6 Top Resorts on North Island (2026)

North Island in New Zealand offers an array of stunning resorts ranging from luxurious lakeside retreats to charming rural hideaways. Whether you’re after a serene coastal escape, a rustic farm experience or a chic wine country retreat, there are a range of amazing amenities and gorgeous settings to suit. Indulge in spoiling spa treatments, explore extensive walking trails or simply relax in beautifully designed accommodations. To help you decide, we've highlighted six of the best...

For the views

• Nestled within native rainforest yet just 30 minutes from Auckland, Waitakere Resort & Spa boasts breathtaking views from its suites, apartments and villas. Expect a la carte dining, a pampering spa, an outdoor pool and a wealth of walking trails to explore. A real back-to-nature experience in a stunning location.
• Grand Mercure Puka Park Resort, set amidst 25 acres of New Zealand native bush on Mount Pauanui, offers lush rainforest views from every room. Chalets have vast windows and private decks to take in those vistas, while the wonderful walking and cycling opportunities will allow you to completely immerse yourself in nature.

For relaxation

• Rosewood Cape Kidnappers offers charming luxury accommodation in the heart of a 6000 acre sheep farm. Rooms are built with river stone and weathered wood, and ooze an understated elegance, while featuring open fireplaces, contemporary art and oversized bathtubs. Boasting a spa, swimming pool and golf course, it's a relaxing rural retreat.
• Wai Ora Lakeside Spa Resort on the shores of Lake Rotorua, is another great choice if you're looking for a tranquil escape. Its spoiling spa offers a New Zealand Cultural Spa Experience using the geothermal muds of Rotorua, and Mirimiri healing practices of the Maori. There's also an outdoor plunge pool in the garden and forested trails to explore.

For a group getaway

• Set in the lush vineyards of the Martinborough wine region, Parehua Resort is perfect for a holiday with friends. It features 28 contemporary and well-priced self-contained cottage suites — book a Woodland Villa for a private outdoor cedarwood hot tub. There's plenty to keep everyone busy here, including wine tasting excursions, cycling on paths between the vineyards and sampling regional produce at the bistro.
• Waiheke Island Resort is another great choice for a group getaway. A collection of chic apartments and studios on a hillside, it's just five minutes from Palm Beach. Expect spacious rooms and private outdoor seating areas with sea views, plus a bar, restaurant, pool, hot tub, tennis court and an 18-hole mini-golf course.
  

Still not sure? 

• Browse through our full list of accommodation options on North Island,
• Refine your search to include our recommendations for The 21 Best Five Star Hotels on North Island, New Zealand or The 8 Best Wine Hotels in Hawke's Bay,
• Alternatively, contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.