8 minute read
Summer Stays in New Zealand
BEST FOR Views
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MOONLIGHT PEAK – Carrington, Wairarapa
This sleek, fit-for-two architecturally designed cabin is perched high up in the Tararua Ranges, providing 360-degree views. It’s hard to imagine getting tired of being submerged in the cedar hot tub at sunset, sipping a tipple between sighs of contentment.
Located a 20-minute drive from Carterton and a one hour and 30-minute drive from Wellington.
Moonlight Peak © Brook Sabin
MANUTUKE ECO RETREAT – Gisborne, Tairāwhiti Gisborne
Once you arrive at the safari-style tent, take another few steps along a private jetty stretching out over the wetland lake and sink into an idyllically placed beanbag. When you find the energy to move from your reclined position, stand-up paddleboards and a two-person kayak will entertain. At the end of the day, drift off to sleep under the star-studded night sky to the sound of water lapping.
This eco retreat is a 15-minute drive from Gisborne.
FOX HUT – Punakāiki, West Coast
Fox Hut rests high on a clifftop with native bush framing views of the expansive swelling ocean. Modelled on a goldminer’s cottage, its recycled timber-lined walls and rich velvet armchairs ooze with character. Farewell the sun, as it drops back below the horizon, from the wood-fired hot tub.
Located between Greymouth and Westport, it’s a seven-minute drive from Punakāiki’s Pancake Rocks.
BEST FOR Couples
UNDERHILL VALLEY – Hamilton, Waikato
Steal your loved one away to this cosy nook straight from the pages of a storybook. Peeking out from rolling hills of the Waikato, this beautifully handcrafted space features rustic native timbers and ironwork, bursting with charm. Fling open the huge timber doors to reveal a picturesque pond. In summer, gather under the stars with a glass of wine or snuggle around the old coal range as the nights draw in and tuck into your eighth meal of the day.
A 45-minute drive from Matamata; a 30-minute drive from Raglan. The Waitomo Caves are an hour south.
Underhill Valley © Brook Sabin
KARAKA CABIN – Upper Papamoa Hills, Bay of Plenty
Showering next to the enormous picture window that perfectly frames the incredible views across farmland and bush towards Tauranga Harbour will spoil regular showering forever. Expect pruned fingers, as you’ll be hopping straight into the deep stone outdoor bath.
Grab front row seats for the sun’s rise and set, cosy up under the stars by the outdoor brazier or roll your bed out onto the deck to stargaze in comfort!
A 30-minute drive from Tauranga; a 25-minute drive from Mt Maunganui and 15 minutes to Welcome Bay and Te Puke.
SHEPHERD’S REST – Motueka, Nelson Tasman
Created out of locally milled and rescued timber from a disused hop kiln, you’ll find this sweet bijou cottage on the dramatic Baton Run Farm in the valley next to the Kahurangi National Park.
Take a short 10-minute walk to a great swimming hole then it’s back to the double, outdoor baths and mugs of hot coffee, to be enjoyed next to the chiminea.
A 50-minute drive from Motueka and just over one hour from Nelson.
Shepherd’s Rest @ Canopy Camping
THE WHARE – Christchurch, Canterbury
Formerly a farm worker’s hut in the 1900s, this space has been sympathetically renovated remaining full of character and curiosities as historic items and memorabilia add to the décor and groomed gardens give the polish.
Overlooking cultivated fields, on a clear day you’ll have distant views across to the Southern Alps.
A 20-minute drive from Christchurch.
BEST FOR Families
HIGHFIELD FOREST & RIVER RETREATS – Kauri Coast, Northland
These sister sites are on the same farm so you can tee up your trip with your kin. Both tents are paired with tiny cottages, nestled in a lush glade concealing private outdoor baths amongst mature native bush. By day you’ll hear water trickling over the river rocks; at night the call of the morepork and occasional kiwi take over.
On the Kauri Coast, it’s a 25-minute drive from Dargaville; two hours and thirty minutes from Auckland.
NINO & COE – Hastings, Hawke’s Bay
Two unique hybrid tents here have been designed and crafted to unfold, opening to the great outdoors. Each has a canvas roof and timber walls that can just as easily close back up to create a cosy cabin feel with a fire to snuggle beside.
Set on a working farm, the huts sit next to a beautiful clear stream with safe swimming. Large willow trees overhang the water offering shade while the native bush attracts tūī and kingfisher.
A 25-minute drive from Hastings and Havelock North.
Nino & Coe @ Richard Brimer
KAWAKAWA STATION – Cape Palliser, South Wairarapa
If you are looking for a classic glamping set-up, then look no further. The fabulous bell tent and small hut set sleep up to five guests. The vast property is surrounded by hills with a winding, rocky riverbed cutting through its middle.
By day, the kids can fossick about in the nearby stream or meet the farm animals, whilst having a full digital detox. As the days draws to a close, they’ll enjoy outdoor bath time under a multitude of stars.
A two-hour drive from Wellington city. One hour from Martinborough; one hour and 30 minutes from Masterton.
HONEYWELL HUT – Motueka, Nelson Tasman
If you ever wanted to experience a little house on the prairie, this rustic cabin is the one. It’s set on an expansive sheep and beef farm so there’s lots of room to ‘von Trapp it’. Wander the paddocks, experience lovely walks and hit the mountain bike tracks before delving into the river to cool off. Then it’s off to bed in bunks befitting Snow White’s digs.
A happy stop off between Abel Tasman National Park and the West Coast; just 50 minutes’ drive from Motueka and a little over an hour from Nelson.
BEST Dog-friendly
MT MICHAEL WOOLSHED – Waimate, South Canterbury
Wake up in this 110-year-old chic yet rustic woolshed with views over the South Canterbury plains and the ocean twinkling in the distance. Coffee in hand and dog by your side, take a stroll down to greet the cattle; you may even see a visiting wallaby hopping by.
Lavender sunsets sweep across the landscape signalling the start to family board games, or a relax under the stars in the outdoor bath.
A two hour and 40-minute drive from Christchurch, 35 minutes from Timaru and 15 minutes from Waimate.
Mt Michael Woolshed @ Lisa Sun
HAWKHILL COTTAGE – Napier, Hawke's Bay
The terracotta tiles, whitewashed walls, olive groves and tall cypress trees all bring a Tuscan flavour to this stay. Alfresco dining can be enjoyed with eastern views over the Ahuriri Lagoon, out towards Napier and the Pacific Ocean beyond, framed by lavender gardens. In the evening, settle in for late night chats with your dog by your side and the far-off twinkling lights of Napier as your backdrop.
A 15-minute drive from central Napier.
RINGA KAHA CABIN – Raurimu, National Park Village, Ruapehu
The timber-lined walls and wood burner make for a cosy skiers’ retreat over winter but come summer this lodge flips to enchant summer visitors. A great base for walks in the Tongariro National Park, handy for the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, plus there are plenty of mountain biking trails to tackle nearby.
A 15-minute drive from Whakapapa Village and five minutes north of National Park Village on the Central Plateau.
BEST FOR Groups of Friends
HAWKHILL COTTAGE – Napier, Hawke’s Bay
Leave no one behind. This inclusive site sleeps 11 humans and there is room for your dog and horse, too. A quintessential Hawke’s Bay sheep and beef farm with rolling green hills, you’ll find the camp set up in a sheltered and picturesque corner of the property. Enjoy lazy summer afternoons swinging in the shade in hammocks while the kids explore.
A one hour and 15-minute drive from Havelock North.
CAMP KĒKERENGŪ – Kaikōura,North Canterbury
For the perfect pitch you can’t go far wrong with this off-grid camp, perched on the clifftop overlooking the Kaikōura coast.Sleeping up to 10 guests, it’s the perfect spot for the gang to catchup and reignite old rivalries over a game of cricket or petanque.
A three-hour drive fromChristchurch, halfway betweenBlenheim and Kaikōura.
Camp Kēkerengū © Dan Kerins
LAVERICKS BAY CAMP – Banks Peninsula
The views around Banks Peninsula are renowned for their epic beauty but Lavericks Bay is especially stunning. This sunny site can accommodate seven guests over summer (it varies over winter) and is just a 15-minute meander down to a private beach.
Memories are made with card games at sundown, toasting marshmallows by campfire light and the four-person hot tub for soaking up the stars.
A one hour and 35-minute drive from Christchurch and a 35-minute drive from Akaroa.
MORE FABULOUS FINDS
RURU ROOM – Port Charles, Waikato
WAI DOME O – Waitomo Caves, Waitomo
KAHIKATEA FARM – Whakatāne, Bay of Plenty
TE TUHI HUT – Kinloch, Taupō
MAKOURA RIVER RETREAT – Feilding, Manawatū
LITTLE ROCK – Darfield, Mid Canterbury
SHORTLANDS SHED, NOBBLER CREEK – Naseby, Central Otago
