If the South Island is dramatic and elemental, shaped by ice, wind, and time, the North Island offers a softer seduction. This is where culture, adventure, and cinematic landscapes come together in harmony. There’s cosmopolitan Auckland, the geothermal wonder and Māori heart of Rotorua, and the cool, creative rhythm of Wellington. Each is distinct, each unforgettable.
You might wander through otherworldly geothermal fields, where geysers erupt and mud pools simmer, or find yourself in the rolling green hills of The Shire™, lifted straight from the pages of The Lord of the Rings. If a slower pace calls, the golden beaches of the Bay of Islands and Coromandel are perfect for lingering.
There’s the good life, too. Taste your way through celebrated wineries in Hawke’s Bay and Wairarapa. Cast into the clear waters of Lake Taupō. Hike volcanic ridgelines in Tongariro National Park.
Our journey spanned 11 lodges in 11 days, and I hope by now you have discovered my reflections on the South Island via my blog here.
The North Island is pure enchantment. A layered blend of nature, culture, and adventure that draws you deep into the heart and soul of Aotearoa.
In the North Island I stayed at the iconic Huka Lodge on the Waikato River in Taupo, the lovely Wharekauhau Country Estate on the clifftops of Palliser Bay in the Wairarapa, and finally in the stunning sub-tropical Bay of Islands at the the breathtaking The Landing, capped off by a return to the dramatic beaches and coastal golf course at Rosewood Kauri Cliffs.
Huka Lodge
Long regarded as New Zealand’s most iconic lodge, Huka embodies understated luxury and timeless service. Tucked along the banks of the Waikato River, the lodge is a masterclass in gracious living. Log-burning fireplaces, riverfront terraces, and personalized attention that never feels intrusive.
We ended our journey with a private dinner in the underground wine cellar, surrounded by vintage bottles and the soft flicker of candlelight. Gastronomy is certainly one of the Huka highlights!
Highlights: Legendary service, gorgeous gastronomy, private riverfront suites, world-class wine cellar dining, easy access to Huka Falls and geothermal wonders, and a fly fishing anglers paradise!
Wharekauhau Country Estate
Wharekauhau, is a grand 5,000-acre coastal estate perched where the wild Pacific meets classic New Zealand sheep country. Set amid vast green hills, black-sand beaches, and dramatic skies, the lodge feels like something from another era. Gracious, intimate, and beautifully untamed.
A proud member of the Relais & Châteaux family – the estate’s suites are lush and luxurious, with creamy linens, roaring fireplaces, and views that stretch across Palliser Bay to the rugged Remutaka Range. The setting invites stillness and wonder, while the service is polished, personal, and full of warmth.
The food is elegant but unpretentious. Farm-to-table in the truest sense, with lamb raised on-property and vegetables from the kitchen garden.
Days here are for countryside rambles, clay target shooting, and long walks with ocean views. One of the unexpected highlights of our time at Wharekauhau was the farm tour. A beautiful reminder that this elegant estate is still very much a working sheep station. Watching the dogs in action, skillfully herding with precision and joy, was a thrill in itself, but the real magic came in meeting the farmers. Their pride, humor, and deep connection to the land were infectious. I even had the chance to witness a sheep shearing up close. An artful, practiced dance that’s as much about care as it is about skill. It’s these moments of authenticity that make a place unforgettable.
Highlights: Country estate elegance, sweeping views of Palliser Bay, bespoke culinary program, guided ATV and farm experiences.
The Landing – Bay of Islands
Tucked into a pristine corner of the Bay of Islands, this isn’t a typical lodge stay. It’s a private, heritage-rich sanctuary where history, conservation, and exceptional hospitality meet with subtle elegance.
We stayed at Cooper Residence, a contemporary villa with soaring glass walls, thoughtfully curated art, and panoramic views that sweep across the water and into the bush-covered hills beyond. Set on a private 1,000-acre estate in the Bay of Islands, the property offers four distinct residences, each designed for a different kind of gathering.
Cooper Residence
Poised atop a headland with commanding 360° views of the Bay of Islands, Cooper is described as a “presidential standard” retreat. Ideal for a multigenerational family or a group seeking space, privacy, and polish.
Gabriel Residence
A lodge-style escape with a relaxed, welcoming feel. Designed as a serene base for immersing in nature. Best suited for four couples traveling together.
Vineyard Villa
Tucked among the vines with views of wetlands and the sea beyond, this residence blends seamlessly into its surroundings. Perfect for two couples who value privacy, quiet, and sophisticated design.
The Boathouse
Set right on the water’s edge at Wairoa Bay, The Boathouse feels airy and coastal. It is tailored for barefoot days, salt air, and direct access to the sea. Ideal for an active couple or a small family with a love for the water.
That evening, after a sunset dinner of local seafood paired with estate wines, we set out on a nighttime kiwi-spotting walk with one of The Landing’s guides. Flashlights in hand, we slipped quietly along the forest trails. The air was cool and fragrant, and the hush of native bush began to stir. Moments later, we heard them. Distinct, staccato calls echoed through the trees, and soon we spotted more than one little kiwi waddling through the undergrowth.
Kiwi spotting requires patience, sharp eyes, and a touch of stealth.
Be warned, however, that wine and laughter are known to reduce one’s success rate!
Still, the sudden appearance of this curious, flightless bird foraging in the dark remains one of New Zealand’s most magical encounters.
The following morning, after coffee on the terrace and a generous breakfast, we boarded Iti Rangi, The Landing’s private boat. With Skipper Brett at the helm, we traced a path across the Bay of Islands, passing ancient pā sites, hidden coves, and stretches of shoreline heavy with history. The journey was as scenic as it was grounding. A final reminder of how deeply nature and culture are woven into this extraordinary land.
Wine Making and Tasting at The Landing
Under the care of winemaker Ben Byrne, The Landing’s vineyard is a true single-estate operation. Every grape is grown on the property, and all stages of production, from pressing to fermentation to barrel aging, take place on site.
The vines thrive in long, sun-filled summers, tempered by coastal breezes from Rangihoua Bay, yielding a collection that includes Chardonnay, Syrah, Pinot Gris, Sangiovese, Tempranillo, and Albariño.
Highlights: Private stay at Cooper Residence, guided kiwi-spotting night walk, immersive historical boat tour on Iti Rangi, wine tasting at the vineyard, and a rarefied sense of seclusion staying in your own home.
Rosewood Kauri Cliffs
The final stop on our journey brought us to Rosewood Kauri Cliffs, where sweeping views of the Pacific, lush native bush, and a deep cultural history converge in quiet majesty. Perched high above the sea, the lodge is refined and serene, with interiors that echo the natural palette of the coastline – stone, wood, soft cream, and green.
We arrived in the late afternoon for a privately guided Heritage Discovery tour, led by a local expert who unraveled the stories held by this land. From the resting place of one of the original seven Māori waka to the landing site of Captain James Cook, Kauri Cliffs stands as a luxury lodge woven into the rich tapestry of New Zealand’s layered past.
Later that evening, we gathered for cocktails and canapés before a dinner that reflected the lodge’s philosophy of local abundance. Fresh-caught fish, seasonal vegetables, and thoughtfully paired wines were served in the lodge’s elegant dining room.
Saying farewell after such an epic experience is always so difficult. I have developed a local team in every nook and cranny around the world, and New Zealand is no exception. Traveling with my local partners who are not only business partners but trusted friends is priceless. I know that my clients are in the very best of hands when they are living their own epic adventures on their own New Zealand explorations.
Highlights: Privately guided Heritage Discovery tour, expansive Pacific Ocean views, refined seasonal cuisine, collecting shells on Pink Beach, and a round of golf on Kauri Cliff’s signature coastal links course
Hobbiton Movie Set
The real-life equivalent of the fictional Shire from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit is Hobbiton Movie Set near Matamata, New Zealand, a purpose-built location featuring 44 Hobbit holes in a lush, rolling landscape. While J.R.R. Tolkien’s Shire was inspired by the English countryside, particularly his childhood home in Sarehole, the New Zealand site is the actual filming location for the movies and a must-do stop for all Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit fans.
Upon landing in New Zealand and arriving to our first lodge, we made a stop in Matamata to walk through one of New Zealand’s most iconic landscapes, crafted not by nature but by cinema. What a great way to shake off a little cross continental jet lag! The Hobbiton Movie Set is as charming as you’d imagine. The attention to detail is extraordinary, from the hand-carved mailboxes to the flourishing vegetable gardens that appear tended by unseen Hobbits.
A private tour led us past Bag End, the Party Tree, and the Green Dragon Inn, where we enjoyed a pint of Southfarthing ale. Even for non-Tolkien devotees, it’s an enchanting step into a living storybook, nestled among rolling hills and ancient oaks.
Highlights: Private guided set tour, Green Dragon Inn pub experience, and behind-the-scenes insights into film production and design.
Kia Ora, Aotearoa
This 11-lodge journey has left its mark. New Zealand continues to astonish in its diversity, its elegance, and its ability to marry raw nature with refined comfort.
We began with still lakes and warm fires, moved through vineyards and valleys, and ended with crashing waves and legendary rivers. Each lodge opened a new window into the spirit of New Zealand, distinct yet connected.
If you’re dreaming of a trip that’s as meaningful as it is magnificent, this is it. Let us create your chapter in Aotearoa. No-one leaves New Zealand without rating it among their very best trips anywhere, ever!
