The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall recently visited New Zealand on their highly anticipated Diamond Jubilee Tour. From the harbour city of Auckland to Wellington, the hub of Hobbit activity, through to Christchurch, they enjoyed true kiwi hospitality and the best that New Zealand has from top-class accommodation to award-winning food and wine.
With the excitement of Charles and Camilla’s tour still endemic, Tourism New Zealand has provided a guide of the most luxurious new accommodation so you too can travel like a Royal.
New Zealand provides the perfect opportunity to escape in style, whether you’re looking for a boutique beach escape or a breath taking mountain retreat, there’s something for everyone.
Enjoy indulgent extras such as spa baths, private patios, king-size beds and log fires so you can relax and unwind after a day enjoying New Zealand’s beautiful scenery and landscapes.
Best New Zealand Hotels to live like Royalty:
Atahuri - Boutique Beach Escape Overlooking Kapiti IslandAn hour north of Wellington, Atahuri is tucked into the sand dunes at Peka Peka beach, overlooking Kapiti Island. Atahuri features four luxury suites (sleeping two) and offers the perfect base for those looking for a peaceful beach setting. Expect comfy sofas, bay windows with stunning views, private patios facing seaward, and local, original artwork by the lodge’s owner.
Enjoy a round of golf at Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club, experience a cooking class, visit the local vineyard and brewery, and stroll along the endless white beach (46 kms long!) or take a swim in its safe, warm waters. For more information go to www.atahuri.co.nz
Luxury Lodge Tin Tub - WanakaSitting high up on the ridge overlooking Wanaka with breathtaking views over the lake and to the mountains, Tin Tub has a total of five rooms – lodge and luxury villas. The luxury villas each have spa baths, and private outdoor tubs. There’s a tennis court, swimming pool, sauna and gym all on-site.
It is the perfect base for skiing, walking, biking, fishing, wine tasting or just relaxing around the lodge with its stunning views. Sleep in the silence of the countryside and wake to a leisurely breakfast before setting out on another day of adventure. For more information go to www.tintubwanaka.co.nz/
The Sounds Retreat - Marlborough SoundsThe Sounds Retreat is a new luxury lodge for two located on the edge of Queen Charlotte Sound, Marlborough.The lodge ‘suite’ is open plan, with a king-size bed, flat-screen TV, spacious bathroom, as well as a gym and hot tub.
Enjoy native forest walks right on the doorstep, dining on the deck under a canopy of stars, decadent cuisine by the in-house chef and perhaps even watch a pod of dolphins from the deck. Biking, fishing and kayaking are all available from the doorstep as well as wine tasting. For more information go to www.thesoundsretreat.co.nz/
Eco B&B Kokohuia Lodge - Hokianga, North IslandKokohuia Lodge has stunning views of Hokianga Harbour and sand dunes and is perched above the native bush, accommodating just one couple. It is sophisticated and private and has been constructed to be highly sustainable, off-grid, producing solar electricity and solar hot water. The hectare of native bush, maturing orchards and gardens is managed organically. With a king size bed, organic cotton linen and a free standing double bath, the lodge is the perfect romantic retreat. For more information go to www.kokohuialodge.co.nz/
The White House - Black Barn, Hawke's BayWaimarama is a superb long stretch of sandy beach south of Cape Kidnappers facing east to the rising sun and the Pacific Ocean. While it usually experiences large rolling surf, it is excellent for swimming, surfing, fishing and walking. Here is located the new home rental, The White House, positioned to maximise privacy, shelter, views and sun.
The house has six bedrooms and four bathrooms with a state of the art kitchen. Prepared meals can be pre-ordered and any activity can be arranged including private fishing guides to some of New Zealand’s best trout fishing rivers. For more information go to www.blackbarn.com/retreatdetail/49/the-white-house
Westhaven Luxury Lodge - West CoastEnjoy the peaceful beauty of New Zealand's nature at Westhaven Luxury Lodge. The small exclusive lodge offers luxury accommodation in a relaxed and intimate setting surrounded by the beautiful, rugged coastal wilderness of New Zealand's West Coast. Engulfed by miles of pristine wilderness, here you will find time to ponder, unwind and recharge. This Middle-earth setting provides an escape from the bustle of daily life with an atmosphere of tranquillity. For more information go to www.westhavenretreat.com
The Oyster Inn - Waiheke IslandOyster Inn features a large restaurant, private event space, beach shop and three beautifully appointed guest rooms with fantastic views. Styled on the timeless Kiwi bach with a fresh modern touch, it’s described as “stylish but unpretentious, reinterpreting beachside chic with warmth and authenticity”.
Guest rooms have been designed for comfort with details such as super soft cotton sheets on extra-large king size beds, under-floor heating, stylish bath products in large ensuite bathrooms. Guests will be picked up from the ferry pier in the inn’s vintage Volkswagen Kombi van that is also available for private island and wine tours. For more information go to www.theoysterinn.co.nz/
For information about New Zealand’s extensive vacation options, log onto the 100% Pure New Zealand website at www.NewZealand.com.
Have you stayed at any of these hotels? Tell us in the comments below or tweet us @FemaleFirst_UK
FemaleFirst
Shabana Adam @Shabs_A