Dotted round the country, from the balmy beaches of Northland towards the lush rainforests of Milford Sound, these boutique accommodations capture the spirit of a laidback Nz holiday.
The Glasshouse
When you are looking at boutique accommodation in Nz, the Glasshouse at Ara Roa Villa & Boutique Lodgings is one for the bucketlist. This spectacular luxury accommodation, available at no more a personal peninsula in Whangarei Heads, has a sanctuary-like bedroom, designer kitchen along with a state-of-the-art bathroom that reveals to be able to shower anyway.
Ideal for any couple's getaway, the Glasshouse is one of six accommodations at Ara Roa, all located in the non-public Kauri Mountain Point property. A fresh sun deck around the north face of the rocks continues to be built, offering panoramic views where one can enjoy yoga or perhaps a glass of bubbles within the afternoon.
The property's second villa, Te Huia, is an excellent choice for those looking for a similar experience for less money point. The two-bedroom villa is provided towards the same standard since the Glasshouse and has its own private bush track for the ocean ridge.
“At the Glasshouse, most guests don't genuinely wish to leave the property once they have arrived,” says host Susanne Olsen. “But those that do will explore the neighborhood beaches and also the great Whangarei Heads walks. The Whangarei Heads peninsula is actually home to one of 14 top short walks [Mt Manaia Track] in the united states and something of the top six day walks [Te Whara/Bream Head].” Olsen continues: “We have created some good inclusive summer packages made to make stress off and permit guests to wind down without any pressure of having to complete anything. The packages include different amounts of catering and massage or beauty therapy.”
Hapuku Lodge & Tree Houses
The unique tree houses at Hapuku Lodge on the Kaikoura coast were built around the idea that if one could live just like a bird in the tree tops, they could fully appreciate the great thing about the location. Originally built like a roadside cafe and pub in 2003, Hapuku Lodge & Tree Houses has become a premium boutique accommodation in New Zealand, offering lodge suites, the three-bedroom Olive House, and five architecturally designed tree houses.
Embracing the eco-spirit of Kaikoura (a Green Globe certified community) the lodge team has produced sustainability into its operations, planting native trees, growing a natural kitchen garden and using reclaimed timber within the construction. 5 tree houses, which sit 10-metres full of a Kanuka canopy and vary from one to two bedrooms, have recently undergone a makeover, with tile and wooden flooring, deep soaking tubs and gas fireplaces, along with a new on-site gym for guests.
The lodge's restaurant offers fantastic fare, using produce and herbs in the organic garden and sourcing fresh seafood and meat from local fishermen and farmers.When it comes to enjoying Kaikoura, Guest Services Manager Anna King says a trip along the coast is essential. “Take the scenic coastal road from Blenheim to Kaikoura or the stunning Coastal Pacific train. During Kaikoura, take in the views and find out the seals on a walk round the peninsula, swim with dolphins or whale watch by boat or air.”
The Blackhouse
The Blackhouse Lodge at Wainui Beach, Tairāwhiti, perfectly captures the laidback lifestyle of a Kiwi bach along with a boutique accommodation experience. Originally created by acclaimed architect Andy Coltart like a private retreat in Napier, the stunning house was relocated to Wainui this season which is now run by hosts Charm and Digby Fraser.
Boasting 360-degree views overlooking the Wainui coast and rolling hill country, The Blackhouse can hold around 10 people and it has three bedrooms, a welcoming open-plan living area, large fireplace, and modern, industrial-style kitchen. There's also the option of a personal chef.
As a secluded escape around the picturesque Gisborne coast with a few of the best views of the region's famous sunrises, The Blackhouse is a superb base for several adventures. Gisborne Railbike Adventures offers fun cycling tours over 90 kilometres of scenic coastal railway on specially designed tandem bikes, as the beach offers world-class surfing and fishing. Charm says an excursion to Tolaga Bay Wharf is worthwhile. “You can go further up and go to the church [in Tikitiki] and also the East Cape lighthouse, picking up a pāua pie at Cafe 35 at Tokomaru Bay along the way.”
Ahu Ahu Beach Villas
It would be a vacation in Europe that sparked the idea for David and Nuala Marshall's Ahu Ahu Beach Villas. Drawn to the free-flowing architecture of Gaudí and ornamental aspects of Spain's Alhambra palace, the couple returned for their waterfront real estate in Taranaki having a vision to merge these architectural inspirations using the quintessential Kiwi bach.
Recycled and locally sourced materials were chosen for the making of the award-winning villas, including timber within the property's cliffside and 13,000 Marseille-style clay roof tiles in the old Stratford Hospital. The villas change from family to studio, each with bathrooms, kitchen and Hundertwasser-inspired bottle windows that boost the artistic charm.
David and Nuala's son, Seth, says the experience at Ahu Ahu Villas is one kind of mention of people and environment of Taranaki: “[It's] an event that leaves guests feeling rejuvenated; a period of time for simplicity whether they are visiting for solitude or using the company of others.”
Taranaki boasts an array of experiences for those types of visitors, he adds. “For nature lovers, the nation's Park surrounding Taranaki Maunga offers great hiking with spectacular views. Individuals who admire the sea will probably be spoilt in this area. Our Surf Highway 45 offers some of the best waves in Aotearoa, the coastal walkway, which winds along the coast in excess of 13 kilometres, is worth a wander and there are a number of sandy beaches to frolic within the breakers or lay out a towel and read your book.” Seth also highlights Puke Ariki, and the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery and Len-Lye Centre, for premium cultural experiences, along with the annual Festival of Lights.
Milford Sound Lodge
Wake as much as the soothing sounds of alpine river waters in one of New Zealand's World Heritage Sites. The Milford Sound Lodge in Fiordland National Park is the only accommodation in Milford Sound while offering 24 luxury chalets having a slow paced life.
Situated round the edge of the Cleddau River, the Premium Riverside Chalets boast epic views from the misty rainforest and mountain peaks, along with a super king bed, full ensuite and underfloor heating.
The vision behind this boutique accommodation in Nz would be to give a sanctuary for guests, with luxury amenities as well as an chance to immerse in the wilderness of the region. “Fiordland National Park is a wild, adventurous and relaxing paradise all in one,” says Milford Sound Lodge's Haley Kelly. “We are located in one of the most beautiful yet challenging rainforest environments on earth and we strive to produce a degree of luxury and hospitality to rival any great hotel experience.”
Guests can enjoy local cuisine from the Pio Pio restaurant and bar, including Fiordland wild venison and Marlborough salmon. The team can host activities for example day hikes around the Milford Track, cruises within the fiord and early morning kayak trips through tranquil waters. The lodge has undergone major upgrades previously decade and has set numerous sustainability goals money for hard times.
“We became paper-free this season and our goal is going to be plastic-free by 2023 and landfill-free by 2025. We are flanked by nature at its most pure and we're enthusiastic about managing [our] impact,” says Kelly.
