A point to understand about accommodations in New Zealand: there are no agreed upon definitions for accommodation styles or levels in New Zealand. A "Lodge" can be an exclusive retreat with an International chef and white glove service or it can be the two extra rooms in someone's home ("now that the kids have grown up") and since the owners offer you dinner, it can be called a lodge.
Property descriptions in many New Zealand accommodation guides are written by their owners. Without going into detail, suffice it to say that owners trying to promote their accommodations are not the most objective. One accommodation owner's definition of "luxury" can be quite different from what 'luxury' means on world standards.
Some travelers who plan their own vacations get a few surprises when they arrive at the "luxury lodge" they booked. Booking with us you can be assured of the appropriate accommodation. We take great pride in offering the best value that New Zealand has to offer.
We have divided the special accommodations that we use into four categories.
1) Lodges, Resorts and Country Estates.
There are three levels of Lodges, Resorts & Country Estates:
a) Premier -
World Renown, exclusive accommodations offering the very best of setting, service and food that New Zealand has to offer.
b) Luxury -
Top class, luxury accommodations without either the size or international reputation of the Premier accommodations. Often only 2-3 suites but still indulgent and special.
c) Eco or Wilderness -
Unique accommodations highlighting the surrounding wilderness, wildlife opportunities and/or remote setting
2) Hotels that are also divided into three levels:
a) Luxury -
Only hotels that are ranked 4-5 star fall into this category. New Zealand hotels are not known for their over abundance of marbled foyers, costumed door men and exquisite hotel restaurants but there are few! They are only found in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown.
b) Up Market -
In most of the main cities of New Zealand you will find a few good up market hotels. They offer recently refurbished rooms with suite and pent house options and good in house restaurants.
c) Quality -
Our definition of a quality hotel can be found through out the country. They do not always offer the newest décor or international cuisine but they do offer genuine Kiwi hospitality, clean rooms and value for money
3) Motels and serviced apartments that are separated into 3 categories:
a) Luxury -
This pertains mostly to the apartments. The luxury apartments offer the best of furnishings, often offer spectacular views and convenient locations to popular tourist spots. Bay of Islands, Auckland, Lake Taupo, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown are examples of destinations offering luxury-serviced apartments.
b) Up-Market -
Upmarket motels and serviced apartments means they offer just that something extra. Some up market properties have spa baths in each bathroom, large deck with views, lovely furnishings and on site facilities like pool, kayaks dinghies or other sporting equipment for guest use.
c) Quality -
Quality motels and serviced apartments offer clean, standard accommodations. Nothing fancy, just well maintained professionally run properties.
4) B&B’s and Farmstays. New Zealand offers so many, many wonderful B&Bs and farmstays. A trip to this country without at least one B&B or farmstay would be a real loss of a great experience. From old gold mining cottages turned romantic B&B and sheep shearing quarters turned luxury Inn the opportunities for a unique stay and the experience of meeting genuine "kiwis" makes for a life long vacation memory.
Again, we have divided the B&Bs and farmstays into three categories:
a) Luxury -
Luxury B&Bs and Farmstays offer the best of New Zealand's homes and farms with the added bonus of meeting their "kiwis" owners. Glorious historic homes, modern purpose built B&Bs with phenomenal views, and historic homesteads set on acres of land covered in sheep, cattle, dairy cows or rambling orchards. It is all here for you to enjoy and experience.
b) Up market -
These properties are comfortable, clean, well established B&Bs and farmstays with just that something extra, for example a special view, location, historical touch or perhaps all three, but without the price tag of the Luxury B&B and farmstays.
c) Quality -
This are the heartland places. Middleclass New Zealand farms and B&Bs who offer their homes to world. Friendly, charming and genuine, this is how much of New Zealand lives.
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NORTH ISLAND
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| Auckland |
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Stafford Villa - is a gracious historic double bay villa one of the original homes in Birkenhead Point, luxuriously renovated and decorated. The house has many historic architectural features. |
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St Georges Bay Lodge - is a restored 100 year old villa in Auckland's prestigious Parnell's, and is one of the finest bed and breakfast lodges in the City of Sails. The Lodge overlooks a city park, with views of the central city, across the harbor to Rangitoto Island. There are four guest rooms ranging in size from double to super king size, four with ensuite bathrooms, as well as one with shared bathroom. |
| Whitianga |
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The Driftwood Lodge – is located on the Coromandel Peninsula, on the outskirts of Whitianga, situated across the road from Brophy Beach Reserve. The guests have total use of the second floor above the hosts’ residence. Purpose-built and opened in 2005, Driftwood Lodge provides three spacious ensuite super-king/twin guestrooms, each opening to a balcony. |
| Kerikeri (Bay of Islands) |
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Kauri Cliffs Lodge - is set on 4,800 acres near Matauri Bay and overlooks the Golf Course and the Pacific Ocean. With more than 1,000 acres of native bush on the property, guests are able to see a great variety of natural wonders. The main lodge, which overlooks the golf course and the Pacific Ocean, consists of a spacious beamed living room, meeting room, card room, and small computer room. Gourmet a la carte dining is available in the main dining room or on the verandas. |
| Paihia (Bay of Islands) |
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Cliff Edge - is situated in the tranquility of a scenic bush reserve with no immediate neighbors you are assured total privacy. A very special place, offering a harmonious combination of relaxed, elegant accommodation, professional, personable, from the heart service, unsurpassed water views and simply the best cooking. |
| Rotorua |
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Treetops Lodge - is nestled in magnificent natural surroundings and boasts an elegant architectural style that is derived from New Zealand's pioneering past. Timber and stone finishes echo the beauty and simplicity of the great outdoors. Treetops Lodge offers the ultimate in world class luxury accommodation and is located in the heart of the trout fishing capital of the world and famed therapeutic thermal region, Rotorua, New Zealand. |
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Peppers On The Point - overlooks historic Lake Rotorua and Mokoia Island and enjoys spectacular panoramic views. Once a Maori Pa site, the property is steeped in local history - of ancient battles, love and life. You will feel far away from the bustling crowd even though Rotorua City is just ten minutes drive away. Peppers on the Point offers gourmet New Zealand food and wine, as well as a range of onsite activities from pampering massage, fly fishing from the private beach, water sports, tennis, gym and boating. |
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The Springs Lodge - Your B&B accommodation is located in a beautiful garden ensuring peace and relaxation. The Springs was purpose built in 1998 in the design of a 1930's New Zealand bungalow ensuring that the property complemented the already established neighborhood. |
| Taupo |
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The Huka Lodge - an elegant and welcoming haven where guests enjoy the highest standards of comfort and hospitality. The spectacular and mighty cascades of water forming the Huka Falls are a short walk from Huka Lodge, on the banks of the Waikato. The crystal clear waters of Lake Taupo are fed by mountain streams and are home to some of the most sought-after Rainbow trout in the world. Considered one of the top 100 places to stay in the world, this exclusive lodge offers the best in service, food and style. |
| Waipoua |
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Waipoua Lodge - overlooks the mighty Waipoua Forest, home to New Zealand's biggest kauri tree. The guest apartment is situated amongst the gardens, separate to the lodge, with private indoor and outdoor living spaces. Dinner is served at a time of your choice and following the dark starry nights will soothe you to sleep along with the owls and the ancient native puriri moths that fly through the silent nights. |
| Waitomo |
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Abseil Inn - is close to the village and set on a quiet hillside. It is surrounded by farmland in the hills of the King Country, with views of ancient Maori pa sites and native bush. Walking tracks are close at hand and the Waitomo Village only 500 meters away. |
| Hastings |
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The Green Hills Lodge - offers a viewing turret and billiard room. The viewing turret is three stories high; guests may climb to the turret that sports a small sitting room complete with viewing telescope. A floor to ceiling window lifts up to provide egress to a balcony that affords a panoramic view of the Hawke’s Bay countryside and at night the lights of the Bay Cities. |
| Wellington |
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298 Oriental Bay - built in 1928 in the style of a Parisian townhouse and furnished with the elegance of the era in mind. It offers intimate harbor and city views and two luxury guestrooms. The city is a short stroll along the waterfront, the beach is across the road and the airport and ferries 10 minutes drive. Wine and hors d'oeuvres served during the evening and full breakfast the following morning. |
| Featherston |
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Wharekauhau Lodge - is based on a 5000 acre working sheep station overlooking the spectacular Palliser Bay. Activities such as quad-bikes, clay target shooting, horse-riding, jet-boating and team-building options are available along with numerous other choices. Dinner and breakfast are included in your stay. |
| SOUTH ISLAND |
| Christchurch |
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The Otahuna Lodge has been lovingly restored to her original grandeur, but boasting all the modern amenities you would expect in an exclusive luxury lodge. Otahuna Lodge is just 20 minutes from Christchurch and almost hidden by glorious century-old gardens. Each of Otahuna’s seven suites has a distinctive character and reveals a different element of the Otahuna story. Original fireplaces – some in the ensuite bathrooms – super king beds, and spectacular views add to the feeling of luxury and elegance. |
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The Worcester is a beautifully preserved heritage house is furnished in classic Victorian style, complete with a superb collection of fine art and antiques. The Worcester was built in 1893, for the Chief Constable of Lyttelton, and is situated in Worcester Boulevard, opposite the Arts Centre, Botanic Gardens, Museum and Art Gallery. Antique trams of a similar vintage, which do a circuit of the inner city, may be boarded just across the road. Award winning restaurants, bars and cafes are only 5 minutes walk away. |
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Hadleigh is a unique Arts and Crafts style home offering fine boutique accommodation. Surrounded by mature trees and romantic gardens, the architectural integrity of the large house has been retained. All the suites have ensuite bathrooms with personal toiletries as well as hair dryers, quality linen, fluffy duvets and robes. From Hadleigh it is a 6 to 8 minute flat walk into the city of Christchurch. |
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The George Hotel is located picturesquely in the heart of Christchurch overlooking its very own “Central Park,” this very individual boutique hotel is just a step away from all the key attractions including the tram, arts market, restaurants, theatres and gardens. This small friendly hotel is also the home of the famous restaurants Pescatore and 50 on Park. Accommodation at the hotel consists of 55 spacious luxury guest rooms including seven premier suites and a gracious residential villa retreat. |
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Ballymoney Farmstay & Garden - Ballymoney is a century-old farm cottage with new additions including a conservatory and sitting room opening to the large private garden and pond. The 14-hectare (35-acre) farm is home to many rare breeds of animals and birds such as white peacocks, water fowl, Dorset Horn sheep, Dexter cattle, donkeys and Saddleback pigs. |
| Blenheim |
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Timara Lodge - is set amongst 600 acres of land, including 25 acres of one of New Zealand's most beautiful gardens. The gardens include sweeping lawns, fully mature - some more than a century old - native and exotic trees, a five acre, man-made lake and an extensive and immaculately kept English style garden which abounds with native bird life. The rooms feature fine art and antiques and the quality furnishings are modern and tasteful, instilling a sense of utter luxury, right down to the softest Italian linen. |
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The Bell Tower - is a purpose built boutique lodge situated amid stunning scenery overlooking Marlborough's vineyards. It is within walking distance of several notable wineries, two with restaurants. . All rooms lead through French doors to a sheltered, walled courtyard - perfectly suited to alfresco dining or serious lounging! |
| Kaikoura |
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Hapuku Lodge - sits tight between the mountains and the ocean, on a deer stud and olive farm. Hapuku Lodge features 6 rooms and one house-suite, the Olive House, in 2 separate two story buildings. The rooms overlook the breathtaking Pacific Coast. The waters off this rugged coastline are an abundantly rich habitat for marine mammals and seabirds, making it an ideal place for getting up close to nature. |
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Miharotia Bed & Breakfast - a new boutique B&B, set atop the Kaikoura Peninsula amidst a _ acre of extensive private gardens. Relax and enjoy the 180 degree views which take in the rural area, township, bay, mountains and a long stretch of coastal horizon. Two home cats contribute to the atmosphere at Miharotia, which is friendly, peaceful, and very comfortable. |
| Arthur’s Pass |
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Wilderness Lodge - is set on its own 6,000 acre nature reserve/merino sheep station. It was created and is run by an environmentalist who offers a fascinating insight into New Zealand flora and fauna. These can range from guided nature hikes, kayak trips, evening star gazing or sheep shearing and sheep dog musters. The lodge has 20 Lodge rooms, an intimate restaurant, lounge, library and theatre for evening nature talks. |
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Grasmere - is set on a large high country ranch in an amphitheatre of the Alps, luxurious rooms, gourmet cuisine and top fishing opportunities abound…your ultimate holiday spot. Each of the large bedroom has original artworks inspired by the landscape outside, and are decorated in the rich colors of the tussock-covered hills |
| Franz Joseph |
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West Wood Lodge – is just two minutes north of the village of Franz Josef, Westwood Lodge is set in rural surrounds with views of native rainforest and the Southern Alps. Westwood is a purpose built lodge, crafted entirely from wood and exquisitely decorated throughout with hand made quilts and fabric. |
| Fox Glacier |
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Misty Peaks - a new purpose-built luxury bed and breakfast at the base of the magnificent Fox Glacier. Misty Peaks offers luxury accommodation in four boutique suites. The veranda around the lodge provides a comfortable setting to take in breathtaking views of Mt Cook and Mt Tasman, stunning sunsets and the delightful ever-changing rural setting. |
| Queenstown |
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Eichardts Hotel - reflects contemporary provincial elegance, its modern features in perfect harmony with distinctive antiques and luxurious furnishings. The hotel has five luxurious suites with stunning lake and mountain views. This historic building is in the premium lakefront position at the heart of Queenstown's café and restaurant precinct, with some of the finest international shopping labels an easy stroll away. |
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Matakauri Lodge - Set outside of the bustle of Queenstown in a remote valley, exclusively furnished with natural materials, fine textiles, artworks, and furniture. This lodge only catches glimpses of the lake but is surrounded by glorious mountains and bush and is a tranquil haven. |
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Browns Boutique Hotel - Designed along traditional European lines, this small intimate Hotel is only a three minute walk from the centre of town, and features stunning views of the Remarkable mountain range from every room. The Hotel features 10 ensuite bedrooms with television, phone, tea and coffee making facilities. Each room is well appointed offering optimum comfort with king sized beds (or twin rooms), balconies off each room with views over Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu |
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Remarkables Lodge - Nestled in a stunning location at the foothills of the imposing Remarkable mountain range, the Lodge is set in two acres of peaceful, landscaped gardens. Luxurious bedrooms, stylish bathrooms and spacious seating areas create a comfortable relaxing environment where you’ll feel totally at home, and completely spoiled. |
| Doubtful Sound |
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Catamaran Cruise Boat on the Doubtful Sound - cruise across Lake Manapouri, board a coach traveling past the moss forests before boarding your catamaran cruise through the Doubtful Sound. Moor at a sheltered point in the Sound where you have the opportunity to take a small boat to land on shore and/or kayak. The Catamaran offers private bedrooms with private attached bathrooms. |
| Te Anau |
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Radfords Lakeview Motel - Architecturally designed and located perfectly to give magnificent views of Lake Te Anau and mountains, your motel style accommodation is only a 3 minute walk to the town centre. All units have Sky TV, kitchen facilities, iron& ironing board and hairdryer and are non-smoking. 2 units complete with wheelchair access facilities. |
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Punakaiki Rocks Hotel - The Punakaiki Rocks Hotel is a stunning eco-tourism hotel adjacent to the famous Pancake Rocks, Blowholes and Paparoa National Park on the West Coast of the South Island. It takes full advantage of its dramatic West Coast coastline position offering unparalleled views along the beach, over the Tasman Sea and inland as far as Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest mountain. Stay in one of the hotel’s luxury eco units. The hotel has a fully licensed restaurant with ocean views, serving breakfast, cafe style lunches and full a-la-carte evening dining is available with separate house bar. |
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Fiordland Lodge - The elegance and splendor of the Lodge is mirrored in the breathtaking views of Lake Te Anau and Fiordland. The ten luxury guest rooms - one an executive suite with separate lounge area for private entertaining, look out across Lake Te Anau. |
| Dunedin |
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Corstorphine House - is a Historic Inn built in 1863 on a hill overlooking Dunedin with views of the harbor. This inner-city sanctuary offers a home to many birds and native trees and it produces flowers, vegetables, herbs, fruits, nuts and eggs for the house and locals. Corstorphine House offers world-class accommodation, fine dining, an idyllic garden and plenty of room to relax, rejoice and rejuvenate. |
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Fletcher Lodge - was built in 1923, a richly furnished accommodation set in a secluded garden. Located just a few minutes walk from the hub of the city, Fletcher Lodge offers luxury accommodation in an atmosphere of restrained elegance while providing the ultimate in contemporary comfort and modern facilities. |
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Nisbet Cottage - offers privacy and comfort plus spectacular views of Dunedin from the peaceful garden setting and sundeck. Built in 1930 Nisbet Cottage offers a unique combination of accommodation and small group guided wildlife tours. Basil the cat will be in residence! |
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Email - info@safaridownunder.com