From the tip of the North Island to the chilly south, our writers reveal their favourite lodges in the land of the long white cloud.

Blanket Bay, South Island

By Rob Woodburn
This outstanding lodge on the banks of Lake Wakatipu overlooks the water and the spectacular peaks of the Southern Alps. The same landscape lent much power and glory to Peter Jackson’s magnificent film trilogy, The Lord Of The Rings and this breathtaking panorama literally fills the lodge windows and is the memorable backdrop to evening drinks on your private balcony prior to dinner. The lodge spa, pool and steam rooms enjoy equally stunning views, however spirited adventure befitting the Tolkien saga can be found on New Zealand’s popular walking tracks, which start from nearby Glenorchy. Wine and dine beside crackling log fires within the finely chiselled world of wood and stone that imbues the lodge with its luxurious rustic grandeur. Blanket Bay has six rooms and three spacious suites. Two chalets on the grounds each contain two suites that can be combined into a truly grand stateroom. For more information, phone +643 442 9442 or visit www.slh.com

The Lodge at Paratiho Farms, Nelson

By Tricia Welsh
The Lodge at Paratiho Farms is set on a 2000-acre working farm, 55 kilometres northwest of sunny Nelson on the north coast of the South Island, between the Tasman Bay coast and the snow-capped peaks of the Mt Arthur Ranges. Six luxurious suites accommodate just 12 guests who are totally pampered with fine food and superb local wines and an award-winning spa that uses their own product range based on native plants and botanical extracts. Guests can enjoy pre-dinner drinks in the main central lodge before dining in one of the many private areas in the spacious lounge rooms that are filled with modern paintings, sculptures and exceptional artworks. There is also a private swimming pool, tennis court, golf putting green, petanque and croquet lawn. Nelson enjoys the most sunshine in the country and makes an ideal base for touring local arts and craft galleries, wineries and walking in the nearby Abel Tasman National Park.
For more information, phone +64 3 528 2100 or visit www.paratiho.co.nz

Kauri Cliffs, North Island

By Sue Wallace
Don’t be surprised if you spend most of your time at magnificent Kauri Cliffs, on the tip of the North Island, marvelling at the views. Everywhere you look is breathtaking and you’ll become mesmerised by some of New Zealand’s best scenery. High cliffs plunge to the sea and meet three picturesque beaches, while the main Lodge affords spectacular 180-degree views of the Pacific Ocean and overlooks the world-renowned 18-hole golf course. The panoramic views take in Cape Brett, the famous ‘hole in the rock’ and the Cavalli Islands in the picturesque Bay of Islands. You soon feel at home in the cottages nestled on the edge of the native forest, complete with open fireplaces and all the luxuries you could wish for. Dine on fresh seafood and the finest New Zealand lamb and beef, accompanied by some of the country’s best wines. For pampering head to The Spa – it’s the perfect place to relax in this little part of heaven. For more information, phone +64 9407 0010 or visit www.kauricliffs.com

Corstorphine House, Dunedin

By Helen Hayes
Just like Dunedin, which is a gem hidden on New Zealand’s South Island, Corstorphine House reveals itself only when you pull up to the iron gates. Everything about this property, which was built in 1863, is elegant and tasteful thanks to the loving restoration completed by Irina and Nico Francken. There are eight themed rooms that are all individually styled. I love the bonny Scottish room, with its cosy open fire and huge bathroom. I was also partial to receiving a cup of coffee or hot chocolate in bed each morning – a Corstorphine treat. Whether you’re having a private dinner in the Russian Room or a feast in the Conservatory Restaurant, the food here is fabulous. The eggs come from their own chickens, the honey is produced onsite and the veggie gardens are very impressive. Should you wish to explore further than the lush grounds, Dunedin’s many attractions await. For more information, phone +643 487 1000 or visit www.corstorphine.co.nz

Otahuna Lodge, Christchurch

By Kristie Kellahan
Sir Heaton Rhodes knew what he was doing back in 1895 when he dreamt up the plans for Otahuna, a grand yet peaceful lodge in a secluded valley on New Zealand’s South Island. This parliamentarian, military officer and all-round gentleman stayed in residence for the next 60 years, mesmerised by the Queen-Anne architecture, manicured gardens and serene views out to the distant Southern Alps. With seven luxurious individual suites, Otahuna has an intimate ambience, and private bookings of the entire lodge are popular for birthdays, weddings and trout-fishing weekends (a chariot – or helicopter, as the case may be – awaits on the vast lawn to ferry visitors to virgin rivers teeming with wild fish). Private dinners prepared by the house chef and presented in the charming library are also a hit with the discerning visitors who adore this Christchurch grand dame. For more information, phone +643 329 6333 or visit www.selecthotels.com

Whare Kea Lodge & Chalet, Wanaka

By Kelly Scott
Whare Kea Lodge is nestled amongst the mountains of New Zealand’s spectacular Southern Alps on 70 acres of private farmland with direct access to Lake Wanaka. Accommodating a maximum of 12 guests, the lodge has luxury suites and deluxe rooms with direct access to the sundeck and its spectacular vistas. Amenities include luxurious bathrooms, walk-in dressing rooms, Bose stereo systems and broadband wireless internet access. The central living area includes three lounge spaces with open fires, a library, bar and dining areas, billiard and TV room, communications centre, massage room and wine cellar. The outdoor entertaining area includes a Jacuzzi. A new and unique offering exclusive to guests is the opportunity to enjoy an overnight stay at a luxurious alpine chalet, accessed by a scenic helicopter flight. For more information,
phone +643 443 1400 or visit www.wharekealodge.com

Wharekauhau, Palliser Bay

By David McGonigal
It’s difficult to pronounce a lot of New Zealand’s towns and cities and my favourite place is no exception. Wharekauhau (pronounced forri-ko-ho) is a luxurious 5000-acre working sheep farm just east of Wellington. Wharekauhau offers that rare combination – wild nature and absolute luxury. Even in a country of scenic wonders, the lodge’s setting on the windswept and driftwood-strewn shores of Palliser Bay stands out. Wharekauhau’s original farmhouse has evolved into a lodge and cottages, modelled on an Edwardian country mansion and estate but with every modern luxury. It’s an exquisite and unforgettable experience that is far from inexpensive. The road loop from Wellington takes about two hours to drive but it’s better to splurge on the 10-minute helicopter transfer that reveals Wharekauhau as one of the most spectacular farms on earth. For more information, phone +646 307 7581 or visit www.slh.com

The Farm At Cape Kidnappers, Hawke’s Bay

By Craig Tansley
Nestled on the east coast of New Zealand’s North Island is a place unlike anything I’ve seen before. A stunning 6000-acre sheep and cattle farm dramatically plummets almost 800 feet into the sea. It feels so rustic and isolated among New Zealand’s world-famous green sheep pastures and it’s hard to believe you can rest and relax in a day spa, swim in a 50-metre heated outdoor pool or take a swing on a world-class golf course. The exterior of The Farm at Cape Kidnappers looks exactly like a cluster of traditional New Zealand sheep farms and it’s not until you’re inside basking in the luxury that you appreciate the contrast. It’s great to leave the luxury inside and sit on the porch to watch the sunrise over the ocean, and at the end of the day to sit and watch it slowly sink beyond the farm. For more information, phone +646 875 1900 or visit www.capekidnappers.com

Huka Lodge, North Island

By Elisabeth King 
Huka Lodge will never be in the grip of an epidemic of hip because that’s the way its regular guests like it. New Zealand’s gold standard of luxury lodges is more for the likes of Luca Cordero Di Montezemolo, the man who has the enviable job of being the President of Ferrari and Chairman of car giant Fiat. However, what most people come here for is the fresh air and privacy and there are plenty of both to be found in the 20 luxury suites, which are spaced well away from each other on the seven-hectare site. Everyone meets up at Huka’s Main Lodge for dinner to be assigned dining spots for the night. There are 16 possible locations and we were shown to the terrace overlooking the rapids of the Waikato while others were escorted to the 15,000-bottle sandstone wine cellar, the trophy room, library or the riverbank. For more information, phone +647 378 5791 or visit www.slh.com



Delamore Lodge, Waiheke Island

By Carol West
I don’t need to be asked twice to “treat Delamore Lodge as my home”. Inspired by the owner’s Mediterranean memories and architecturally structured to contour the coastline like a Maori fishhook, this sensuously-shaped adobe lodge is both warm and inviting. Perched over shimmering Hauraki Gulf on Waiheke Island just a 35-minute ferry ride from Auckland’s Half Moon Bay, I’m captivated by peerless water vistas and my suite’s almost monastic sensibilities overlaid with a heavy dose of rustic luxury. The sizzle of bacon and oven-fresh muffins, succulents and shells personalize the breakfast table, while grazing on delicate pastries, coffee, canapés and cocktails is encouraged throughout the day. With its emphasis on aquatic pursuits, kayaking around the island’s enchanting coastline, embarking on a bay-to-bay walk or zoning out in Delamore’s intimate spa retreat are all tantalising options. For more information, phone +649 372 7372 or visit www.delamorelodge.com