Split Apple Retreat

Set atop 6,000 rolling acres of pasture-land in Hawke’s Bay, The Farm at Cape Kidnappers is the perfect place for a getaway. With spectacular views of the ocean, the luxury lodge combines the rustic and textured aesthetic of a working farm with chic modern and genuinely luxurious touches. Each of the 22 spacious suites has a private balcony with views over the farmlands, golf course and the Pacific. Ideal for a family, or group, The Owner’s Cottage offers boutique hotel facilities for up to eight people. Relax in front of the stone fireplace, or soak in the outdoor Jacuzzi. The culinary team aims to source produce as locally as possible, and with the Cape Kidnappers’ vegetable garden now fully established, the chefs can create daily menus based on the freshest ingredients. And they are delighted when guests ask to see the garden. The pastry chef makes everything from scratch on site – from cereals, cookies and bread, to jams, pastries and ice cream. Enhance your stay by spending an indulgent day at the Cape Kidnappers Spa on the hillside above the lodge. Soak up the views across the valley, towards the sea or over the forest to snow-capped Mount Ruapehu. There are a broad mix of activities on offer here, seasonal and changing daily, including farm tours, guided walks, star gazing, wine tasting, clay pigeon shooting, bird watching, golf, horse treks, mountain biking and more.

Recharge surrounded by forests abundant in ferns, surrounded by rolling green hills above white sandy beaches, at Bushland Park Lodge & Retreat Whangamata. The exclusive luxury retreat features just three spacious suites each designed for ultimate comfort and relaxation. Décor is rustic, elegant and romantic. The Twin Suite is the most spacious and offers an elevated panoramic view over the bush park and an open fireplace. The philosophy of food artist and chef Reinhard Nickel is “sharing his passion with people who have passion”. He strives to find the perfect combination of flavours and textures to create the ideal dining experiences for guests. During warmer months take the opportunity to dine outdoors in a sheltered bush area. Bird lovers will find a magnificent array of native birds to study on the two hectares of park-like grounds and manicured gardens. Discover a 300-year-old twin Kauri tree, or take a romantic soak in the private outdoor bath area. Add a magical touch to your stay by spending an evening in the Nikau fern grotto surrounded by hundreds of glow-worms. It’s the perfect place for a romantic proposal, or simply to reflect at the end of the day.

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 ten 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.

Te Waonui Forest Retreat is a haven from the city rush – a place to focus on relaxation and well-being surrounded by nature near the remarkable Franz Josef Glacier. With a natural, earthy ambiance and stellar service, the retreat offers guests the opportunity to take a deep breath and unwind. Designed to stand the test of time, Te Waonui’s design blends in with its natural setting. It features innovative, environmentally sustainable architecture, creating a warm and quiet haven for guests to relax. Staff at Te Waonui actively support community-based projects to help preserve the natural heritage in Franz Josef Glacier Town. Wake up to the melodic sounds of native birdsong, and admire the views of majestic mountains rising from lush rain forests – all from the comfort of a luxuriously appointed room. Suites have been designed with both comfort and environmental preservation in mind. Generously proportioned, the rooms are spread across four wings connected by covered walkways, and feature the highest standard of amenities. Savour local cuisine among the trees in The Canopy Restaurant. A five-course menu, created from the freshest West Coast and South Island produce, ensures guests enjoy a complete food experience. An open fire, natural colours and organic textures add further ambiance and warmth to the welcoming environment. Let the team at Amaia Luxury Spa take you on a journey of ultimate relaxation with a superior range of treatments intended to leave you feeling completely revitalised.