Resorts in New Zealand

New Zealanders call hiking, "tramping," and it appears to be something of a national pastime here. With beautiful scenery and unkempt nature it's no wonder that New Zealand is home to many exquisite resorts. What is surprising, however, is how affordable many of these destinations are. Many hotels and resorts organize outings and will provide lots of great recommendations for whatever activity you chose.

Eagles Nest

This beautiful retreat sits on a 75 acre estate along the Bay of Islands. The Bay of Islands is a world famous destination offering its visitors lots of activities. Walks, sailing, dolphin and whale watching are some of the many ways to pass your time here. The health and fitness spa will leave you in pristine shape while a team of personal chefs will cater to your culinary whims within the comfort of your own private villa. There are over 100 nearby islands to tour, so this is a great spot to get some much needed R&R.

Eagles Nest
60 Tapeka Road, Russell
Bay of Islands, New Zealand
011 (+64) 9 403 8333
eaglesnest.co.nz

Equinox Lodge

Equinox specializes in accommodations for walkers: there are over 250km of different tracks nearby. Other local attractions include pristine beaches, waterfalls and vineyards. After enjoying the outdoors, relax poolside or watch a movie in the Equinox's home theatre room.

Equinox Lodge
130 Lone Kauri Road 
Karekare Waitakere, Auckland,
 New Zealand
011 (+64) 9 812 8078
equinoxlodge.com

Terrace Downs Resorts

The motto at Terrace Downs is that you can do as much, or as little as you want. The pristine countryside along the Rakaia River offers a wide variety of activities to keep you entertained. Bird shooting, archery and skiing are some of the activities they offer, or you can take in the scenery on foot or by horseback. At the end of a busy day, retreat to a villa suite or a private chalet. Terrace Downs offers three on-site restaurants. The spa offers a variety of treatments specializing in ancient Ayurvedic practices.

Terrace Downs Resorts
Coleridge Road,
Windwhistle, Canterbury
New Zealand
011 (+64) 3 318 6943
terracedowns.co.nz

Taupo DeBretts Thermal Resort

Taupo Accomodation is a family oriented resort offering nature walks, mineral thermal baths and scenic cruises. It is a great base for making your way around the North Island, as they are within driving distance of all that the island has to offer. The resort offers lots of amusement for kids including water slides and various sports.

Taupo DeBretts Thermal Resort
Napier/Taupo Highway,
Taupo, New Zealand
011 (+64) 7 378 8559
taupodebretts.com

Article Written By Marie Greene

Marie Greene is an art and architecture writer in New York. She completed an undergraduate degree in Economics and English and holds a Masters Degree in Architecture.

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