5 luxurious New Zealand staycations

Yearly, I’ve the privilege of spending a month in New Zealand with household and at all times seize the possibility to scout out luxurious new staycations within the land of the Lengthy White Cloud. Listed here are 5 of my present favourites so as to add to the bucket checklist.

InterContinental Wellington

Within the coronary heart of the capital metropolis, the InterContinental is one in all its iconic 5-star resorts and has been a agency favorite of mine for years. The lately refurbished rooms present each creature consolation – from our Ninth-floor harbour-view room, we might observe the folks, climate, and cityscapes of Wellington. Moreover, the lodge options town’s largest indoor heated pool, full with a jacuzzi, sauna, and steam bathtub; all good for downtime between city explorations.

The InterContinental additionally affords enviable eating choices in New Zealand’s capital metropolis. First GPO is the lodge’s stunning eating house the place breakfast buffets and à la carte dinner choices are served. We opted for the blended grill to share – a smorgasbord of scrumptious lamb rack, ribeye, eye fillet, grilled greens, steak butter, and sauce. An unmissable expertise is Excessive Tea served within the lodge’s foyer. Sitting subsequent to the fireside, we eagerly awaited our Buzzy Bee Kiwiana Afternoon Tea – that includes a mixture of Kiwi favourites – together with scorching drinks and tea to accompany. 

The Enchanted Retreat, Havelock North

Enchanted and retreat are two completely poised phrases to explain this getaway. Tucked away within the leafy suburbs of Havelock North, the tent is harking back to a few of South Africa’s most luxurious rental camps – no surprise it was imported from South Africa. The sensible tent options voice and pill management for the temperature, blinds, music, and lights. With each air-con and an indoor fire, it creates an atmosphere designed for cosy downtime. The absolutely outfitted kitchen is cleverly clad in black and wooden and comes with welcome sweets and a bottle of native vino.

Stepping outdoors, a wrap-around balcony affords beneficiant views of each forest and valley. Within the backyard, there’s a barbecue and a completely heated scorching tub to finish the glamping expertise. In the event you’re tempted to enterprise out and discover, the drive to Te Mata Peak is simply 10 minutes – or, in the event you’re feeling adventurous, you possibly can park beneath and stroll up. In fact, you possibly can return to your forest sanctuary, the place a scorching tub and glass of wine await.

Lightning Ridge Views, Waimarama

Needing a seaside keep, I found Lightning Ridge views on the native Bookabach web site – and shortly we had been off to Waimarama, a secluded seaside village a brief drive from the North Island’s Napier and Hastings. From the dreamy lounge of the fashionable house, the floor-to-ceiling glass partitions revealed a glimpse of the Cape Kidnappers’ headland on the southeastern extremity of Hawke’s Bay, with Naked Island immediately in entrance.

Three bedrooms provide plush lodging for as much as six visitors, with a log hearth offering heat if mandatory within the central lounge. This luxurious house beckons for leisure, whether or not you’re lounging on a bean bag absorbing the solar on the veranda or placing your toes up within the yard courtyard subsequent to the fireside. For day outings, the Craggy Vary wine property is a 20-minute drive away, and the Artwork Deco city of Napier is a 45-minute drive. 

Hulbert Home, Queenstown 

Only a quick five-minute stroll from the hustle and bustle of downtown Queenstown, Hulbert Home is a valuable historic gem that provides a luxurious expertise par excellence. The historic homestead, in-built 1888, is now a boutique lodge-style lodge that includes an intimate oasis with solely seven rooms, together with one accessible queen studio. The distinctive and unforgettable Palm Lounge, a veranda that invitations you to unwind on a summer season night whereas marvelling on the gorgeous views with a glass of Central Otago wine, encourages visitors to decelerate and take a second. 

The attentive group is the guts of Hulbert Home. Whether or not they’re serving a cocktail along with your canapés within the night, making restaurant suggestions, or greeting you within the morning with freshly brewed espresso and a scrumptious breakfast, their dedication shines by means of! A extremely really helpful outing is a visit to Gibbston Valley for a wine tour or a spherical of golf at one of many seven programs within the area. Upon your return, the group will arrange an indulgent bathtub butler expertise or put together our indulgent grownup ice cream sundae – placing into observe manaakitanga – Māori for hospitality.

Ngā Pari, Wairarapa

For vinophiles, a keep on a wine property is important. Whereas Martinborough will be the golden baby of Wairarapa’s wine cities, there are magnificent estates scattered round. Ngā Pari is an outstanding instance of showcasing New Zealand’s premium New World Wine and contains a boutique mattress and breakfast. True to the ‘boutique is finest’ philosophy, there are solely three rooms located within the wings of the spacious house. Company have entry to a central lounge, courtyard, scorching tub, and manicured backyard. Moreover, there are 10 acres of vineyards obtainable for exploration. 

Included in your keep is a wine tasting and a bottle of wine of your alternative. And talking of wines, Ngā Pari focuses on Chardonnay and Pinot Noir (which made this Burgundy fan most blissful) and features a brand-new bubbly. Present homeowners Pete and Karen took over the property and vineyards in 2016 and have already launched 5 vintages. Ensure that to take house a bottle – the attractive label cleverly depicts the layers of landscapes you’ll admire from the scenic property.

Jared Ruttenberg

Jared Ruttenberg is a journey author from Cape City, South Africa. He enjoys connecting folks and experiences by means of phrases, photographs and social media.