5 Scenic Lodges in New Zealand You Need to Book
these five dreamy New Zealand lodges offer the best views from this awe-inspiring country. disclaimer: you may end up booking a pretty insane accommodation after reading this.
5 Scenic Lodges in New Zealand
You Need to Book
New Zealand, home of the long white cloud, millions of sheep and some of the coolest stays with views you’ll be dreaming about for years. I’ve been lucky enough to be hosted at a few of New Zealand’s best accommodation options and I’ve brought on a few of my favourite content creators to share their favourites as well. Thanks to Sophie Collins and Tara Tadlock for providing photos for this article! Let’s dive in.
1. Lakestone Lodge
At the end of last year, my partner and I decided to run off to the South Island to elope and we were lucky enough to be hosted by our new favourite place, Lakestone Lodge. This off-the-grid, luxurious stay offers the best view of Mount Cook and its surrounding mountains on the edge of Lake Pukaki. It’s honestly a dream and the owners are the loveliest people. I highly recommend staying with a loved one to wake up to this famous view from your bed. Relax in a bubble bath and sip fine wine outside in a completely secluded haven.
where: Lake pukaki (NEar to Aoraki/mount cook national park)
view: Overlooking Lake Pukaki with a clear view of Mount cook
Each of the six serene rooms includes a private patio with chairs facing the beautiful mountain views. Lakestone Lodge also has an apartment option for bigger groups or families. The two-bedroom stay also offers a private patio with a smaller view of the mountains, yet is more spacious and includes a full kitchen for those wanting to cook their own meals.
the details: uninterrupted view of aoraki national park, plus a foodie haven
I promise there is more than just the view at this sanctuary. Fine dine over a gorgeously catering multiple course meal in the dining room then unwind with a bottle of wine around the fire next to the reflection pool. Each room includes a beautiful bubble bath to enjoy while staring at the view and truly immersing yourself in this mountain escape.
bonus: located on the alps 2 ocean cycle trail
And mountain bikes are complimentary on your stay (e-bikes are also available for hire), plus the owners’ Anna and Mike are happy to help with any arrangements.
book here for Lakestone Lodge
Looking for scenic roads while you travel around New Zealand? Check out the best road spots for photos here.
2. Milford Sound Lodge
The ideal place to be caught in one of Fiordland’s wild storms. At the beginning of this year, we took a family trip to Fiordland, but the weather had other ideas. Thankfully, the marvelous Milford Sound Lodge rescued us for a night and we spent a blissful day watching the rain from this gorgeous haven.
Where: Milford Sound, Fiordland national park
view: looking into milford sound and endless waterfalls
Riverside chalets overlook Cheddau River while the Mountain View chalets look down the mountain valley. They also have garden-view rooms and lush, forest campervan spots.
The details: floor to ceiling windows that make you feel one with nature
This luxurious, eco-efficient lodge is a true paradise in Milford Sound and the only accommodation in the small area. The riverside room features a dreamy king-size bed, plus a sofa bed (perfect for our wee one). The room includes a beautiful film of the region and its story and every guest receives breakfast delivered to the door.
book here for Milford Sound Lodge
3. High country cabin
While my head has never rested on a pillow in this extremely cool cabin, my dear friend Sophie Collins of Notes of a Northerner has crashed in this rustic cabin a few times including her wedding day. The decor reminds me of an upscale version of my grandparents’ Wisconsin cabin and according to Sophie, it’s as cozy as it looks.
where: ben ohau, Lake pukaki (Next to Aoraki/mount cook national park)
View: overlooking Ben Ohau mountain Range
The details: High country cabin is a secluded lodge with no other guests around
Book your stay for up to five people with three beds and one bath. Bonus features include a log-burner to heat the cabin, heaps of delicious coffee and the occasional visit from the neighborhood farm friends.
book here for High County Cabin.
4. boho bach
Parents’ night out. At the end of last year, Ryan and I had a gig for a wine company that booked us a night away in one of Canopy Camping Escapes’ scenic spots. Just a 15-minute drive from our front door to this secret gem hidden on the Miramar Peninsula in Wellington. Aptly named the Boho Bach, this groovy little pad is the perfect spot for a couple (us) needing a bit of privacy with a mesmerizing view. We woke up to native bird songs as the sun stretched across the Rimutakas over Karakas Bay and it was everything we needed.
where: karakas bay, miramar, wellington
Guests must follow a 10-15 minute bush trail to reach the property
view: overlooking karaka bay and the remutaka ranges
The details: a birdsong paradise tucked away in welly’s native bush
This cool secret bach can host up to 2 adults (has two double beds) and has both a beautiful outdoor bath and an indoor clawfoot bath so beautiful you won’t want to get out. The place has a massive porch, ideal for dinner al fresco, plus all the fixings to cook your own meals, make your own coffee/tea and get a fire going. No tv, no worries. Go with a lover and a bottle (or two) of wine and relax while fully immersing yourself in this bohemian escape.
book here for Boho Bach
5. sherwood Queenstown
Every time I mention going to Queenstown, someone always recommends staying, eating or practicing yoga at the Sherwood. This idyllic retreat ticks all the boxes even ranking as one of the world’s top ten most sustainable hotels. They refer to themselves as a community hotel and that’s exactly what it feels like. Almost an adult camp feel with a relaxing atmosphere and an incredible onsite organic garden used for the restaurant. The first (and so far only) time I stayed at Sherwood with Tara of @sillylittlekiwi and I absolutely fell in love with every little detail and eco-cool amenity. I convinced Ryan to stay there on his next trip down and made sure he took a few snaps of the place.
where: queenstown, south island
photo by Tara @sillylittlekiwi
view: lake wakatipu (frankton suburb)
This eco retreat offers numerous types of rooms including double bed bunks with each room having a unique view. Although this place is more about the location, amenities and details if you ask me.
details: an on-site farm to table restaurant, sustainable services & a yoga sala
There is really no reason to leave Sherwood’s property with a beautiful on-site bar and restaurant, outdoor fireplace, sauna, yoga and meditation classes, spa services and more, it’s the retreat you never knew you needed and its prime Queenstown location is key.
book here for Sherwood Queenstown
And there you have it. Five scenic lodges in New Zealand you need to book. Countless more incredible retreats exist and I can’t wait for the day I get to share a part two with you.
Have you had a favourite stay in New Zealand? Share it below!