Sustainability & Soul Food
Revive, relax and re-energise in iconic New Zealand wilderness destinations where caring for people and place comes first.
Check in for at least 14 nights of natural immersion and luxury experiences with a lighter footprint in these stunning luxury stays where you’ll be hosted by responsible, careful guardians with a passion for sharing what’s special about the places they know and love.
When it comes to destinations, New Zealand’s luxury lodges are in a class of their own globally with an extraordinary variety of wide open landscapes and experiences. Some are off the beaten track in places that are completely exclusive to guests, some are off grid, some are destinations where you’ll never need to leave the property while others are the launching pad for multiple adventures.
The one thing New Zealand’s exclusive eco - and luxury lodges have in common is their dedication to your total relaxation in stunning natural surroundings.
Rest your head in a luxury suite or a remote alpine cottage, sleepover in an eco tree house or cosy up in a riverside cabin; encounter extraordinary wildlife on land and ocean, hunt, fish, hike, bike or ride into the wilderness, or simply soothe your soul in surrounded by the peace and calm of nature — the choice is yours.
Sustainability, regenerative tourism and conscious travel are more than just fashionable ideas in New Zealand’s family of luxury lodges which are working in many ways to ensure that their destinations are responsible stewards of the places and people they care for. These luxury lodges follow the Tiaki Promise, a tourism initiative which invites hosts and visitors to value and care for New Zealand, for now and for future generations.
By following the Tiaki Promise, you are making a commitment to New Zealand; to act as a guardian, protecting and preserving our home.
Your Journey Outline
Day 1 to 3 | Arrive Auckland | Rest, relax, revive | Stay at Te Arai Lodge, Mangawhai
Day 4 to 7 | Discover the Central North Island | Stay at Poronui Lodge, Taupo
Day 8 to 11 | Go off-grid in beautiful Nelson-Tasman | Stay at Stonefly Lodge, Motueka
Day 12 to 14 | Nestle into a tree house | Stay at Hapuku Lodge, Kaikoura
- SOUL FOOD AT TE ARAI LODGE, AUCKLAND (3 nights)
A Kiwi family’s passion for the good things in life fuels the vision and the heart of the welcome at Te Arai Lodge — one of New Zealand’s newest hosted luxury wellness destinations, on the east coast north of Auckland. There’s a strong sustainability narrative running through Te Arai, and here you’ll be contributing to an ongoing story as a percentage of all profits is donated back into conservation work.
High on a ridge line on rolling hills above a pristine white sand beach and surrounded by podocarp forest and regenerating native bush, the property is a haven for native wildlife and humans alike — blue, green, good for the soul. Before building even began, the owners spent many years working on extensive native replanting and a pest eradication programme that has resulted in flourishing birdlife.
The expansive natural stone and timber build is an example of contemporary sustainability initiatives including solar energy, water collection and recycling, and low energy appliances and fittings. The landscaped gardens include extensive raised organic vegetable and herb gardens, and an orchard.
Cuisine is very much ‘garden to table’ inspired by seasonality, estate and locally grown produce, complemented by line-caught fish from nearby Leigh, organic free-range chickens, grass-fed beef and lamb. Exercise that off in the gymnasium, onsite pool or out and about exploring local trails on mountain bikes and on foot. Take a yoga class or relax in the jacuzzi or sauna.
The four lodge suites are named for local bird species and the rooms come equipped with birdwatching binoculars and guides.
2. CARING FOR PLACE AT PORONUI LODGE, TAUPŌ (4 nights)
An enduring heritage of caring for land and people is embedded in the ethos that inspires the authentic New Zealand experience at Poronui Lodge, a back country estate in the central North Island foothills of the Kaimanawa Range, between Taupo and Hawke’s Bay.
Poronui is 16,000 acres of working high country farm and wilderness where farming production — raising cattle and deer for meat, and beekeeping for manuka honey — goes hand-in-hand with conserving the natural environment. Significant ecological measures include replanting exotic forests with native species and an impressive 40 miles of riparian development providing a wildlife haven while protecting waterways from stock and erosion.
A third of the property is covered in beautiful native beech forests alongside rolling manuka-clad hills and miles of pristine waterways which include two rivers designated as outstanding fisheries. This precious environment provides a home to some rare and endangered species.
Fish for superb brown and rainbow trout, or explore more than 100 miles of tracks and trails on foot, bikes, horseback or 4WD — just the start of the grand outdoor adventures which could include guided hunting, fly fishing, and exclusive Māori culture experiences.
Dining is another Poronui experience as the chefs love to wow guests with beautiful food in fabulous spots — from sundowners in a field to picnics next to the river and gourmet tasting menus in the wine cellar. Other facilities include The Stables — home to the horses, the gym and health club facilities including steam, sauna, and massage treatment rooms, and a riverside campsite for family adventures.
3. OFF-GRID AT STONEFLY LODGE, NELSON (3 nights)
With two national parks on its doorstep, it’s no wonder that multi-award winning Stonefly Lodge is a poster child for eco-conscious, sustainable living. Everything about this exceptional riverside destination near Nelson is backed with respectful consideration of the environment.
Constructed from timber and natural river stone sourced on the 350-acre property, Stonefly is completely off-grid, 100% self-sufficient in power and water, and managed by clever technologies that regulate heating, cooling and energy use. The alternative energy sources (driven by water and wind) were built on-site to further reduce environmental footprint.
Set on a hilltop in a private estate, the lodge has lovely views of the peaceful Motueka River — famed for its wild trout fisheries — surrounded by forest and mountains. Considerable effort has gone into clearing the river banks, replanting natives to attract native birds, developing the kitchen gardens and raising a menagerie of farm animals.
The lodge may be a renowned fly fishing destination, but it’s also a place where multiple adventures begin. Explore the idyllic beaches of the coastal Abel Tasman and hike the beautiful alpine wilderness of Nelson Lakes — two national parks within easy reach — or experience the vibrant art and culture, fine wine and foodie diversions of the delectable Nelson Tasman region.
With only four suites, Stonefly offers an intimate hosted experience personified by generous owner/hosts John and Kate Kerr who have poured their hearts into creating their own golden slice of paradise. Guests will love the open kitchen and the cuisine inspired by the extensive gardens, featuring home made produce, local meats and fresh seasonal seafood.
4. NESTLE IN AT HAPUKU LODGE & TREE HOUSES, KAIKOURA (3 nights)
Named in Lonely Planet’s ‘Sustainable Escapes’, Hapuku Lodge & Tree Houses Kaikoura is an intimate New Zealand-owned eco destination where caring for and enriching nature and the local community takes first place.
Let nature surround you with extraordinary beauty and peace at Hapuku Lodge & Tree Houses. Expect (quite literally) ‘luxury on a limb’ in your private tree house nest perched 30’/10m above ground in a grove of stately kanuka trees, set between spectacular mountains and the magnificent Pacific.
Relive childhood dreams, soak in the simple pleasures enjoying views from the bath tub, savour the moment with a fine drop in front of the fire, cocooned with comfort that comes with an easy conscience. Along with five luxury tree houses, the elegant Country house accommodation at Hapuku Lodge also extends to four fine lodge suites and the independent Olive House.
Designed to subtly merge into the landscape and environment, the resort is proud of its small footprint, specialises in producing and using local sustainable resources, and sets the scene for captivating land and sea-based activities — whale watching and marine wildlife encounters, kayaking, fishing, hiking and mountain biking the trails, guided cultural experiences. You could also help harvest the organic olive grove or simply relax beside the pool in the beautiful grounds.
Food and wine is an integral ingredient in the Hapuku experience. Guests are treated to fine dining featuring fresh regional produce — much of it grown or produced on this working farm property — and the delectable seafood for which the region is famous.
Itinerary
Sustainability & Soul Food Itinerary Option #1 Te Arai Lodge Poronui Lodge Stonefly Lodge Hapuku Lodge & Treehouses Minaret Station Alpine Lodge Sustainability & Soul Food Itinerary Option #2 The Landing Poronui Estate Split Apple Lodge Annandale Coastal Estate
Total Suggested Nights
14-21
For a curated itinerary featuring sustainable luxury lodge stays and experiences contact:
info@luxurylodgesofnz.co.nz