Escape the crowd and find sanctuary amidst the vast, remote wilderness, where nature plays magician and casts its spell on you. We’ve handpicked a selection of superb wilderness retreats in some of the most remote and pristine natural settings across New Zealand. These exquisite luxury lodges will allow you to relax, enjoy the great outdoors and find your inner Zen. Enjoy!
Come and experience the awe-inspiring scenery of South Island, from remote white sandy beaches to lush native forests and impressive mountain ranges. Stay off the beaten track at some of the best luxury lodges in the country. Tailor-made experiences, sometimes available only to lodge guests, characterise the hospitality unique to New Zealand lodges.
From Nelson Airport, board one of our modern helicopters and be whisked away to a subtropical paradise, consistently rated as one of New Zealand's best beaches. Discover another world, surrounded by dense green native bush and turquoise waters, golden sand beaches, and Golden Bay, a vast paradise for nature lovers.
Golden Bay and the South Island's northwest coast are renowned for their diverse and ancient landforms, endemic plants, abundant birdlife and outstanding scenery.
Westhaven (Whanganui Inlet) is part of this paradise. It is one of the largest and least modified estuaries in the country. An uninterrupted sequence of plant life, from forest to salt marsh, helps to maintain the estuary's overall health and supports a great diversity of life.
Come to an extraordinary place. Westhaven Luxury Lodge is New Zealand's best-kept secret. Its location is unlike anywhere you have ever been, with the peninsula's borders running along the Kahurangi National Park and the Marine Reserve.
The lodge is right on the edge of the Diverse and wild; Kahurangi National Park is an enticing world of marble mountains and peaceful, palm-fringed beaches. While much of the park is untracked wilderness, other areas have a network of walking tracks that allow you to explore high plateaux and coastal palm forests.
The Westhaven peninsula has many easy hiking trails and a variety of Nature Tours, from Fishing, Kayaking, and Quad Biking to a Guided walk with an introduction to New Zealand's fauna and flora and some fascinating Maori traditions. After an active day, relax with a spa treatment or in your 25-meter in-house pool.
Te Waikoropupū Springs (also known as Pupu Springs) are the largest freshwater springs in New Zealand and the largest coldwater springs in the southern hemisphere, with a clarity rating of 75m, meaning they also contain some of the most transparent water ever measured.
Annandale Farm Estate is rural New Zealand at its best: off the tourist trail and in one of the world’s most spectacular coastal locations, it is a 4000-acre sheep and cattle farm that offers exclusive use of four multi-award-winning luxury villas.
Make yourself at home in a five-bedroom homestead, including an infinity pool, spa pool and tennis court. Three other multi-award winning luxury villas are also available: contemporary architecture at Seascape in its own bay, private coved Shepherd’s Cottage and seaside family beach house Scrubby Bay.
If you wish to spend some of your time at Annandale improving your kitchen skills or learning more about New Zealand cuisine, take a cooking class with our on-site chef.
The sheltered, turquoise waters of Pigeon Bay and the surrounding area along Annandale's coast are the playground to many wildlife, including the friendly Hector's dolphins, fur seals, blue penguins, and bird colonies.
Explore our waters and enjoy another dimension of Annandale through the following kayaking experience, led by locally trained guides.
Central Otago, on New Zealand's South Island, is known for its wine, cycling, and powerful landscapes. Taste your way around the sunny Pinot Noir vineyards, cycle the Otago Central Rail Trail, or explore picturesque heritage towns.
Remotely positioned in a high alpine valley, surrounded by incredible mountain views, Minaret Station is an experience to inspire. With just four private chalets, experience one of the world's most secluded and private luxury lodges. There are few if any, places quite like this in the world. Private, luxury lodge accommodation set in a remote glacial valley surrounded by towering peaks, accessible only by helicopter.
Discover your surroundings. Exploring Minaret Station with a tailored hike or bike ride.
Minaret Station Heli-Adventures allow guests to experience the otherwise inaccessible breathtaking wilderness of the Southern Alps. The options are endless. From scenic flights to heli-biking, Minaret Station’s wide range of Heli-Adventures means there is something for everyone.
Lake Te Anau is the largest of the southern glacial lakes, covering an area of 344 square kilometres. On the western side is a magnificent wilderness of forest and mountains - the Kepler and Murchison Ranges rise to around 1700 metres above sea level. Most of Lake Te Anau is within the boundaries of Fiordland National Park and the Te Wahipounamu World Heritage Site.
Escape the crowds and discover a unique slice of Fiordland National Park by wilderness jet boat. This is an escape - a journey as well as a joyride - packed with heaps of local knowledge, stunning views and plenty of laughs.
At Manapouri, you're surrounded by the majesty of Fiordland on all sides. Explore the lake environment or organise a cruise expedition to Doubtful Sound.
Explore the southern part of the South Island’s wild West Coast and experience the many scattered islands and early history unique to Dusky Sound, one of New Zealand’s largest fields. Soak up the feeling of such a remote and untouched location that can only be accessed by flying or by boat. This incredible Doubtful & Dusky Sound Helicopter experience is one of our signature routes and is highly recommended by our clients and pilots alike!
Queenstown sits on the shore of Lake Wakatipu among dramatic alpine ranges. It’s rumoured that gold prospectors - captivated by the majestic beauty of the surrounding mountains and rivers - gave this now cosmopolitan town its name.
Queenstown boasts excellent shopping with luxury brands, iconic New Zealand design stores, souvenirs, boutique fashion and adventure sports equipment, all centrally located in the compact town. Queenstown is also home to art galleries, book shops, and specialty food and wine stores, all waiting for you to gather ingredients for a lovely picnic.
