Luxury Villas of New Zealand is an exciting new portfolio of ultimate private stay experiences. Complementing the stunning landscape with their architecture, design, and sustainability initiatives these exclusive residences offer highly sought after private-stay experiences that extend beyond any other style of accommodation.
More than just exclusive retreats, this collection spans architecturally award-winning one-bedroom coastal hideaways to magnificent six-bedroom high country residences with full-service kitchens, heated swimming pools and hot tubs, helipads, home offices, private chefs, dedicated butlers, professional activity guides and more.
These luxury properties are spectacular multi-night destinations in themselves, carefully chosen for their diverse regional locations. However, together the Luxury Villas of New Zealand will comprise the ultimate luxury private stay itinerary available throughout New Zealand.
SOUTH ISLAND
Situated on a secluded property in the picturesque town of Wānaka, The Dacha boasts desirable uninterrupted vistas. The glimmering lake and snow dusted peaks of the Southern Alps envelop the home in a panorama. In its private setting, six guest suites comfortably accommodate up to 16 guests. Natural materials that complement contemporary esthetics, multiple indoor and outdoor entertaining spaces, luxurious facilities and amenities, render The Dacha the perfect place to gather with friends and family – with all the leisure diversions of the famous Southern Lakes region at your doorstep.
Cairnbrae is a striking contemporary residence artfully set in the beautiful Southern landscape. Superbly designed living spaces open to patios and a heated swimming pool. This leads to a spectacular covered logia entertaining area and outdoor fireplace where guests may enjoy drinks and canapés, late summer dinners and vistas of the dazzling mountain ranges. There are five guest rooms, accommodating up to ten guests and features also include a on-site wine cellar/ tasting room and spa pool.
Close by, are the restaurants, wineries, and boutiques of Arrowtown, Gibbston Valley and the sophisticated resort hub of Queenstown. Cairnbrae is a perfect base for a family or group of friends to enjoy the diverse range of activities and dining the area has to offer.
Piwakawaka Point Estate is a 330 acre property, encompassing the entire southern end of a peninsula on the shores of Lake Wānaka. The grand villa can accommodate up to 14 guests and has exceptional features expected in this exclusive portfolio including a tennis court, incredible art collection, 10km of private walking and biking trails, lake access for kayaking, paddle boarding and fishing, and full gym with sauna.
The ultimate in privacy, Piwakawaka Point is also the home of a significant conservation project with over 1 million trees and shrubs planted to date, including re-establishing some incredibly rare species. Guests can be assured their stay is also carbon clear.
A home orchard with over 15 varieties of fruit trees is an added delight for the chef and guests alike.
Seascape and Scrubby Bay at Annandale; two remote, ultra-modern coastal retreats hidden away on a 4,000 acre working farm above the Banks Peninsula a short heli-hop from Christchurch. Seascape is a romantic gem suited for two, with a turf roof, stone walls, and glass façade. Scrubby Bay, a larger, luxury four-bedroom villa which may accommodate up to 14 guests with a private pool. Both architecturally award-winning retreats offer the ultimate in peace and privacy and a myriad of authentic nature and wildlife experiences.
Striking, contemporary Falcon Brae Villa cantilevered over a hilltop, high in the Abel-Tasman region of the South Island, has incredible 360-degree views towards the National Park and the majestic Motueka River below. Falcon Brae features award-winning architecture and an exceptional collection of New Zealand and local art. With soaring ceiling heights, several indoor/outdoor lounge and dining areas, multimedia spaces, an infinity pool and outdoor spa, Falcon Brae can welcome up to six adults and four children.
NORTH ISLAND
Located within the 16,000 acre Poronui high country estate in the central North Island, Blake House offers luxurious accommodation for up to 16 guests in a building designed by architect John Blair to reflect New Zealand’s pioneering past. The villa offers expansive views over the Taharua River and is a great base for those seeking active wilderness adventures or for those after a relaxed country stay. Poronui is world famous for its exceptional fly-fishing experiences, perfectly located within close proximity to a range of outstanding wild and scenic rivers and their resident large brown and rainbow trout. Guests can also make the most of the facilities and experiences offered on the Poronui Estate, including hiking through its native protected forest, mountain biking and horse riding across the extensive trails on the property or relaxing with a wine in the underground wine cellar.
Located just over an hour’s drive from Auckland, Te Arai Lodge is surrounded by over 20 acres of ancient podocarp forest and native bush, sitting on an elevated ridge with panoramic views across the rolling hills of the Brynderwyn Ranges out to the stunning beaches and surrounding islands of the Mangawhai Coast. The Lodge can accommodate up to ten guests, in four luxury suites and a bunk room and has a 20 metre heated lap pool, cedar hot tub, infra-red sauna and yoga studio. World famous links golf courses are on the doorstep as well as some of New Zealand best walks, surfing, fishing, cycling, vineyards and more.
Overlooking the sparkling waters of the Bay of Islands in the far north of the North Island, Rahimoana at Eagles Nest, provides contemporary, architect designed accommodation for up to eight guests in four generous double bedrooms, each with its own ensuite, in a 44 acre private headland. The Villa’s floating aerofoil copper roof dramatically sits atop sliding glass doors that enable guests to enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounds.
Smooth granite balconies, seamlessly merge onto landscaped lawns and a 25 metre infinity swimming pool, leading down to a private beach and a deep water mooring beyond.
The Landing is one of the most outstanding properties in Oceania and offers four exclusive Residences in an incredible coastal setting in the Bay of Islands. Occupying 1,000 acres, it has an award-winning vineyard, six private beaches and a network of walking trails through native bush, wetlands and along the coastline. A short walk from each Residence is The Landing’s private jetty, a stepping off point for adventures in the Bay of Islands. This is the area the earliest European settlers landed, meeting the Māori, and marked the start of the story of modern New Zealand.
The sweeping 5-suite Cooper Residence for up to ten guests, has a grand wine cellar, a library, outdoor fireplace, and observatory tower deck. The interior features a wonderful collection of Māori taonga (treasures), historic artefacts, and contemporary New Zealand art.
Gabriel Residence is a modern take on a traditional hunting and fishing lodge. The timber-lined living, entertaining and recreation areas flow seamlessly, there are four guest suites, each with an ensuite bathroom.
Nestling amongst the vines, the Vineyard Villa is a sumptuous haven crafted in timber and stone, with three guest rooms. The outlook is of rolling pastures, vines and wetlands which attract native kiwis in the evening.
Located on the waterfront, The Boathouse epitomizes casual luxury in a coastal setting. Its barn-style glass doors slide back to reveal the central living space. A large, covered dining area with outdoor fireplace and pizza oven comfortably hosts up to twenty guests. An airily light mezzanine master-suite, and downstairs twin bedroom provide generous family accommodation.
Included with every overnight stay is a wine tasting and tour of The Landing vineyard, a kiwi spotting walk, guided conservation and cultural walks and a sightseeing boat charter.
For further information see https://www.luxuryvillasnz.com/.
SOURCE: Luxury Villas of new Zealand / IMAGE: The Dacha credit Simon Larkin
