20 Top Lodges in New Zealand (2026)

New Zealand offers amazing landscapes and thrilling adventure activities. It's also home to spectacular lodges allowing you to make the most of the vast array of experiences on offer here, from action-packed getaways to tranquil retreats. Whether you're drawn to lakeside luxury, alpine seclusion or eco-conscious elegance, these lodges provide exceptional service, breathtaking views and unique accommodations. From remote hideaways with spoiling spas to charming choices inspired by traditional designs, you'll fall in love with our experts' pick of the top lodges in New Zealand.

For a romantic escape

• Solitaire Lodge, on a private peninsula on the shores of Lake Tarawera, is an intimate choice with just nine sumptuous suites. Enjoy luxurious spa-like baths, breathtaking views, gourmet dining and private boat trips or helicopter tours. All the ingredients for the perfect romantic getaway.
• Woodhouse Lodge, an hour north of Auckland on the Matakana Coast, is a wonderful couples' choice. Expect plush rooms, private patios, tennis courts and an outdoor pool. Warm up after long walks by the open-flame fire before heading to the spa for a relaxing treatment, or explore nearby vineyards and horse-ride on the beach. An idyllic escape.

• Snuggle up together in front of a warming fire at River Birches Lodge, on the southern edge of Lake Taupo. There's plenty to do here including fishing, hiking and kayaking, or just unwind in the peaceful garden. With a tranquil setting and four charming guestrooms, book this for a romantic riverside break.
• Acacia Cliffs Lodge is the perfect romantic hideaway. Four modern suites with floor-to-ceiling windows and private terraces are nestled in a stunning two-hectare garden with views over Lake Taupo. A charming spot to hike, ski, birdwatch or just take in the gorgeous surroundings together.

For a luxury stay

• Overlooking Palliser Bay, Wharekauhau Country Estate offers luxury in spades. Marble bathrooms, underfloor heating, indoor pool, spa, garden, gym — the list goes on! Enjoy a personalised wine tasting at the lodge's special 'Sommelier's Table' and, as a real gourmet treat, private chefs can come to your villa or cottage and cook for you.
• Unwind in luxury at Huka Lodge, set in a stunning 17-acre garden in Taupo. Choose from lodge suites or two self-catering cottages with separate dressing rooms, underfloor heating and charming wooden terraces. Antiques, chandeliers, stag and buffalo heads and tartan rugs add character, while roaring fireplaces, private dining, an outdoor spa and swimming pools bring the relaxation.

• Next to Fiordland National Park, Fiordland Lodge is a luxurious escape to nature. Stylish rooms are clad in muted natural colours, and textures reflect the landscape bringing the glorious outside in. Enjoy stunning views, great walking trails, adventurous activities and fabulous regional food.
• The Marlborough Lodge is a luxury country estate with 10 elegant and contemporary suites boasting views across the parkland from a private balcony. The Marlborough area is famous for its gourmet food and good wine — enjoy both at the hotel's romantic restaurant. Secluded and sophisticated.

For a family getaway

• Get the family back to nature at Hapuku Lodge + Tree Houses, contemporary country accommodation in Kaikōura. Enjoy fun tree house style rooms with handcrafted furniture, rainforest showers, a pool, sauna and amazing views. Set on a deer farm with rare birds and chances to go whale, dolphin and seal-spotting on the water, it's a great base for wildlife lovers.
• Poronui Lodge located in Taharua Valley on New Zealand’s North Island is a fabulous family find. All-inclusive accommodation is spread across the Lodge, Blake House private villa and the Safari Camp, with fantastic river views. There's plenty to keep families busy here, including a kids' club and child-friendly activities offered without parent supervision. 

• Awaroa Lodge in Abel Tasman National Park is another great family pick, with space for up to six guests in some suites. Only accessible by foot, sea kayak, water taxi or air, it makes an exciting family adventure holiday, with access to a nearby beach, wonderful wildlife and heaps of activities on the doorstep. 
• Lochmara Lodge is a relaxed eco-lodge on Lochmara Bay offering a well-priced base for outdoor adventures. Accessed by seaplane or water taxi, it's great for groups or families with its flexible room options. Hike, kayak, paddle board or marvel at the underwater aquarium and conservation projects. 

For the views

• Lie in bed and enjoy the magical mountain views from Queenstown Country Lodge. This secluded retreat has just five chic and contemporary rooms, plus an outdoor terrace and hot tub to soak in those vistas. Head to one of the nearby ski resorts or use one of the lodge's bicycles for an adventurous day out.
• Lake Karapiro Lodge is a delightful rural retreat with sweeping countryside views. The five spacious rooms have a traditional English feel with wooden floors and lovely antiques. Enjoy afternoon tea on the terrace, relax at the outdoor pool and take in the views of both Lake Karapiro and Mount Maungatautari.

• Off the beaten track in rural Manapouri with miles of countryside at every turn, Cabot Lodge is the ideal spot to sit back, relax and enjoy some spectacular scenery or reconnect with nature in the great outdoors. Guests can take part in farm tours, a beekeeping experience, hiking, cycling and climbing. 
• Overlooking the lake and the mountains, Lake Taupo Lodge is another pick in a fantastic scenic spot. Set in three and a half acres of wild bush, it's perfectly placed for hiking, horse riding and fly fishing. The six stylish rooms here boast spa baths, plus private patios to make the most of the glorious surroundings.

For relaxation

• Five hectares of gardens including a tropical rock pool, waterfall, citrus and olive groves, mean Delamore Lodge is in the ideal spot for some serious R&R. Set in a spectacular cliff top location overlooking Owhanake Bay, expect luxurious rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows, private courtyards, rain showers, an outdoor infinity pool and a rejuvenating spa. 
• Nestled in lush gardens at the foot of an ancient volcano, Otahuna Lodge is a quiet country retreat. The seven charming suites each have their own private sitting room, plus breakfast and a 4-course dinner are included using home-grown organic ingredients. With an outdoor pool, spa and an array of trails for walking and biking nearby, it's a peaceful escape.

• Look after the planet and yourself at Lakestone Lodge, nestled in two acres of land by the banks of beautiful Lake Pukaki. This peaceful lodge’s commitment to ecologically sustainable living and energy saving is clear, but that doesn't deter from guests enjoying exceptional comfort and hospitality. Perfect for nature lovers. 
• Gibbston Valley Lodge & Spa is a pampering pick in Queenstown, with its luxurious spa and gourmet dining. Private villa-suites create an intimate feel within verdant grounds — the property even has its own vineyard. Make use of the lodge's bikes and enjoy a relaxing cycle alongside the Kawarau River.

Still not sure? 

• Browse through our full list of accommodation options in New Zealand,
• Refine your search to include our recommendations for The 5 Best Family Hotels in Auckland or the Best Wine Hotels in Marlborough,
• Alternatively, contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.