in New Zealand? There is no shortage of amazing luxury lodges in New Zealand. Set in inspiring natural landscapes, these luxury rentals are known for seducing architecture, stunningly picturesque locations, the highest levels of service, and unique on-site activities available to guests.
Famous for its stunning natural landscapes, New Zealand is one of the most beautiful destinations in the world. This breathtaking island country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean is home to rugged glaciers, towering snow-capped mountains, lush rolling hills, fjords, volcanoes, and pristine beaches.
Nature lovers visiting New Zealand can look forward to climbing volcanic islands, heli-skiing, exploring limestone caves, swimming with dolphins, and admiring the beauty of southern lights in remote places like Stewart Island and around Lake Tekapo.
And with all this majestic scenery comes a wide variety and beautifully exquisite luxury lodges ideal. But we should mention that staying in these luxury lodges in New Zealand comes with a hefty price tag, but they are guaranteed to provide an unforgettable trip!
And be sure to read my guides on the South Island and North Island, as well as my guide to the New Zealand Music Festivals for more trip-planning inspiration!
Luxury Lodges in New Zealand Breakdown
Before we move on to the full list, here is a quick breakdown of the best luxury lodges to stay in New Zealand split into different categories.
The most romantic luxury lodge rental in New Zealand – Hapuku Lodge and Treehouse
The most expensive luxury lodge rental in New Zealand – The Landing
The most authentic luxury lodge rental in New Zealand- Mahu Whenua
The most remote luxury lodge rental in New Zealand – The Lindis
Best Luxury Lodges in New Zealand
Without further ado, here is our selection of New Zealand’s best luxury lodges on both the North and South Islands.
Huka Lodge
Credit: Huka Lodge
Location: Taupo, New Zealand
Price: $1380+ per night
https://www.facebook.com/HukaLodge
“Long regarded as one of the world’s most revered and inspirational luxury accommodations, Huka Lodge is set among established gardens along the banks of the surging Waikato River near Lake Taupō on New Zealand’s North Island.”
Nestled on the shores of the Waikato River, Huka Lodge is one of the best retreats in the world. On her first Commonwealth tour back in 1953, Queen Elizabeth II stayed at this world-class retreat. Spread across 17 acres of landscaped gardens, this award-winning lodge on New Zealand’s North Island offers around 20 luxurious suites and cottages.
Whether you wish to hike to the nearby Huka Falls or enjoy on-site activities like tennis, croquet, and mountain biking, there is no shortage of things to do here at the Huka Lodge. Guests can also enjoy in-room spa treatments, and yoga, and visit the Tongariro National Park.
The Lindis Lodge
Credit: The Lindis Lodge
Location: Ahuriri Valley, New Zealand
Price: $2,230 + per night
https://www.thelindisgroup.com/thelindis
https://www.facebook.com/theLindis
“Near the bottom of the habitable world is the breathtaking and pristine Ahuriri Valley. Carved over millions of years by the once fierce glacial waters of the Ahuriri River, the valley is now a tranquil, yet comfortingly rugged slice of paradise in New Zealand’s South. And resting almost imperceptibly on the valley floor is The Lindis, our new and truly unique luxury lodge.”
If you want to get away from it all and enjoy some seriously awesome sunset views, book your stay at the Lindis. With its elegant slatted roof and floor-to-ceiling windows, this luxury lodge in Ahuriri Valley is an architectural masterpiece. The property offers two spacious master suites with superlative interior furnishing, three luxurious lodge suites, and three mirrored pods which come with an outdoor hot tub and a private terrace.
Some of the on-site facilities at the Lindis include a massage room, fitness center, and a sweeping dining room. Breakfast, dinner, and pre-dinner drinks are included in the price when staying at this charming lodge. Guests can also enjoy activities like buggy tours, horse riding, and trout fishing in the Ahuriri River.
Hapuku Lodge and Treehouse
Credit: Hapuku Lodge and Treehouse
Location: Kaikoura, New Zealand
Price: $600+ per night
https://www.facebook.com/hapukulodge/
Situated on a deer farm and olive grove with magnificent views of the Kaikoura coast and Mangamaunu Bay, the Hapuku Lodge and Treehouse is designed to portray elegance and luxury. Guests like the sauna and massage facilities and add that the artworks, custom-designed furniture, and sculptures look absolutely brilliant.
Stay in one of the 10-meter-high lush timber-clad Tree Houses with spa baths and wood-burning fireplaces. The beds and mattresses are custom-designed and each treehouse is equipped with a mini bar, television, and custom-built furniture. You can also stay at the Lodge Room and Suites which come with Japanese-style soaking tubs. Dining at Hapuku Lodge and Treehouse is a memorable experience. Produce is sourced from their own garden which means that everything on your plate will be super fresh. One of the owners and a finalist on New Zealand’s Masterchef show, Fiona is in charge of the kitchen.
Eagles Nest Lodge
Credit: Eagles Nest Lodge
Location: Bay of Islands, New Zealand
Price: $1,000+ per night
https://www.facebook.com/eaglesnest.co.nz
Overlooking the Bay of Islands, Eagles Nest is a multi-award-winning New Zealand boutique retreat known for its 5 world-class pool villas, private beaches, extensive wine cellars, and private chefs who prepare the most delicious meals ever.
The property comprises five world-class villas each equipped with a jacuzzi, fireplace, infinity pool, and home cinema. The jewel in the Eagles Nest crown, Rahimoana villa even has its own private beach. With a cliff-top peninsula location, this luxury accommodation offers magnificent views of the Bay of Islands. Guests will receive complimentary Louis Roderer champagne on arrival and can choose whether to cook their own meals or let the resident chef prepare lunch and dinner. Looking for things to do in the area? The historic town of Russell is just a short drive away.
The Lodge At Kauri Cliffs
Credit: The Lodge At Kauri Cliffs
Location: Matauri Bay, New Zealand
Price: $1600+ per night
https://www.robertsonlodges.com/the-lodges/kauri-cliffs
https://www.facebook.com/KauriCliffs/
Located just a stone’s throw from Matauri Bay in the Bay of Islands, the magical Lodge at Kauri Cliffs is an award-winning rental property that offers a range of tastefully decorated suites and cottages. The Lodge At Kauri Cliffs offers 22 suites, 3 four-bedroom Residences, and a 2 Bedroom Owners villas with stunning interiors.
Guests can look forward to enjoying spectacular 180-degree views of the Pacific Ocean, fishing, kayaking, and practicing their swing on the magnificent par 72 championship golf course. You will also find a private waterfall track and wonderful beaches on location. Some of the other facilities at this gorgeous lodge rental include a swimming pool, spa with an indoor pool, sauna and treatment rooms, tennis court, and mountain bikes.
Matakauri Lodge
Credit: Matakauri Lodge
Location: Queenstown, New Zealand
Price: $1,200+ per night
https://www.booking.com/hotel/nz/matakauri-lodge-queenstown.en-gb.html
https://www.facebook.com/MatakauriLodge/
Welcome to Matakauri Lodge, a magical alpine lakeside retreat. Nature lovers who wish to escape the busy city life will instantly fall in love with this all-inclusive lakeside retreat overlooking Lake Wakatipu. Located just a 10-minute drive from Queenstown, Matakauri Lodge is blessed with beautiful landscapes with a dramatic lake and mountain panorama.
This luxury lodge rental in New Zealand houses 12 luxurious rooms and suites, each fitted with a private porch. One of our favorite accommodations here is the four-bedroom Owners Cottage that has its own magical backyard and Jacuzzi. The main lodge is a popular gathering spot where guests can enjoy everything from canapés and pre-dinner drinks to lunch and dinner.
Te Arai Lodge
Credit: Te Arai Lodge
Location: Te Arai, New Zealand
Price: $3,300 per night
https://www.facebook.com/tearailodge/
Not many lodge rentals in the world are as picturesque as the award-winning Te Arai Lodge in New Zealand. Surrounded by approximately 20 acres of native bush and forest, this luxurious adults-only property sits on an elevated ridge and offers breathtaking views across the rolling hills and stunning beaches of the Mangawhai coast.
With its open limestone fireplace and David Trubridge “Navicular” chandelier, the Great Place is the central spot at Te Arai where you can join in the “Shared Table” for dinner with other guests. To enjoy sunset views with a refreshing drink, head out to the north-facing terrace. Some of the other shared facilities here include a yoga studio, a 20-meter heated pool, a sauna, and a gym. Te Arai Lodge has just three elegant suites, making it an ideal place to stay for travelers who wish to have privacy.
Otahuna Lodge
Credit: Otahuna Lodge
Location: Christchurch, New Zealand
Price: $1,800+ per night
https://www.facebook.com/otahuna/
Set in 30 acres of botanic and vegetable gardens, Otahuna Lodge, a Relais & Chateaux property, is a lovely restored Victorian mansion that offers only 7 exceptional suites. Each suite retains grand features from the 19th century including stained-glass windows, open fireplaces, and carved inglenooks.
Foodies will want to stay at this luxury lodge rental in New Zealand to enjoy a variety of gastronomic treats. Guests have three options for dining here: at the sunken wine cellar, library, and the drawing room turret. Want to hear more good news? If you cannot decide on the wine, the property has an award-winning sommelier on-site, who will be more than happy to recommend a bottle worth ordering. Are there any activities nearby? The town of Christchurch where you will find shops, restaurants, and galleries is just a short drive away. Championship golf courses, wineries, and world-class fishing spots are also easily reachable.
Mahu Whenua Ridgeline Homestead & Eco Sanctuary
Location: Wanaka, New Zealand
Price: $1,250+ per night
https://www.facebook.com/MahuWhenua
The largest private conservation in New Zealand, Mahu Whenua is a luxury lodge and eco-sanctuary in Wanaka. Here, you will feel like staying virtually in your own private national park. Boasting 55,000 private hectares, this exclusive country retreat in New Zealand is huge with endless spaces and facilities to unwind. You will be surrounded by lush green valleys, native bushes, forests, and meandering rivers when staying at Mahu Whenua. With only four individual suites, this luxury lodge rental is ideal for couples on vacation in Wanaka looking for some peace and quiet.
Guests can relax by the outdoor swimming pool, check out the sprawling farmhouse kitchen, or seek entertainment at the billiards room, library, and media and games room. You will also have access to a variety of nearby activities. Whether you wish to try heli-skiing, enjoy horse riding, or spend the day fishing, the towns of Wanaka and Queenstown and parks like Fiordland National Park or Mt Aspiring National Park are all easily reachable.
The Farm at Cape Kidnappers
Credit: The Farm at Cape Kidnappers
Location: Hawke’s Bay
Price: $1,100+ per night
https://www.robertsonlodges.com/the-lodges/cape-kidnappers
https://www.booking.com/hotel/nz/the-farm-cape-kidnappers.en-gb.html
https://www.facebook.com/TheFarmAtCapeKidnappers/
Set amidst the Hawke’s Bay wine country on a sprawling 6000-acre sheep and cattle farm, The Farm at Cape Kidnappers is one of the most luxurious places to stay in New Zealand. Located a 35-minute drive from either Napier or Hastings, this magical all-inclusive luxury lodge was honored by Conde Naste Traveller’s Gold List.
Think of breathtaking 180-degree views of the ocean, rolling hills, and luxurious spa facilities. For ultimate relaxation, you can book a spa treatment at the luxurious on-site spa or relax by the infinity pool. The Farm at Cape Kidnappers boasts 24 ultra-cozy and spacious cottage suites with private balconies and a four-bedroom Owner’s Cottage. Golf lovers will be pleased to hear that Tom Doak-designed golf course runs adjacent to the property. Guests love the main lodge that offers two dining rooms, a few nicely decorate sitting rooms, and a cute library.
The Landing Lodge
Credit: The Landing Lodge
Location: Purerua Peninsula, New Zealand
Price: $5900 + per night
The last and the most expensive luxury lodge rental on the list, the Landing offers the ultimate luxury getaway in New Zealand. Barack Obama signed the guest book here and wrote “magical”. With 6 private beaches, a newly-opened boutique winery, and only four boutique private residences, this posh property has it all.
Each house has its own character and charm. For instance, the Boathouse is located right on the water’s edge and can accommodate up to 20 guests. There is also the Cooper Residence, a 5-bedroom property that resembles a traditional farmhouse in New Zealand. There is a wide range of activities to enjoy in the area such as hiking, kayaking, boat tour, 4wd buggy adventure, a vineyard tour, and wine tasting.
What are your favorite Luxury Lodges in New Zealand?
New Zealand has no shortage of incredible luxury lodges and unique accommodation options! There are SO many more places worth a visit, so I’d love to hear from you guys if there are any missing from my list!
Planning a trip to New Zealand/ Australia?
I’ve spent a decent amount of time in this corner of the world, and they really are two of my favorite destinations to visit! My travel blog is filled with tons of articles just like this, and I’d love for you to browse a few more! As always, if you ever have any questions about anything on my site, feel free to reach out to me on social media, and I’d be glad to help any way I can!
Thanks for reading my guide on Luxury Lodges in New Zealand!