Best VIP Luxury Retreats in New Zealand

If it’s a treat in New Zealand you’re looking for then be sure to take a few luscious minutes and indulge in the delights of these five exclusive VIP luxury retreats. Our very own country offers such wonderful luxury retreats to gratify you in both New Zealand’s North and South Island.

Take your pick from luxury retreats that start with such offerings as exclusive villas, spectacular lake views, spa treatments, wine cellars and all the scrumminess that equates to a unique getaway. There are luxury couples retreats or luxury that can be enjoyed with a few friends.

Either way, we think you’ll find the New Zealand luxury retreat you’re after with this charming list:

1. Peppers On The Point, Rotorua

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Peppers On The Point, Rotorua. Credit: Peppers On The Point Rotorua

Rotorua is known for geysers, bubbling mud pools and natural hot springs, as well as Māori culture. This can be explored (or not!) whilst staying at this charming tranquil lodge, one of the best luxury retreats in the North Island. With a relaxed ambiance and the endearing elegance of the 1930s, take your pick from either a Suite or a Villa boasting stunning lake views. Peppers on the Point is an immaculate mansion with lavish features, overlooking Lake Rotorua and sacred Mokoia Island. This discerning lakeside lodge, with rolling green lawns and steeped in local history, also brings you delicious fine dining, delivered by talented chefs, renowned for tremendous New Zealand cuisine. All of which can be enjoyed with any of the amazing wines from the lodge’s cellar.

This two-story mansion, that has been lovingly refurbished, offers suites with an appealing lounge area, ensuite bathroom and spa bath. Connect with other guests in the large communal lounge with open fireplace and an elegant billiard room. Many of the antiques remain, which combined with modern luxury furnishings, provide a comfortable and relaxing lakeview luxury retreat.

2. Huka Lodge, Taupō

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Huka Lodge, Taupō. Credit: Huka Lodge, Taupō

Just an hour south in New Zealand’s North Island you’ll find Taupō and this luxury lodge that doesn’t really need any introduction. This incredible venue has long been regarded as one of the world’s highly revered luxury accommodations. Yes, we are referring to Huka Lodge. With its twenty guest suites and two exclusive owners' residences dotted along the banks of the Waikato River, set in verdant gardens, each opening onto rolling green lawns you can be assured of something a little bit special. Take your pick from the Main Lodge, Wine Cellar, the Orchard, or Jetty Pavilion to enjoy a gourmet five-course dinner. The fine dining menu at Huka Lodge reflects the seasons and is actually changed daily, offering you sustainably produced ingredients, complemented by a vast wine cellar of premium wines.

New Zealand’s first luxury lodge is world-renowned for generous hospitality, award-winning gardens and an impressive heritage. While away your time on the croquet lawn or tennis court, or perhaps the traditional sport of fly fishing. There is much to do, or not much at all. It’s your (luxurious!) choice.

3. The Farm at Cape Kidnappers, Hawkes Bay

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The Farm at Cape Kidnappers, Hawkes Bay. Credit: The Farm at Cape Kidnappers

This is your taste of rural luxury in Hawkes Bay, New Zealand. Let’s just say that the view is one of the many highlights of this 5-star luxury accommodation. Expressions like awe-inspiring and take-your-breath-away easily roll off the tongue when describing the180° views of ocean, pastureland, and golf course. The retreat is perched on rolling farmland offering everlasting views of the horizon, over the dramatic, rugged cliffs of Cape Kidnappers. Don’t let this distract you though from the five generous suites, with sumptuous, rustic-luxe interiors. This palatial retreat, far out east of the Hawke’s Bay wine country will restore and relax you.

Be sure to treat yourself to a spa treatment, there’s even a couple’s suite! Or take to the golf course, with its cliff-edge fairways perched 140 metres above sea level. Before embarking on a culinary delight starting with pre-dinner drinks and canapés, followed by a superb five-course tasting menu, ending with petit fours - simply stunning!

4. The Rees Hotel Queenstown

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The Rees Hotel Queenstown. Credit: The Rees Hotel Queenstown

How does Italian designed spa bath, generous bathroom, superb architectural and interior design, breath-taking panoramic lake and alpine views sound? Add in some luxurious furniture, your own private balcony and some sophistication and you’ve got The Rees Hotel, Queenstown. Situated right on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, in the South Island of New Zealand, this chic, contemporary hotel is well worth a visit. Bringing you seclusion and privacy in a magical setting, just a stone’s throw away from the lake with those spectacular views stretching across to the Remarkable Mountains.

Then, there’s the dining experience…. The award-winning delightful culinary offerings here epitomises sophistication and elegance. The private cellar matches this experience by serving your choice of wine in the best decanters and the best glasses designed for each wine. And when we say your choice of wine, we mean the best wines and vintages from France, Italy and Australia, as well as some of the top wines produced in New Zealand. These are wines from world-renown chateaux in Bordeaux alongside the best wines of Central Otago and New Zealand in a professionally managed, temperature-controlled cellar.

5. Matakauri Lodge, Queenstown

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Matakauri Lodge, Queenstown. Credit: Matakauri Lodge

Anytime of the year would suit this spectacular lakeview luxury retreat. Staying here would feel like your very own personalised VIP package. Just check in, get your room key, and open the door to just wow! A spa on your own private porch with views that include The Remarkables, Cecil and Walter Peaks plus some dreamy outdoor furniture and an open fireplace adds to that wow factor. Matakauri Lodge is an alpine lakeside retreat located on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown. With their twelve luxury suites and villas, Matakauri was recently named by Tatler Magazine as one of the world's 101 Best Hotels.

The Spa has two treatment rooms and is located on the edge of a pine forest, with those uninterrupted views. Plus, you can be sure of a unique dining experience in a luxurious setting, with local seasonal produce and a truly world-class wine menu.

Be sure to take a look at our other blogs for more luxury retreat reading:

• Keep dreaming of luxury spas and retreats
• The 5 best luxury NZ staycations to celebrate a special occasion

To book any of these luxury stays, talk to one of our experienced Travel Advisors.