Some stays are so special, they become the reason for the trip. Across New Zealand’s South Island, a collection of remarkable stays offers the chance to experience the landscape in unforgettable ways – from beachfront baches to secluded cottages and mountain retreats.
Wake to birdsong echoing through native bush, sleep beside natural hot springs, or enjoy slow mornings overlooking rolling vineyards in one of New Zealand’s best wine regions. Spend the night at an iconic hotel nestled in the Cardrona Valley, or settle into a peaceful retreat surrounded by some of the country’s most spectacular scenery.
These are places designed for slowing down and soaking it all in. Days might be spent exploring nearby trails, visiting local wineries, or simply enjoying the quiet beauty of your surroundings. From coastal hideaways to alpine escapes, these unique stays promise something far beyond a place to sleep.
1. Maruia Hot Springs
Lewis Pass National Park, Canterbury
Escape to a wellness retreat burrowed amongst the snow-capped Southern Alps in the Lewis Pass National Reserve. Maruia Hot Springs is a remote oasis of natural geothermal bathing and unique accommodation, surrounded by alpine forest and towering mountains. It’s a completely self-sustained eco resort and a true getaway where nature takes centre stage. Immerse yourself in 100% natural geothermal mineral waters sourced from deep beneath the earth, known for their soothing and rejuvenating qualities. Feel instantly connected to the surrounding landscape as you soak in outdoor pools, unwind with wellness activities like yoga and meditation classes, then step into New Zealand’s largest sauna designed to detoxify and restore. After soaking and stargazing beneath the alpine skies, enjoy nourishing fare at the onsite restaurant before retreating to your peaceful haven for the night. The newly opened Thermal Tranquility Rooms and Suite elevate the experience further, each featuring a private deck and geothermal outdoor bath for a truly serene escape.
2. Cardrona Hotel
Nestled in the heart of the Cardrona Valley between Queenstown and Wānaka, the iconic Cardrona Hotel is one of New Zealand’s oldest and most photographed historic hotels. Arriving here is part of the experience. A scenic drive over the Crown Range reveals this charming alpine landmark surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery. Stay in one of the cosy guest rooms, ranging from Queen and Twin rooms to the premium Captain’s King Room and family-friendly options, each offering a comfortable base for exploring the Central Otago region. Spend time roaming the beautiful gardens or relaxing in the famous beer garden before settling in for a meal. The award-winning restaurant serves classic hearty pub fare during the day, while evenings reveal an elevated bistro-style menu showcasing local flavours. With its welcoming atmosphere and rich history, the Cardrona Hotel is the kind of place where you’ll arrive for a night and wish you could stay longer.
3. Woodpecker Bay Bach
Nestled along the rugged West Coast shoreline in Fox River, just north of Punakaiki, Woodpecker Bay Bach is the quintessential Kiwi bach and one of the most spectacular beachfront stays in the South Island. Waves roll in just metres from the house, giving the feeling there’s nothing between you and the vast Tasman Sea. Surrounded by rocks and endless ocean views, it’s a calming stay to rest and recharge. Inside, the bach is rustic, quirky and filled with character. Artwork lines the walls, familiar board games and books fill the shelves, and a wood burner adds warmth on cooler evenings. Soak in the most picturesque bath setting, enjoy dinner by the window, or simply spend hours watching the waves crash onto the rocks below. Located just 15 minutes from Punakaiki and Paparoa National Park, it’s the perfect base, though you may find it hard to leave.
4. Punga Cove Resort
Endeavour Inlet, Marlborough Sounds
Tucked into a native bush-covered hillside overlooking Endeavour Inlet, Punga Cove Resort is a peaceful escape in the heart of the Marlborough Sounds. Surrounded by nature and stunning water views, this unique retreat offers the perfect balance of relaxation and outdoor adventure. Accommodation ranges from suites and studios to chalets, apartments and basecamp-style options, all designed to immerse guests in the surrounding landscape. The Queen Charlotte Track passes directly through the lodge, making Punga Cove Resort a popular overnight stop for walkers and mountain bikers exploring this iconic trail. Whether you’re looking for adventure or a relaxed retreat in nature, this spot is for everyone. The resort even organise return water taxis from Picton to make your stay seamless from start to finish. After a day outdoors, enjoy casual waterfront dining at the Boatshed Cafe & Bar or refined Marlborough cuisine and local wines at the Punga Fern Restaurant. Make use of the hot tubs that have some seriously great views, take a dip in the pool or enjoy the free kayaks and paddle boards onsite.
5. Foxdown Hut
Perched high above rolling farmland in North Canterbury, Foxdown Hut offers a peaceful off-grid escape in the heart of a 1,400-hectare sheep and beef station. Located around 35 minutes from Amberley and just over an hour from Christchurch, this beautifully designed hut combines the charm of a traditional backcountry stay with the comforts of five-star luxury. Generously sized and thoughtfully styled, the interior feels both luxurious and cosy, the kind of place where you can truly settle in and feel at home. Large windows frame sweeping views across the surrounding hills, with clear days revealing the Culverden Basin and even the inland Kaikōura ranges. Step outside to soak in the outdoor hot tub and take in the quiet countryside setting. For those keen to explore, the property offers scenic farm walks and the chance to spot native wildlife, including the rare New Zealand falcon.
6. Hidden Lodge
Hidden Lodge offers a tranquil escape just five minutes from Queenstown’s vibrant centre. Surrounded by greenery and set against breathtaking views of Lake Whakatipu and the mountains, this boutique stay delivers peace, comfort, and character. After a day of adventure, unwind in your spacious suite, enjoy a sauna, or soak in the outdoor wood-fired hot tub under the stars. The birdsong, leafy surrounds, and warm Kiwi hospitality make it feel worlds away. Hidden Lodge blends natural beauty with thoughtful touches, ticking every box for a cosy, rejuvenating stay in Queenstown. Perfectly positioned as a base for exploring the region, Hidden Lodge places you close to some of Queenstown’s best walking and cycling trails, world-class food and wine experiences, and scenic day trips. Spend your days discovering nearby gems like Arrowtown, Glenorchy and the wider Whakatipu Basin before returning to the calm and comfort of your peaceful hillside retreat.
7. Willowbrook Retreat
Unplug, unwind, and reconnect with nature at Willowbrook Retreat, a secluded hideaway nestled in the heart of Central Otago. This converted shipping container cabin blends rustic charm with thoughtful design, offering sweeping mountain views through floor-to-ceiling windows. Soak in the outdoor bath under a blanket of stars, toast marshmallows by the firepit, and fall asleep to the sound of the soothing stream running alongside the cabin. Say hello to Highland cows Duncan and Dougal, or wander up to the duck pond for a quiet picnic beneath the willow trees. This is a retreat in the mountains made to help you slow down and reconnect. It’s peaceful, personal, and full of soul.
8. St Leonards Vineyard Cottages
Surrounded by vines in the heart of Marlborough’s famous wine region, St Leonards Vineyard Cottages offer exactly the kind of boutique stay you imagine when planning a getaway amongst the vineyards. Set on a former sheep farm, these charming cottages blend historic character with luxurious comfort and privacy. Accommodation options include the beautifully restored Woolshed, Winemaker’s Cottage, the Stables and the Shearers’ Quarters, each thoughtfully designed to create a relaxing retreat amongst the vines. Wake each morning to fresh farm produce for breakfast, with eggs supplied by the resident free-range hens, honey from the hives and freshly baked ciabatta. Spend your days wandering the park-like grounds, meeting friendly farm animals or enjoying the surrounding vineyard views. With the Marlborough Wine Trail and restaurants nearby and plenty of space to relax, including a heated swimming pool, hot tub, grass tennis court and croquet lawn, this is a stay that captures the relaxed charm of Marlborough perfectly.
9. Kowhai Cottages
On the edge of Twizel, in a peaceful pocket of native plants and pine trees, Kowhai Cottages offer a soul-soothing escape into the heart of the Mackenzie Country. Dreamed up and handcrafted by a local family, these cottages feature unique craftsmanship and thoughtful design, and are built using natural, sustainable materials that celebrate the beauty of modern comfort blended with rustic charm. Exceptionally warm and cosy year-round, with excellent insulation and multiple heating options, Kowhai Cottages ensures comfort even in the depths of a Mackenzie winter. Whether you’re curled up on the window seat with a book, enjoying breakfast on the outdoor deck, or lounging on the well-appointed furnishings soaking up the quiet, this is a place made for slowing down. Set within the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, stargazing is a nightly ritual, whether through the skylight above the master bed or from the outdoor hot tub nestled among native plantings. The handcrafted stainless steel and cedar tubs are made in Wānaka, and are well insulated and frost-protected, so they create a magical experience no matter the temperature outside. From design to setting, Kowhai Cottages offer a timeless kind of luxury that’s warm, grounding, and deeply memorable.
10. BIV Punakaiki
Tucked beneath towering karst cliffs and surrounded by native rainforest, BIV Punakaiki is a beautifully designed boutique cabin nestled deep within the lush West Coast bush. Large windows bring the forest inside, creating the feeling that there’s nothing between you and the surrounding nikau palms. Inspired by historic gold miners’ huts, the architecturally designed cabin blends thoughtful design with simple living. The open-plan interior is warm and inviting, with just enough comforts to settle in and enjoy the peaceful setting. Gaze into the forest while soaking in the large bathtub, or cosy up by the fireplace and switch on the outdoor lights to softly illuminate the trees at night. Located near the Truman Track, a fantastic short walk leading to the rugged West Coast beach, this calm, reflective retreat is the perfect place to slow down and reconnect with nature.
This article was created in paid partnership with Canopy Camping, Willowbrook Retreat, Hidden Lodge, Kowhai Cottages, Woodpecker Bay Bach, BIV Punakaiki, Punga Cove, St Leonards Vineyard Cottages, Maruia Hot Springs & Cardrona Hotel.
Cover Image: Cardrona Hotel
