Secret subterranean hideouts down under
Caves. They sound like the last place you’d want to spend a night. Let alone pay for the privilege.
Tourism New Zealand’s latest campaign is urging us all to try something new, and I expect for most of us, sleeping underground is uncharted territory.
But do not fear. I’m not asking you to morph into a human weta for the night.
We’re talking luxury underground escapes where you can enjoy a martini and sauna, before watching the sunset over your own little slice of subterranean paradise.
Let’s take a look at some of the country’s sunken treasures, ideal for a bit of unique R&R.
Underhill – Waikato
This fairytale adults-only grotto is like a tiny underground candlelit castle. The medieval-style retreat is set around a private lake – with two main caves. The first is your living area, complete with elaborate stonework, native timbers and handcrafted iron fittings.
There’s no power, so in keeping with the medieval theme, the place is candle-lit, with a coal fire stove and bed that has a cavemanstyle Austin Powers feel about it.
The second cave is an enchanting underground bathroom with an outdoor bath for stargazing.
Despite Underhill looking like a Peter Jackson creation, it was built before the Lord of the Rings trilogy was released. The grotto is owned by Jessie and Craig Moon
– and was first dreamed up by Jessie’s father, Graham, in the 1970s after being inspired by rustic cave dwellings he saw while travelling the Middle East.
The Cave at Crab Cove – Far North
The most affordable of the three, but by no means any less luxurious. The Cave at Crab Cove is found north of the Bay of Islands,
nestled in its own private bay.
The cave, built into the side of the hill, is full of surprises: a bottle of champagne on arrival, sauna, huge double shower, private beach and deck overlooking a stunning coastal vista.
If you’ve ever been to the Greek island Santorini this feels like a Kiwi version. Don’t miss having a go with the in-cave telescope; the area has very little light pollution so the visibility is stunning.
One of Northland’s bestundiscovered walks is nearby too.
The Mahinepua Peninsula track is like walking the spine of a dragon with spectacular staircases along the ridgeline and plenty of empty beaches.
Mornings at the cave are something to look forward to, with a sumptuous DIY breakfast of bacon and eggs, fresh fruit salad and granola ready to prepare.
Donkey Bay Inn – Bay of Islands
Donkey Bay Inn is an adults-only retreat in the Bay of Islands. The enormous lodge is built into the side of a hill, overlooking its own bay, like something straight out of
Thunderbirds. And it’s seriously hidden; sitting under 330-tonnes of soil, with a flax plantation on top.
To access the property, you walk through a yellow tunnel – which opens up to an elaborate garden, before eventually revealing the luxury lodge with uninterrupted views of the ocean.
Upstairs you’ll find the unapologetically sensual ‘‘Skyfall Suite’’. It has a lounge, an enormous bedroom (with a fair few mirrors) and a bathroom that looks like it’s been designed for royalty. The bath is so big, one person would feel lonely in it.
Downstairs are two smaller suites and a few eclectic communal areas. As you would expect in such a flamboyant retreat, the included breakfast is a suitably elaborate affair.
This article was produced with the support of the accommodation providers listed and Tourism New Zealand.