Huka Lodge

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.

Head out into the countryside of Dunedin for a luxurious rural getaway. On the grounds of Larnach Castle, just a short distance from the castle gate, you’ll find the glamorous Camp Estate country house with five spacious bedrooms. The spacious rooms are decorated in the Neoclassical style and have cosy fireplaces and pastoral views out over the countryside. Guests are invited to dinner in one of the Castle’s historic dining rooms, where a three-course table d’hôte menu is served house party style. The menu boasts traditional New Zealand flavours and features locally-sourced meat and vegetables, as well as a large selection of Otago and New Zealand wines. Continental and cooked breakfasts are prepared by the host at Camp Estate. Spend time exploring Larnach Castle, which dates back to 1871, and its seven acres of carefully tended award-winning gardens, and some of the Otago Peninsula’s most popular attractions are close by.

Stroll along garden pathways towards the shoreline where your stylish suite awaits. Each of the apartment-style villas at Te Koi – The Lodge at Bronte is nestled among mature native trees, allowing for the ultimate in privacy. The spacious rooms are beautifully appointed with fresh flowers and locally commissioned art adding splashes of freshness and detail. Large windows and patio doors allow fresh country air and sunshine to flood the rooms, and luxurious linens, home baking, and complimentary drinks and chocolates make the welcome a little warmer. After a day of sight-seeing, relax on a wide veranda and enjoy the panoramic Waimea estuary and mountain views. The estuary is a dream for bird watchers, and the villas designed specifically to fit unobtrusively into the natural setting.

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.