From Ocean Bays to Mountain Ranges: The New Zealand Five-Star Lodge Trail

By Diana Fletcher, International Banker

Oceania, amply endowed with enchanted tropical and subtropical islands awash with a wealth of refreshing oceanfront adventures, has no need of advertising to attract tourists, including during the spring months of September through November, when the islands come alive with warming temperatures, longer daylight hours and often colourful vegetation. The largely temperate island of New Zealand, the home of the Polynesian Māori and also called the Land of the Long White Cloud, stands out for its diverse landscapes enriched by kaleidoscopes of colours, from the towering peaks of the Southern Alps to the verdant vineyards of the manifold wine regions—landscapes so diverse that New Zealand is popularly known as Middle Earth, with the entire Lord of the Rings trilogy filmed at different sites throughout the country.

J.R.R. Tolkien fans are not the only ones who find New Zealand irresistible. While comprising approximately 700 islands, the two main islands, the North Island (Te Ika-a-Māui) and the South Island (Te Waipounamu), are separated by Cook Strait, on which the capital city, Wellington, is situated. Auckland, on the North Island, is the largest city by population and where most international flights land.

Fortunately for well-heeled travellers, New Zealand is replete with luxury accommodations. Here we visit four deluxe lodges that have more than earned their five-star ratings.

Rosewood Matakauri Lodge, Farrycroft Row, 569 Glenorchy Road, Queenstown

Less than 10 kilometres southwest of Queenstown, Matakauri Lodge, from its alpine setting on the shores of the idyllic Lake Wakatipu, provides luxury accommodations in its dozen deluxe rooms and suites as well as two-bedroom and four-bedroom villas with stunning views of the lake and nearby mountain ranges such as the Remarkables. Head Chef Jonathan Rogers taps fresh produce from the flourishing Central Otago region to create culinary chef d’oeuvres.

Queenstown, set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Southern Alps, is a popular destination for mountain hiking as well as visiting the region’s renowned vineyards. Tulip festivals erupt in September. Two hours southwest is Fiordland National Park, distinguished by its wildlife as well as ice-carved fiords, waterfalls and rainforests. Ambitious tourists will want to take on the 53-kilometre Milford Track.

Rosewood Kauri Cliffs, 139 Tepene Tablelands Road, Matauri Bay

About three and a half hours northwest of Auckland, New Zealand’s Bay of Islands, with its 144 subtropical islands, features Rosewood Kauri Cliffs, a 6,000-acre waterfront paradise that provides an inexhaustible fountain of adventure. The main colonial-style lodge overlooks a par-72 championship 18-hole golf course designed by David Harman. Its eleven cottages (each with two separate suites), three four-bedroom villas and one two-bedroom villa come equipped with terraces or balconies and fireplaces, and some with private pools, each prioritising guest satisfaction. For those who crave soaking up the sun free from crowds, three private beaches await.

Although many visitors spend their time exploring the extensive trails, some leading to rare ancient kauri trees or the Hikurua River with its spectacular waterfall, tennis and pickleball/basketball courts, along with an infinity-edge swimming pool, not to mention the top-notch golf course, also attract the athletically inclined. The resort’s spa sanctuary, nestled within a totara forest, provides the perfect wrap-up to a day filled with adventure. The restaurant expertly serves up Pacific Rim cuisine with views of the Cape Brett Peninsula directly east. Guests will want to visit the historic towns of Russell, Kerikeri and Paihia, with fascinating heritage sites. Waitangi, where the Treaty of Waitangi between Great Britain and the Māori was signed in 1840, is regarded as the nation’s birthplace. North of Russell lies Tapeka Point, providing opportunities to photograph sea mammals, birds and fish such as dolphins, whales, penguins, gannets and marlins. Diving enthusiasts will want to check out the Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve, with more than 120 species of marine life. At the northwesternmost tip of New Zealand, the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean meet at Cape Reinga, providing unforgettable views.

Huka Lodge, 271 Huka Falls Road, Taupō Central, Taupō

Huka Lodge in Taupō, about three hours south of Auckland on the lush central plateau of the North Island, has a long history as one of New Zealand’s most respected luxury accommodations. Set on 17 acres of vibrant lawns and gardens beside the Waikato River, the country’s longest river, the Lodge reopened in March 2025 after an extensive and costly year-long “centenary redesign”. Twenty elite suites and two upscale cottages with either river or garden views are furnished with king-sized beds and opulent baths. Guests can participate in activities such as croquet, tennis and pétanque before enjoying cruising, fly-fishing and white-water rafting on Lake Taupō. Formed inside the caldera of the Taupō Volcano, Lake Taupō is adjacent to the roaring Huka Falls on the Waikato River. After a busy day of exploring, guests unwind with drinks on the terrace or hearty meals distinguished by local ingredients in the restaurant before retreating to the Huka Spa, where refreshing restorative treatments await.

Taupō is located in the centre of the North Island and is a great launching pad for exploring other parts of the island, such as the city of Rotorua, about an hour’s drive north of the lodge and known for its Māori cultural sites and geothermal activity, including geysers such as the Pōhutu Geyser in Whakarewarewa. The 5,600-hectare Redwoods & Whakarewarewa Forest is an excellent choice for those who enjoy mountain biking and hiking through stands of magnificent trees. Just south of Taupō is the 20.4-kilometre Tongariro Alpine Crossing in the dual World Heritage Site Tongariro National Park, which has been heralded as one of the world’s top 10 hiking destinations, traversing the volcanic Mount Tongariro. Tolkien enthusiasts won’t want to miss nearby Mount Ngauruhoe, otherwise known as Mount Doom in The Lord of the Rings.

Further south is Wellington, New Zealand’s lively capital and the gateway to the South Island via a three-and-a-half-hour ferry ride across Cook Strait.

Otahuna Lodge, 224 Rhodes Road, Tai Tapu 7672, Christchurch

Located in the Canterbury Region, just outside the South Island’s largest city, Christchurch, visitors will find Otahuna Lodge, a Victorian mansion (the country’s largest private historic residence) transformed into an upscale luxury resort. With seven exclusive and opulent suites, all displaying architectural features such as 19th-century woodwork, ornate original fireplaces and stained-glass windows, the lodge is renowned not only for its lavishness but also its bespoke amenities. Historic-themed gardens cover more than 30 acres. Otahuna Lodge’s sumptuous cuisine heavily draws on seasonal, estate-grown produce.

Christchurch, located on the South Pacific Ocean, provides much more than seemingly endless coastal wonders. Tourists can visit the one-of-a-kind International Antarctic Centre, discover the Canterbury Museum, experience a scenic gondola ride or enjoy the resplendent Christchurch Botanic Gardens. Animal and bird lovers won’t want to miss the Willowbank Wildlife Reserve to witness New Zealand’s Big Five wildlife (kiwi, kea, tuatara, kaka and takahe), while hikers who love new challenges will be drawn to the Southern Alps’ Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park on the Tasman River approximately four hours southwest of Christchurch.

With every amenity designed to enhance guests’ journeys, New Zealand’s luxe lodges provide more than a place to stay, whether they are situated by the roiling seas of the South Pacific Ocean or sheltered within the rugged embrace of the Southern Alps.

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