We found some wonderful places in New Zealand and here are five of our most favorite places that definitely are worthy of a visit.
5. Blanket Bay Lodge
This lodge is located on a country farm that is 10,000 acres. The farm is on the shores of the stunningly beautiful Lake Wakatipu. Conde Nast Traveler and many other travel review sites rank this lodge as one of the best in the world. It offers serenity and outdoor adventures along with luxurious accommodations.
The views from the rooms are outstanding. From the rooms at this lodge, you can see the South Island and the mountains that surround the lake. Fine dining is available from three world-class restaurants at the lodge. Guests can eat in the dining rooms, in their own accommodations, or outside on the balconies that overlook the lake.
In chilly weather, there are fantastic fire pits outside that are always burning aromatic logs that make a nice scent in the air as well as provide warmth and a place to roast marshmallows.
4. Hapuku Lodge Tree Houses
This five-star Eco-retreat is absolutely amazing. If you ever had a dream as a kid to have a tree house this is the place for you. These tree houses are created from sustainable wood in a design that makes a pristine restful environment.
Hapuku Lodge is far away from the hustle and bustle of city life. This gives you a chance to slow down, let your stress evaporate, and fall in love with nature. As you look out the window or your private balcony, you will see many of beautiful birds that make this area their home. Wake up each morning with the comforting sound of birdsongs instead of the sounds of congested traffic that city-dwellers have learned to tolerate.
The tree houses are thirty feet in the air mixed in with the native trees of the Kanuka Grove. The rooms have majestic views of the Kaikoura Mountains. Wild deer wander the farm where the tree houses are located. There are wonderful olive groves and a wine vineyard that makes the finest of local wines.
3. Mahu Whenua Lodge
This lodge is surrounded by over 300 square miles of New Zealand’s beauty. It is in the middle of what is its own private national park. The nearby features include majestic mountains, vibrant green valleys, lush native forests, and winding rivers. It is in New Zealand’s South Island, which is about 20 minutes by car from the city of Wanaka and only ten minutes by helicopter from the Queenstown International Airport.
Views from the rooms include the mountains and the gorgeous Lake Wanaka. In-room dining is world-class, but for those wanting to be more sociable, there is the farmhouse kitchen with its cozy dining areas. There is a well-stocked game room for after dinner fun.
Staying at the Mahu Whenua Lodge is on an all-inclusive basis with all meals included as well as full concierge services. There is a full breakfast, a lunch, a complete dinner as well as snacks for morning and afternoon tea times, and refreshments are available on demand. Prepared picnic lunches are available for those going on a daytime outing. Outside there are fire pits, heated swimming pools, and spa pools to enjoy.
2. Poronui Lodge
This backwoods lodge is in the middle of 16,000 private acres. This is the place to go if you want to “rough it” in top-quality luxury. However, you will not want to stay long in your room. Instead, you will want to get outside and enjoy an adventure experience in some of the most beautiful woods, fishing in crystal clear river waters, and getting the health benefits of some of the best quality air on the planet. Take a deep breath and realize you are in a natural heaven.
Catching fish is easy because the rivers are chock full of them. There are also fine beach forests to enjoy for a hike amongst the rolling hills. The staff of this lodge knows the wilderness areas very well and will happily take guests to the most pristine spots.
1. Hobbiton
Hobbiton is the movie set used for the Lord of the Ringsmovies trilogy directed by Peter Jackson. It is near the town of Matamata in the Waikato region. This place is a must-see for anyone who loves the Tolkien sagas. You can experience Middle Earth and The Shire as you imagine what life would be like if you were a hobbit like Bilbo Baggins.
The premium package tours allow the guest to enjoy a festive meal at the Shire’s Rest with other visitors to the park. Enjoy a pint of ale at the Green Dragon Inn. Overnight accommodations are found at nearby farms with the Farmstay programs. The accommodations are rooms in real farmhouses that include a hearty breakfast, a three-course dinner, and complimentary beer or wine.
