The Lodge At Kauri Cliffs
Matauri Bay, North Island
A group of more than 140 isles strung across the turquoise waters of the Pacific, the Bay of Islands is one of New Zealand’s most beautiful destinations. And here, amid rolling hills and the roar of the ocean, lies Kauri Cliffs (hotel.qantas.com.au/kauricliffs), a Hamptons-esque lodge that devotes some of its almost 2500 hectares to a par 72 championship golf course.
Those who like to bunker down can take in much of the region’s beauty without venturing far – or cocoon themselves in the spa, where skin-soothing therapies range from 90-minute thermal-mud wraps to 60-minute manuka-honey facials. Adventurers are also rewarded here. See Kauri Cliffs from a kayak, stopping midjourney for a picnic lunch enjoyed with matching wines; cast a line from the beach; or take a heli-tour out to Motukokako (Piercy) Island, famously known as The Hole in the Rock.
Later, cosy up in one of the 22 suites, which are paired in cottages, or the new four-bedroom Residences. Book a Deluxe Suite and watch the sun rise as you look out to the Cavalli Islands from your balcony. There’s also the Owner’s Cottage, with two bedrooms and a generous living room that opens onto a private patio with an infinity-edge swimming pool.
And when it’s time for dinner, make your way to the onsite restaurant, where chef Barry Frith draws up a menu from scratch every day, starring seasonal produce sourced from the region. (From top) The 16th hole at Kauri Cliffs golf course; the deck and saltwater pool and dining room in one of The Residences
As New Zealand’s leading wine region, Marlborough is one of the country’s major drawcards. Sidestep any human traffic with a stay at country-chic The Marlborough Lodge (hotel.qantas.com.au/ marlboroughlodge). If you’re keen on exploring nearby vineyards, a full-day cycling tour can be arranged. Finish the day with a threecourse meal at the property’s renowned Harvest Restaurant, which follows an intriguing rule – no more than five flavours to a dish.
From a distance, it’s hard to imagine how this low-slung structure could house eight exquisitely designed rooms, a restaurant and bar, lounge, games and billiards rooms. But it’s all there under a spotted-gum roof built to mimic the undulating landscape. Located in the South Island’s rugged Ahuriri Valley, The Lindis (thelindisgroup.com) has a James Bond-like aesthetic, with panoramic views, rich wood interiors and metallic accents.
Hundreds of cattle and thousands of sheep range across this 1600-hectare coastal farm in a bucolic setting around Pigeon Bay. The property (annandale.com), which is just over an hour’s drive from Christchurch, features five lodging options; our pick is Seascape, a glass-cube structure with modernist interiors softened by cosy details like plush rugs and an open fireplace. It’s secreted away in a hillside overlooking the water, with no other accommodation in sight.