Luxury Lodges on New Zealand’s South Island: Best Lodges in New Zealand
Many of the best luxury lodges in New Zealand are found on the South Island. Here, dramatic landscapes form a backdrop to exquisite properties.
Luxury lodges on New Zealand’s South Island cater to the most discerning visitor. These exclusive properties offer the finest experience, from fine gourmet cuisine and the highest standard of hosting and facilities through to spa treatments, helicopter flights, private golf, and wilderness encounters. Your host will provide an authentic and welcoming experience set against the backdrop of New Zealand’s stunning natural landscapes. Queenstown luxury accommodation is especially renowned for its views.
Read on to learn about the best lodges in New Zealand. These South Island lodges include:
- Matakauri Lodge Queenstown
- The Sounds Retreat Picton
- Blanket Bay Lodge Glenorchy
- Fiordland Lodge Te Anau
- Hapuku Lodge + Tree Houses Kaikoura
- Bay of Many Coves Marlborough Luxury Lodge
- Otahuna Lodge Christchurch
- Lakestone Lodge Lake Pukaki
- Stoneridge Estate Queenstown
- Mahu Whenua Wanaka
- Hulbert House Queenstown
Many of our South Island luxury itineraries include stays at these top luxury lodges.
Matakauri Lodge
Queenstown
Matakauri Lodge is one of the top rated luxury lodges in Queenstown and New Zealand. Just seven minutes from bustling Queenstown, Matakauri Lodge offers an alpine, lakeside retreat, nestled in one of the world’s most strikingly beautiful landscapes. Lodge rooms and suites suit singles and couples plus Matakauri Lodge also offers luxury family accommodation in Queenstown.
The Sounds Retreat
Picton
The Sounds Retreat Luxury Lodge is one of New Zealand’s most intimate exclusive luxury lodges serving exquisite food and fine wine in the stunning Marlborough Sounds on New Zealand’s South Island. Located just 5 minutes from the famous Queen Charlotte Track and 25 minutes from Picton and Blenheim.
Blanket Bay Lodge
Glenorchy, Queenstown
New Zealand’s Ultimate Alpine Escape. Blanket Bay Lodge Queenstown, is voted as one of the worlds best luxury lodges. Nestled amidst rugged snow capped peaks on the shores of Queenstown’s Lake Wakatipu is New Zealand’s finest Lodge – Blanket Bay. Come and celebrate the art of pure relaxation and restore your physical and spiritual well-being.
Fiordland Lodge
Te Anau
Set in a World Heritage Area, Fiordland Lodge in Te Anau offers the discerning traveller style, comfort and privacy, and is the perfect base from where to explore Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound, and the surrounding Fiordland National Park. The Lodge itself sits on a superb rural site with commanding views out across Lake Te Anau. With its fine wine and food, exceptionally warm staff, it is quite simply the perfect retreat on one’s journey through Middle Earth.
Hapuku Lodge + Tree Houses
Kaikoura
Hapuku Lodge + Tree Houses is a contemporary country hotel located on a deer breeding farm in the South Island of New Zealand, 12 kilometres north of the renowned eco-marine town of Kaikoura. The Lodge provides luxurious accommodation on Kaikoura’s rugged coastline, a place for guests to relax in its intimate indoor/outdoor setting and a place from which you can explore the larger maritime landscape of Kaikoura.
Bay of Many Coves Marlborough Luxury Lodge
Queen Charlotte Sound
Bay of Many Coves is set in the heart of the Marlborough Sounds nestled in untouched native bush that kisses the shoreline of the tranquil bay below. Whether you are seeking world-class cuisine, breathtaking scenery, the spirit of adventure or simply a sense of renewal, you will find it at Bay of Many Coves. Internationally-renowned walking tracks and adventure cruises await you on your doorstep. And, with world-class chefs close at hand, Bay of Many Coves are dedicated to a unique experience that is unforgettably yours.
Otahuna Lodge
Christchurch
Otahuna Lodge is New Zealand’s premier historic estate offering modern luxury in the context of a restored Victorian mansion. New Zealand’s largest private historic residence has been revitalised with luxury accommodation, glorious gardens and sophisticated cuisine. The grace and charm of its grounds and its refined yet personable service, Otahuna combines the romance of the past with the cosmopolitan pleasures of the present – the very best of both worlds.
Lakestone Lodge Lake Pukaki
Mt Cook
Lakestone Lodge is set in secluded grounds overlooking the turquoise waters of Lake Pukaki. The lodge sits right on the doorstep of Aoraki Mount Cook National Park. From your room you can enjoy uninterrupted views up Lake Pukaki to the Southern Alps and Aoraki Mt Cook, New Zealand’s highest mountain. The night sky is spectacular being located within the gold level Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve.
Stonefly Lodge
Nelson – Tasman
Just imagine: A choice of Luxury accommodation, fine cuisine, remote location central to three spectacular national parks and easy access to world renowned rivers, for some of New Zealand’s best fly fishing experiences. An intimate and unforgettable stay, Stonefly Lodge provides luxury accommodation in New Zealand.
Mahu Whenua
Wanaka
Mahu Whenua – a New Zealand Luxury Lodge and Eco-Sanctuary. Close to both Wanaka and Queenstown in New Zealand’s beautiful South Island, this luxury lodge is available for up to 12 guests. As a Mahu Whenua guest you will enjoy total privacy, unforgettable experiences and exquisite food and wine in a setting which spans over 55,000 hectares of majestic beauty – towering mountains, lush green valleys, native bush, forests and meandering rivers.
Hulbert House
Queenstown
Hulbert House is one of Queesntown’s finest Luxury Boutique Lodges. Hulbert House provides both luxury accommodation in Queenstown and a luxury experience suitable for all discerning travellers. Situated just a short walk from Queenstown’s vibrant centre, Hulbert House is imbued with a sense of serenity. The six suites, each with their own unique decor, offer stunning views overlooking Lake Wakatipu or the Skyline Hill.
Planning a visit to the North Island? Read about the top North Island luxury lodges here.
