Secret subterranean
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,