Tour operator tips: New Zealand’s super-luxury lodges

Even though New Zealand offers luxury properties at relatively affordable prices, it also boasts jaw-droppingly luxurious lodges with hefty prices. Rachel Gleave, product manager at luxury specialist operator Bridge & Wickers, recommends her top five top-end stays in New Zealand.

All rates are from Bridge & Wickers and are per person for a two-night stay on a half-board basis.

Kauri Cliffs

With great views of the Pacific Ocean, this lodge allows guests in the 22 suites to enjoy the Bay of Islands in exclusive luxury. There’s an infinity pool, spa and access to three swimming beaches. The Kauri Cliffs golf course has been ranked 18th best in the world by Golf Magazine. From £832.

• Kauri Cliffs website

Treetops

In the heart of a rural farmstead near Rotorua, the lodge is surrounded by native forest and offers a carefully managed game and wildlife habitat for fly fishermen and sportsmen, plus riding , archery and hiking. The lodge is pioneer chic, with stone and timber finishes and Maori carvings. From £760.

• Treetops website

The Farm at Cape Kidnappers

Set in the Hawke’s Bay wine country in a stunning coastal setting, clients may hope that the staff at this lodge will kidnap them. With wine tours, golf and hiking, guests can keep themselves busy, but if they’d rather not, there’s a heated infinity pool with cabanas and minibar. From £810.

• Cape Kidnappers website

Wharekauhau Country Estate

Most guests arrive by helicopter transfer, making the lodge a 15-minute hop from Wellington. It’s one of New Zealand’s most remote lodges, at the very south of North Island and modeled on an Edwardian country mansion. The coast is really wild, great for walking, horse-riding and shooting. From £991.

• Wharekauhau website

Blanket Bay

South Island’s best luxury lodge is outside Queenstown. Its spectacular setting looks up the Dart Valley to the Southern Alps, where lots of Lord of the Rings filming took place. The area offers lots of  activities, including jet boat pick-ups from the lodge’s jetty. From £793.

• Blanket Bay website