Bay Lodge Cottage   - Home comforts on an un-spoiled island in the Hauraki Gulf

We think Great Barrier Island is New Zealand's best kept secret!  Just 40 miles from Auckland in the Hauraki Gulf, it's a natural paradise that even many New Zealanders are yet to discover. Bay Lodge Cottage is the ideal hideaway for two, from which you can explore the rugged landscape, white sandy beaches and lush native reserves, that make up the sparsley populated island. 

The airy one-bedroom, self-contained and serviced cottage sleeps two people in a comfortable queen-sized bed.  The layout is open-plan with a fully appointed modern kitchen and bathroom. Continental breakfast is available each morning. There is a vineyard and a local restaurant nearby. 

Enjoy the use of the 10ft dinghy and try your hand at catching dinner, or use the windsurfer and boogie boards down on the beach below the cottage.  
Find out more about Bay Lodge Cottage and Great Barrier Island.
Read an article about Great Barrier Island and Bay Lodge Cottage
Enquire about a stay at Bay Lodge Cottage.

Cooks Cove Retreat on Roberton Island - Forget the rest of the world exists for a while!

Cooks Cove Retreat on Roberton Island lies in New Zealand's beautiful Bay of Islands. This eco-friendly, self-sustaining retreat, is one of only five properties on the island.  Set in 27 hectares of wild-life refuge, the property offers accommodation for up to 8 guests in the main house and cosy guest house.  It has a private beach, jetty and helipad.  Full concierge, provisioning and chef services are available on request.  Guests can enjoy snorkeling, fishing, kayaking, island walking and bird-watching  - there are around 23 native species on the island. Dolphins play in the bay most days, and you may even be lucky and see a Kiwi bird at night! 

Cooks Cove Retreat has historical significance. There is a bronze plaque commemorating Captain Cooks visit to the Bay of Islands in 1789, when he circumnavigated New Zealand. He anchored his ship the Endeavour off the site of the present day house. To enquire about staying at the self-catering retreat, go to the Cooks Cove website.

Huntington Stables - Luxurious, country-chic accommodation in the heart of the Waikato.

Enjoy a slice of New Zealand country living on the outskirts of the lovely little
township of Cambridge in the Waikato, North Island.  Huntington Stables is an ideal place for two people to get away from the hustle and bustle and experience the lushness and tranquility of the New Zealand countryside.

Huntington Stables features two luxurious, country-style studio units set in a stable complex. Warm and inviting, each unit features a king-sized bed, fabulous Italian tiled bathroom and stylish lounge with french doors opening out onto a private deck, where you can enjoy views of the local countryside. Enjoy a swim in the pool or soak in the spa; sample wines from the extensive wine cellar.  Units are private, self-contained and fully equipped for self-catering.  Restaurants are close should you wish to sample the local hospitality.  Go to Huntington Stables website.

Beluga Luxury Lodge - A boutique hotel in a restored villa at the base of the Southern Alps.

Situated in Methven, Mid Canterbury, Beluga Lodge is perfectly positioned for you to explore this stunning part of New Zealand's South Island.  The South Island is famous for its breathtaking scenery and in April 2008 two of the southern lakes were named the top two destinations in the world by members of the world's largest on-line travel community TripAdvisor.com.

With three different accommodation options, Beluga Lodge has something to suit everyone - from individuals and couples to families or groups of friends.  Enjoy a cooked or continental breakfast before venturing out to activities like salmon and trout fishing, golfing, hot air ballooning, jetboating, horse trekking, mountain biking and rafting.  The Mt Hutt Ski Area is only 20 minutes drive away, offering some of the best snow conditions in the southern hemisphere. Return at the end of the day and un-wind in the outdoor hydro therapy pool. 

Go to Beluga Lodge website.

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Photos:
Banner 1: Dining in the Viaduct, Auckland City, supplied by Auckland Tourism
Banner 2: Looking North from Windy Cannon Track, Great Barrier by Scott Venning 
Banner 3: Kupe sailing to Great Barrier Island by Christine Erkkila.

Page:
Photos 1&2 Bay Lodge Cottage by Neil Wright
Photos 3&4 Cooks Cove Retreat by Sam Britten
Photos 5&6  Huntingdon Stables supplied by Carole Wright
Photos 7&8 Beluga Lodge supplied by Beluga Lodge