South Island Luxury Accommodation

Queenstown

Queenstown is nestled between impressive mountain ranges on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. You can tour the vineyards in Gibbston, attempt a hole-in-one on a mountain-top golf course or dare the highest bungy jump in New Zealand. The ‘Adventure Capital of the World’ has something in store for everyone. 

Azur Lodge Queenstown

A small South Island luxury accommodation, Azur Lodge in Queenstown is highly praised for its outstanding, personable and at the same time unobtrusive service. Nestled on a hill overlooking Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables Range in the distance, all of the nine villas boast fantastic views from every room, even from the comfort of your own bathtub.

While Azur Lodge is located a few minutes drive outside of Queenstown, it doesn’t mean you’ll have to miss out on anything the town has to offer. In fact, the lodge’s complimentary shuttle service drops you anywhere you want and will pick you up again. Although with the outdoor wood fire at the lodge, the exquisite, locally sourced delicacies and their extensive range of wines, you might never want to leave.

See Azur Lodge's facilities Here

Te Anau

While Te Anau is the gateway to Fiordland, the charming town at the lake of the same name is a destination in itself. The Te Anau glowworm cave competes with the Waitomo Caves on the North Island. The pristine lake is best explored by boat. If you prefer a sunset cruise on a historic boat, an exhilarating sprint by jet boat or slowly explore on a kayak is up to you. 

Fiordland Lodge Te Anau

Located on the road to Milford Sound just outside Te Anau and overlooking the lake, Fiordland Lodge really is the ‘gateway to the Fiords’. The natural wonders of Milford and Doubtful Sound are seemingly just around the corner from here and Fiordland Lodge gives you a preview of what to expect of the national park.

The contemporary main building, as well as the two fully self-contained log cabins a few steps away, are built with natural timber and stone to echo the forest of Fiordland National Park. The warm colours also blend in with the lodge’s view of the grassland towards Lake Te Anau. 

With a maximum of 27 guests at a time, the unobtrusive luxury of Fiordland Lodge invites you to stay for a couple of nights to explore the lake and chat to the friendly locals in the township before heading into the fiords.

See Fiordland Lodge's Facilities Here

Ahuriri Valley

Between Omarama and Wanaka lies a valley that time seemingly forgot. The glacial water of the Ahuriri River carves its way through the barren, yet oddly enchanting Ahuriri Valley. It certainly feels as if you’re one of the first people exploring this rugged wilderness. 

The Lindis Ahuriri Valley

Deep in the Ahuriri Valley, tucked between the mountains, resides The Lindis. This architectural masterpiece blends so well into the landscape, it almost disappears in it. The undulated roof echoes the surroundings while the magnificent interior picks up the colour of the grassland and the boulders in the Ahuriri River. 

The main building features just five suites, timelessly modern, spacious in size with a homely feel thanks to the luxurious bed, gas fireplace and earthy colours. Steps away, three pods take glamping to the next level. Mirrored glass on three sides camouflages the pods into the landscape, a private outdoor bathtub and all the luxuries you can expect of a 5-star resort to round off the experience. 

Visit the hotel’s own stables for a ride through the wilderness on horseback, take out their e-bikes for the day or explore the rugged Ahuriri Valley on foot or 4WD with your private guide. The Lindis offers plenty of activities tailored to your needs. 

On a clear night, be sure to direct your eyes towards the sky for some stargazing. The valley is dark enough to see the Milky Way with the naked eye! 

See The Lindis' Facilities Here

Moeraki West Coast

This tiny place is located on the rugged West Coast between Fox Glacier and Haast and not to be mistaken with the Moeraki Boulders near Dunedin. 

Moeraki Wilderness Lodge, Moeraki West Coast

It might be surprising to learn that in the middle of the dense rainforest of the South Island’s West Coast lies an oasis of serenity. Moeraki Wilderness Lodge sits next to where the Moeraki River flows into the lake and steps away from the beach with its crashing waves. And at the same time, it’s just off SH6, which makes Moeraki Wilderness Lodge a perfect stop on your South Island road trip. 

Just as surprising as finding such a gem in the wilderness are how much there is to see and do in Moeraki! One of your highlights will be seeing the Fiordland Crested Penguins, a rare penguin species, that visits the coast to breed between July and December. Other daily guided activities include exploring lake Moeraki on kayaks and exploring the nearby beaches and rainforest, some of which are complimentary! 

Dinner at the hotel’s own gourmet restaurant overlooking the lush greenery rounds off the day before you head back to your room (choose between river or rainforest view) for a good night’s sleep.

See Moeraki Wilderness Lodge's Facilities Here

Marlborough Sounds

At the tip of the South Island, not too far from the Picton Ferry Terminal and Nelson, the Marlborough Sounds cut a maze of waterways and peninsulas into the landscape. Most are so remote, they can only be reached by air or on water. The sounds are made up of four parts, Queen Charlotte, Kenepuru, Pelorus, and Mahau.

Bay of Many Coves, Marlborough Sound

This resort is so secluded from the world, it’s not accessible by road! A quick 20-minutes helicopter flight from Christchurch and Wellington or a ride on the water taxi will bring you into a sanctuary where time slows. Take a break from the daily worries and unwind at the wonderful Bay of Many Coves Resort, deep in the Marlborough Sound.

Surrounded by water, it’s only natural that a lot of the activities at the Bay of Many Coves feature the ocean. Explore the nearby coves on a sailing trip or catch your own dinner while fishing. One of the highlights is to watch big schools of dolphins play in the sheltered water and the fur seals bask in the sun on the rocks. 

Or just relax by doing absolutely nothing. There is plenty of space for dolce far niente (‘the sweetness of nothing’), be it on the beach, poolside, on the balcony of your suite or during a massage. 

The Quarterdeck on the water’s edge serves delicious tapas during the day while the Foredeck looks after you for dinner.

All suites are designed in the typical kiwi bach (beach house) style in warm colours and are spacious for couples and families to spend time together. The Kereru Suite has its own spa pool from which you have a breathtaking view over the water.

See Bay of Many Coves' Facilities Here

Like what you see...

Did one of these South Island luxury lodges tickle your fancy or are you looking for something different? These are only a few of the countless luxury hotels on the South Island you an choose from. Talk to our team today to help find the right lodge for you or have a look at our South Island itinerary suggestions.

See Our:  North Island Luxury Accommodation Blog