Best Luxury Lodges, South Island, New Zealand

Bay of Many Coves

Marlborough

Nestled between stunning native bush and a secluded bay, you will enjoy an unforgettable experience in the stunning Queen Charlotte Sound. Arriving at the hotel by water taxi, you’ll glide by picturesque ocean views and beautiful bush-clad hills. Enjoy relaxing in the pool, hot tub and spa or head off for a spot of paddle boarding or kayaking.

This beautiful resort is the perfect escape any time of the year, with plenty of activities to amplify your enjoyment. Explore the nearby coves on a sailing trip or catch your own dinner while fishing. One of the highlights is to watch big schools of dolphins play in the sheltered water while the fur seals bask in the sun on the rocks. Wine tours, trips to Motuara Island (wildlife reserve), stargazing and bird watching are all things you can do and enjoy at Bay of Many Coves. 

If you are seeking a more active stay in Marlborough, the famous Queen Charlotte Track is right at your doorstep and offers an outstanding multi-day walk as well as one of the best single-track mountain bike trails in the South island. 

All suites are designed in the typical kiwi bach (beach house) style in warm colours and are spacious for couples and families to spend time together. They range in size from studio to three-bedroom apartments. 

Hapuku Lodge

Kaikoura

Situated at the base of the Kaikoura Seaward Mountain Range, Hapuku Treehouse and Lodge rewards you views of the Kaikoura coast, Mangamaunu Bay and the surrounding fields where wild deer roam. As a destination, Kaikoura has long been heralded as a marine paradise and one of the world’s premier eco-marine tourism destinations. 

The origins of Hapuku Lodge stemmed from a deer farm owned by the Wilson family in the mid 1990s; when they first purchased the land, it was simply to be farmed and the location was prime for surfing, a keen interest of the family. Today, the farm is nearly 500 acres and they run 800 deer. 

The Wilson family wanted to share the beautiful produce of the region with people, so in 2003, they decided to open a roadside cafe and shortly after realised the potential it had to become so much more than that. The inspiration for the treehouses came from imagining the perspective birds overflying the region would have, and so, they decided to build houses in the sky. 

The Treehouses, located 10 metres above the ground and nestled in the native tree canopy, feature large spa baths and wood-burning fireplaces, while the Lodge Room and Suites have Japanese style soaking tubs. All boast breathtaking views of the snow-capped mountains and Pacific Coast. 

It doesn't stop there, in addition there is also a small pool, hot tub and sauna as well as an opportunity to revive tired limbs with a pre-ordered massage.  Native tuis, fantails and bellbirds flit through the air, while just offshore the deep ocean trench is home to orcas, seals and humpback whales. 

Other activities on offer include learning to surf at Mangamaunu break, explore the local trails either by foot or mountain bike, help pick olives during the winter months, or simply sit by the fire whilst enjoying a glass of wine. 

At mealtimes, swap sky-high living for the main lodge. Olive oil, eggs, pork, bacon and venison are all produced on-site, there's a small Sauvignon Blanc vineyard, and an organic vegetable garden that supplies the restaurant.  After your scrumptious dinner climb back up the stairs through the treetops to your bed among the stars.

Hapuku Lodges are eco-centric in all that they do as they do their best to source only fresh, local produce. All of their own products are organic and their goal is to become a zero-waste community. The fireplaces are some of the most efficient in the world and all tree houses are insulated and double glazed. For the eco-conscious traveller, Hapuku Lodge is an absolute must. 

Otahuna Lodge

Christchurch

Set in one of the country's most significant gardens against the fluted cone of an ancient volcano, Otahuna Lodge, New Zealand's largest private historic residence, has been revitalised with luxury accommodation, glorious gardens and sophisticated cuisine.

Otahuna combines the romance of the past with the cosmopolitan pleasures of the present - the very best of both worlds. Each of the seven suites is configured differently with spacious bathrooms and toe-claw baths and views of the century old manicured garden, daffodil field, lawn and lake.

The menu at Otahuna Lodge is a celebration of fresh, seasonal flavours inspired by the 120 varieties of fruits and vegetables grown organically in the Lodge’s own potager garden and orchard. Entirely organic, each evening at the lodge sees the property's esteemed chefs orchestrate a bespoke five-course degustation menu paired with the finest New Zealand wines.

Ahuriri Valley

Between Omarama and Wanaka lies a valley that time seemingly forgot. The glacial water of the Ahuriri River carves its way through the barren, yet oddly enchanting Ahuriri Valley. It certainly feels as if you’re one of the first people exploring this rugged wilderness. 

Deep in the Ahuriri Valley, tucked between the mountains, resides The Lindis. This architectural masterpiece blends so well into the landscape, it almost disappears. The undulated roof echoes the surroundings while the magnificent interior picks up the colour of the grassland and the boulders in the Ahuriri River. 

The main building features just five suites, timelessly modern, spacious in size with a homely feel thanks to the luxurious bed, gas fireplace and earthy colours. Steps away, three pods take glamping to the next level. Mirrored glass on three sides camouflages the pods into the landscape, a private outdoor bathtub and all the luxuries you can expect of a 5-star resort to round off the experience. 

Visit the hotel’s own stables for a ride through the wilderness on horseback, take out their e-bikes for the day or explore the rugged Ahuriri Valley on foot or 4WD with your private guide. On a clear night, be sure to direct your eyes towards the sky for some stargazing. The valley is dark enough to see the Milky Way with the naked eye! 

Matakauri Lodge

Queenstown

Nestled among remote bush on the edge of Lake Wakatipu, Matakauri Lodge offers absolute comfort only a ten-minute drive from Queenstown. Great views are available wherever you look at Matakauri, whether it's from the bathtub, the day bed, the dining room, the lodge lounge, the gym or hot tub! From any vantage, you have the mesmerising panorama of the big three which are, the Remarkables, Cecil and Walter Peak.

The main lodge consists of a spacious lounge, dining and living areas, all with views of Lake Wakatipu. A luxury spa facility, infinity swimming pool, sauna with fitness centre as well as a library are on-site to help you unwind. The Owner’s Cottage at Matakauri features four suites in a freestanding residence with private Jacuzzi, kitchen and grand courtyard making it ideal for families, couples or friends travelling together, as well as special celebrations.

Minaret Station

Wanaka

Beyond the mustering runs, nestled in amongst the spectacular Southern Alps and bordering the UNESCO World Heritage listed Mt Aspiring National Park, lies this luxurious and remote Alpine Lodge. Located at an elevation of 915 metres, the surroundings echo classic ‘Lord of the Rings’ territory.  

The only way to reach this tented camp in the rugged Southern Alps is by helicopter. And the breathtaking flight doesn't disappoint, taking you into a slender glacial valley, at the head of which sits Minaret, with four safari-style chalets around a central lodge. 

Each suite overlooks the pristine landscape. The hot tubs on each deck are a great vantage point for watching red stags stalk the beech- and tussock-covered slopes. Minaret Station offers New Zealand's premier alpine experience, with guided hiking, fly-fishing, heli-skiing, and hunting amidst the spectacular Southern Alps. 

Blanket Bay

Glenorchy

Set on the shores of Lake Wakatipu amidst the rugged snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps. Blanket Bay is where relaxation and adventure meets luxury accommodation, unparalleled service and five star facilities. 

Days are for exploring the Southern Alps; a helicopter flight over jaw-dropping Milford Sound; a thrilling jet-boat ride on the beautiful Dart River; fly-fishing or hiking, not to mention the Hot Tub with magnificent lake and mountain views.\

Nights are spent eating dinner on the outdoor terrace under a star-filled sky (there are blankets if it gets chilly) or in the intimate Wine Cave, while enjoying world-class cuisine, focusing on locally sourced seasonal produce.

Sir Ian McKellen described it as “paradise on Earth”. Who are we to argue with Gandalf?

Fiordland Lodge

Te Anau

Located on the road to Milford Sound just outside Te Anau and overlooking the lake, Fiordland Lodge really is the ‘gateway to the Fiords’. 

Set in a World Heritage Area, Fiordland Lodge in Te Anau offers the discerning traveller style, comfort and privacy.  The perfect base from where to explore Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound, and the surrounding Fiordland National Park.

Fiordland Lodge is your exclusive retreat while you get the opportunity to discover one of the world's most beautiful areas. It is a place where snow-capped mountains, rivers of ice, deep lakes, unbroken forests and tussock grasslands produce a landscape of exceptional beauty.