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.

6 Top Resorts on North Island

Wai Ora Lakeside Spa Resort

Rotorua (Holdens Bay)

Set on the shores of Lake Rotorua, this appealing hotel and spa offers spacious and comfortable rooms with contemporary decor and bright colours. Great local menu specialising in the use of indigenous New Zealand herbs and spices. Plus there's an outdoor pool.

Spa breaks - Offering a New Zealand Cultural Spa Experience using the geothermal muds of Rotorua & Mirimiri healing practices of the Maori
Restaurant - Mokoia Restaurant specialises in using indigenous New Zealand herbs and spices
Great walks - Forested trails surround the lake, great for birdwatching as you walk
Fishing - Trout fishing in Rotorua is some of the best in the world

from £101 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Rosewood Cape Kidnappers

Hastings (Te Awanga)

Charming luxury accommodation in the heart of 6000-acre sheep farm. Rooms are rustic and elegant, with top modern amenities and fantastic sea and farm views. Great walking, riding and mountain biking tracks on the property, as well as birdlife. Family-friendly rural retreat.

Families - Kids will adore the swiming pool, discovery walks, shepherding and Can-Am off-roading
Active Holiday - A beautiful resort with golf course, spa and thousands of acres of grounds
Golf - Private, award-winning 71-par golf course
Birdwatching - Cape Kidnappers is the home of the largest mainland gannet colony in the world

from £380 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Waiheke Island Resort

Waiheke Island (Palm Beach)

A collection of chic apartments and studios on a hillside just five minutes from Palm Beach. Expect spacious, modern rooms and private outdoor seating areas with sea views. Highlights include a bar, restaurant, pool, hot tub, tennis court, conference facilities and an 18-hole mini-golf course.

Tennis Court - The resort's tennis court is brilliant for family games or an afternoon knock-about with friends
Birdwatching - Spot endangered kiwis and all manner of endemic birds on the grounds and nearby protected areas
Restaurant - Dine in style with gourmet NZ cuisine, local wines and views of the Hauraki Gulf
Swimming Pool - Outdoor pool with panoramic views

from £117 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Parehua Resort

Martinborough (Martinborough)

Lovely contemporary cottages in the Martinborough wine region. Expect private terraces, indulgent bathrooms and chic style. Regional produce is used in the fabulous York Bistro restaurant. A wonderful wedding or events venue - or resort choice for a trip with friends.

Groups - Woodland Cottages have space for up to 4 guests, and come with kitchens and private hot tubs — great for group trips
Wine tasting - Sign up for an excursion with the Martinborough Gourmet Wine Tour to sample wines of the region
Great walks - Enjoy a hike along the picturesque Tora Coastal Walk or the Patuna Chasm
Country Escape - An ideal rural escape in the heart of the Martinborough Wine Country

from £106 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Grand Mercure Puka Park Resort

North Island

This secluded luxury lodge is set amidst 25 acres of New Zealand native bush on Mount Pauanui. Guest chalets are cosy and inviting, providing proximity to the natural landscape through wall-long windows and a private sit-out deck. An award-winning Miha restaurant seals the deal.

Back to Nature - Nestled in native bush on the Coromandel Peninsula, book this hotel for an authentic back-to-nature retreat
Local exploring - Set in a beautiful natural location close to Pauanui Beach, there is lots to explore local to this hotel
Romantic Break - With charming private chalets and a romantic restaurant, book this hotel for your next couples' getaway
Great walks - Walk the Pauanui Tairua Trail, a gently undulating scenic trail following the banks of the Tairua River

from £178 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Waitakere Resort & Spa

North Island (West Auckland)

A luxury spa hotel offering a stunning location set within native rainforest, yet just 30 minutes from Auckland. A range of accommodation includes suites, apartments, and villas. Pared-back design uses natural materials while picture frame windows reveal spectacular views. Ideal for a weekend break.

Spa breaks - Wairua Day Spa offers a wide range of organic spa treatments and spa retreats can be arranged prior to booking
Short break - Located just half an hour from the city centre of Auckland this is a convenient spot for a weekend escape
Back to Nature - Set within Auckland's Waitakere Ranges rainforest
Great walks - Explore over 250 kilometres of walking tracks, from short, easy walks to the famous four-day Hillary Trail tramp

from £102 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

6 Top Resorts on North Island (2026)