Solitaire Lodge

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.

Tucked away in the bush close to the seaside town of Whitianga, 970 Lonely Bay Lodge boasts stunning water views. Choose from three luxury one-bedroom suites, or a two-bedroom honeymoon suite, all with spacious terraces from which to enjoy views out over the Purangi Estuary, Mercury Bay, Cooks Beach and Shakespeare Reserve. Each suite features fine linens, luxury toiletries and king size beds. Large windows bathe stylish furnishings in natural light, while neutral hues and fabrics create an atmosphere of tranquility. When not relaxing in their rooms, guests can make use of the library, sitting room or entertainment area. Relax and rejuvenate in the indoor/outdoor solarium which has an opening roof to let in the fresh seaside air. Take a stroll through the manicured garden and request a picnic hamper, or sit down to a vintage afternoon tea. Continental breakfast and in-house dining is available by arrangement.

On the doorstep of Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, the exclusive Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat is set in a forest wilderness by the azure waters of Lake Pukaki, with spectacular, uninterrupted views towards the Southern Alps and Aoraki Mt Cook itself, New Zealand’s highest mountain. There is a range of accommodation options, from the private two-bedroom Ashley Mackenzie Villa and the Moraine Villas that overlook the magnificent Ben Ohau ranges, to the two-bedroom Pukaki Homestead, located just 350 metres from the villa. Breakfast provisions and a three-course evening meal are included. Visit the garden and choose your favourite vegetables for dinner. The garden is bursting with berries, herbs and vegetables – for everything else, pureness and authenticity are paramount when it comes to suppliers. The retreat is located in the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve. In the company of your hosts, enjoy a superb stargazing experience. Guests also have access to a tennis court, pétanque, croquet, and curling rink (winter).

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.