New Zealand Accommodation on our Trips
You’ll spend your days walking in Earth’s natural wonders as you explore our stunning national parks. You’ll spend your evenings unwinding in a hot tub overlooking a stunning vista or sipping wine beside a log fire before falling into a bed of pillows for a night of peaceful slumber. When it comes to New Zealand accommodation, location is key for us. We will always opt for remote lodges nestled on a lake front or in the backcountry. We want you to stay in the midst of mighty Aoraki/ Mount Cook, rest in the gateway to Fiordland National Park and in all the gems hidden in remote locations that only we, the locals, know about. All our accommodation is teeming with character and exudes comfort and style. These are just a handful of the places you will spend a night or two in on your New Zealand Trails tour.
1. Ohau Quarters
You'll have this gorgeous view all to yourself at the lovely Ohau Quarters.
En route to Aoraki/Mount Cook, you will veer off the tourist trail and head to the haven that is Ohau. Along the dirt track, you’ll travel to a high-country sheep farm where Lake Ohau Shearers Quarters sits. We have exclusive access to these Quarters and it is consistently our highest rated accommodation. It won’t be long until you discover why. It is overflowing with character and the views out onto the turquoise waters of Lake Ohau are breath-taking.
Location:
Ohau itself is located in the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, so make sure to step outside once night falls and gaze upwards. Although it is remote, there are many things to see and experience here. It’s a haven for walkers and, if you are feeling brave, you could always go for a dip in the pristine waters of Lake Ohau.
Highlights:
- After a day out on the trails, slip into the hot tub outside and take in those views. The sunsets here are incredible.
- Sip wine by the roaring log fire or simply sit in the window seat in the lounge and gaze out at the merino sheep grazing. Time and stress will just slip away here.
Our trips:
You will stay at Lake Ohau Shearers Quarters on your Masterpiece and Kiwi Classic trip.
2. Martins Bay Lodge
Your Hollyford adventure will take you as close to New Zealand's nature as possible - in comfort and style!
Discover the comfort of home deep in the wilderness. The remote dwelling of Martins Bay Lodge can only be reached on foot, by water, or by helicopter. It’s exclusively ours for the night, so enjoy the wilderness, the escape from technology, and indulge in a lavish three course meal in blissful solitude. After spending the day exploring Hollyford Valley, you’ll come home to a delicious antipasto platter before a dinner of quintessential cuisine.
Location:
You’ll kick off your Martins Bay adventure in true style, taking a helicopter in to the Hollyford Valley. This valley is a pristine area, home to a podocarp forest and the Long Reach Seal Colony, where you’ll get a glimpse of New Zealand Fur seals and, hopefully, some Fiordland Crested penguins.
Highlights:
- Its sheer remoteness; to walk in would take four days! Here, you’ll experience all the best bits of being out in the wilderness while also enjoying luxurious accommodation.
- You’ll wake in the morning to the sound of Tui singing.
Our trips:
You’ll spend the night in Martins Bay Lodge on our World Heritage tour.
3. Lochmara Lodge
This uniquely Kiwi experience gives you the opportunity to unwind, relax, and to explore the nearby Queen Charlotte Track.
Lochmara Lodge is accommodation that is brimming with character. Located on the edge of the Queen Charlotte Track, the Lodge is only accessible by foot or boat. We’ll travel over by water taxi and kayak back! Perched right on the waterfront, it has everything you could possibly want, from delicious gourmet New Zealand food to an abundance of wildlife. You’ll see phosphorescent plankton, glow worms, and in their underwater observatory, sting rays!
Location:
This idyllic, locally-owned resort is located in Marlborough Sounds in Lochmara Bay on the Queen Charlotte Sound. Completely off the beaten track, there are no roads in or out of the accommodation, which means it is a safe-haven for wildlife.
Highlights:
- Lochmara Lodge is the whole experience! It is almost like a retreat set in a tropical land with tall tree ferns, a cacophony of bird song, tranquil kayaking, snorkelling, and hammocks hung around the place.
- Learning about the Wildlife Recovery Program in action to help save New Zealand’s unique fauna.
Our trips:
You will stay in this oasis on our Masterpiece trip.
4. Punakaiki Resort
Set amongst lush West Coast forest, Punakaiki Resort is one of our favourite New Zealand accommodations on the World Heritage Walking Tour.
It’s the prime setting of this West Coast hotel that is its main appeal. It is just a two minute walk from the beach. It is also just a few hundred metres away from Paparoa National Park, home to the Pancake Rocks and blowholes. Punakaiki Resort is perfectly located to wander down to the beach for a bonfire in the evening to watch the sunset. The view from your room is also a real treat.
Location:
The West Coast is a truly beautiful spot with so much to see and do. You’ll spend the day kayaking in Okarito Lagoon, checking out the greenstone carvings of Hokitika and the Pancake Rocks in Punakaiki. The following day, you’ll venture into the glow worm caves at Charleston and walk around the Pororari river track.
Highlights:
- The views here are incredible. As you wander around this subtropical rainforest, Jurassic Park may come to mind.
- That night, we’ll eat in the resort’s restaurant. The front is all glass windows looking out to the ocean, and the views at sunset are sublime.
Our trips:
You’ll spend two nights at Punakaiki Resort on our World Heritage tour.
5. Angelus Hut
Can you spot the hut in this photo? Sleep on top of a mountain for the most Kiwi of experiences at Angelus Hut.
A night in a backcountry hut is the ultimate Kiwi experience! We love nothing more than cooking our dinner on a portable stove and carrying in all our provisions on our backs. Angelus Hut, in particular, is one of our favourite backcountry huts to spend a night, nestled between two tarns (Rotoroa and Rotoiti), it is one of the most scenic places you will lay your head!
Location:
Angelus Hut is located in Nelson Lakes National Park. It can only be reached on foot on a multi-day hike, the Angelus Hut Circuit (2-3 days), or the Travers-Sabine Circuit (4-7 days). It is one of our guide’s favourite destinations on our trips and we’re pretty sure it will be one of yours too.
Highlights:
- Location, location, location. The hut is nestled in a big basin, surrounded by big mountains. It has the wow-factor.
- A night in a backcountry hut is a very unique Kiwi experience.
Our trips:
On our Kiwi Classic, you have the option to do the Angelus Hut Circuit or go on a multi-day kayaking trip in Abel Tasman National Park.
6. Aoraki/Mount Cook Lodge
Worked up an appetite? Experience a legendary breakfast with a legendary view when you stay at Mt Cook Lodge.
At Mount Cook Lodge, you will be staying right in the heart of Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. When you open your curtains in the morning, you will gaze straight at the majestic mountains hopefully, surrounded by a dazzling pink sky at sunrise. Then, you’ll head up the road and tuck into the famous breakfast buffet at the Hermitage.
Location:
One of the most spectacular places in New Zealand and a New Zealand’s Trails team favourite is Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. There is just something special about the place, you can’t help but feel inspired as you stand amongst the towering snowy peaks. There are many walks in the area too, some of which you will get to explore during your stay!
Highlights:
- You’ll be staying in very comfortable units.
- It is located in Mount Cook village itself, so there will be no driving after your day hiking!
Our trips:
You will stay in Mount Cook Lodge on your Pure South adventure.
7. Edgewater, Wanaka
The apty-named Edgewater Resort sits right on Lake Wanaka's waterfront.
This beautiful resort is located right on the lakefront of Wanaka; it’s actually the only accommodation on the lakefront. Spend your afternoon roaming its beautiful grounds, relaxing in the spa pool, and breathing in the fresh mountain air. All of our guest rooms have lake and mountain views with either an outdoor patio or a balcony. You’ll enjoy a lovely meal in Edgewater. The Wineglass Café features the best of New Zealand seasonal cuisine and wine, (you have to try a glass of Central Otago’s famous pinot noir!) with spectacular views of the lake.
Location:
Located in the quaint and quirky town of Wanaka, it’s a great spot to spend a few hours exploring. This boutique destination is home to a plethora of cafes and bars where you can while away an evening, perched on a bench outside overlooking the sunset on the lake. Take a stroll along the lakefront to see “that Wanaka tree”.
Highlights:
- The tranquil setting just on the edge of town, so you have the best of both worlds.
- Edgewater has two hot tubs and a sauna to use at your leisure.
Our trips:
You will stay in the delightful Edgewater resort on all of our South Island trips; the Masterpiece, World Heritage, Kiwi Classic and Pure South.
Check our trip schedules and availability on our availability page. To work out which trip suits you best, check out Which Trip is Right For Me.
Request your FREE NEW ZEALAND TRAILS Brochure here now for more information on our five guided trip options.
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