The Lindis

Set within a 75-acre estate on its own private ridgeline dropping into a valley is Eagle’s Nest, a collection of five luxury villas in the heart of the Bay of Islands. Dotted along the peninsular and hidden among the native bush, each of the villas enjoy sweeping views across pristine landscape, the calm oceans waters and surrounding islands. Contemporary in design, each villa offers plenty of indoor and outdoor space and four of the five come with their own private pools. With up to four bedrooms, the villas are perfect for families and groups while those looking for a secluded getaway will love the First Light Temple villa, an idyllic getaway for two. The Bay of Islands is an outdoor lover’s dream with everything from fishing, kayaking and diving to mountain biking and helicopter rides on your doorstep. There is also the nearby town of Russell just a few minutes away, and a team of spa therapists offering in-room treatments for when you want to simply relax and unwind.

The work of a family of architects and builders, Hapuku Lodge is an extraordinary ecolodge perfectly placed between the white peaks of the Kaikoura Mountain Range and waves of Mangamaunu Bay. With an environmentally-friendly focus, this lodge was carefully constructed from salvaged timber and seeks to be sustainable in every area. There are four ultra-spacious rooms in the main lodge with wonderful mountain views, Japanese soaking tubs with room for two and immense custom beds – said to be the best on the island. The two suites also have their own fireplaces and a living area. However, the real stars of the show are the luxurious treehouses, standing 10m (30 feet) above the ground in the canopy of a native Manuka grove, each with a wood-burning fireplace, spa bath, open rain showers and large glass windows with a birds-eye view to the coast. There are two storey options for families, and the standalone Olive House Suite has room for two adults and up to three children. Dining at Hapuku means an organic and locally-sourced menu, with produce collected from the hotel’s own herb and vegetable gardens, free-range chicken populations and meat from nearby hunters and fishermen. Constantly changing and evolving offerings may include venison, wild blackberries, a variety of cheese, crayfish and even homemade plum ice cream. A comprehensive wine list makes sure to incorporate vintages from all over New Zealand, the ideal accompaniment to a wonderful meal. There are adventures to be had in every corner of Kaikoura’s coast, dubbed the ‘Maritime Serengeti’ by the local National Geographic. Head out on the waves in a sea kayak, swim with dolphins and seals or go whale watching to spot the gentle grey giants in the ocean blue. Mountain bikes can be borrowed from the lodge to traverse the surrounding trails while there are also Maori cultural tours, horse riding and the acclaimed surfing of Mangamaunu Bay a short walk away.

Fiordland Lodge is privileged to sit in a World Heritage Site on the shore of the unforgettable Lake Te Anau. Rolling green meadows dotted with thickets of forest and bush meet snow-capped mountains, painting a gorgeous New Zealand tapestry of unrivalled wilderness and surreal landscapes. A maximum of 29 guests in 10 luxurious suites can stay in the refined comfort of the lodge or in two self-contained, exclusive log cabins. Each of the private rooms and suites overlooks the picturesque waters and rolling grasslands that surround the property. While being a lakeside resort, it is only a short drive to the nearby tourist town of Te Anau. While the culinary team is small at the lodge, they deliver huge taste experiences with a farm-to-table philosophy. The kitchen fully utilises local connections, with all produce coming from the farmers, cheesemakers and independent producers of the region. The resident drinks expert will happily provide suggestions to complement your meal, drawing on the list of exquisite vintages, colourful cocktails, fine beers and classic spirits. Beyond the lodge, you can discover the famed New Zealand countryside in isolated bliss. Guided fishing trips, hikes and walks allow you to savour the real gems of this wonderful and wild land. For the ultimate adventure, hop into a helicopter to get a bird’s-eye view of remote alpine environments before landing atop Mount Luxmore to visit Luxmore Hut. Alternatively, journey underground into the mysterious and captivating Te Anau Glowworm Caves. Across the lake lies over three million acres of untouched wilderness that makes up the Fiordland National Park, part of the South West New Zealand World Heritage Area.

Solitaire Lodge is located in a lush environment upon the fringes of Lake Tarawera, with a spectacular backdrop of volcanoes and forest, a vista which each of the 10 stylish suites makes the most of through vast glass walls. Fine dining at the restaurant is a particular highlight here, with Solitaire’s talented chefs creating daily changing contemporary New Zealand fare prepared with fresh local ingredients, complemented by a variety of superb wines from selected regional vineyards, enjoyed in the communal dining room or somewhere more private. Head down to the lake to explore its waters aboard the lodge’s motorised dinghies and kayaks, fish from the jetty or simply swim from the private beach. There’s a spa menu to indulge in, self-guided hikes to nearby Tarawera Falls and cycle trails past some stunning geothermal sites. Scenic helicopter flights, Maori guided tours of Rotorua and more challenging hikes can also be arranged, along with a full roster of adventure sports nearby or perhaps a visit to the Hobbiton village movie set from The Lord of the Rings.