THE LINDIS

NEW ZEALAND

THE PERSONALITIES

Celestial Observers. Fly fishing enthusiasts. Hikers. Equestrians.

MOMENTS

Crisp mountain air. Sub alpine herb fields. Free-roaming bulls and sheep. Star-studded night sky. Architecture that is part of the landscape.

BEST VISITING MONTHS

The best time to visit New Zealand's Ahuriri Valley depends on the type of experience you’re seeking, as each season offers its own unique charm.

Spring (September to November) is ideal for witnessing the valley come alive with vibrant wildflowers and lush greenery. The temperatures are mild, making it a perfect time for hiking, horseback riding, and exploring the stunning landscapes. The rivers are full and flowing, creating picturesque views for photography and outdoor activities.

Summer (December to February) brings warm, sunny days that are perfect for fly fishing in the Ahuriri River, mountain biking, and enjoying the valley’s vast open spaces. This is also a great time to relax outdoors and take in the dramatic scenery under long daylight hours.

Autumn (March to May) is magical as the valley transforms into a palette of golden hues, with crisp mornings and pleasant afternoons. The season offers some of the best stargazing opportunities as the skies are clear and free from light pollution.

Winter (June to August) brings a serene beauty to the Ahuriri Valley, with snow-capped mountains creating a stunning backdrop. This is an excellent time for those seeking tranquility and cozy stays, as well as enjoying nearby ski fields or taking quiet walks in the frosty landscapes.

COST

WHY STAY

The Lindis, nestled in the heart of New Zealand's Ahuriri Valley, is a sanctuary framed by rolling hills, dramatic mountains, and pristine rivers. The untouched wilderness offers guests a profound connection to nature, with an abundance of native flora, fauna, and wide-open spaces that stretch as far as the eye can see. The location’s isolation ensures absolute serenity, making it a perfect escape for those seeking peace and a deeper appreciation for the natural world.

The architecture of The Lindis is a masterpiece of modern design that harmonizes effortlessly with its surroundings. Its sleek, low-profile structure mimics the curves of the valley, with a roofline that blends seamlessly into the landscape. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame panoramic views, while natural materials like timber and stone echo the raw beauty of the environment. The interiors are thoughtfully designed to provide both luxury and comfort, with elegant furnishings and muted tones that complement the natural palette outside.

Stay in one of 8 suites in the main house, complete with an organic wooden roof and panoramic glass windows facing the river and beyond. For a unique experience, stay in one of the free-standing glass pods, offering uninterrupted views of the Valley, complete with mirrored walls, an outdoor bathtub, and the night sky for a ceiling

WHY WANDER

Fish for trout in one of the best fly fishing locations in the world - Ahuriri River, located in front of the lodge. Take advantage of the hotel’s stable, and go horseback riding across farmlands and through the native beech forest. Take an e-bike and explore the Ahuriri Valley, Ben Avon station, and the surrounding wetlands. Go off-roading to places that are truly hard to find. Thrill seekers can have the ultimate gliding experience soaring above the mountains from The Lindis’ own private air strip. End the day by studying the constellations above in one the clearest night skies in the world.

INDULGE IN

Te Mana lamb. Aoraki alpine salmon. Wild fiorland venison. Homemade gnocchi with “Lindis Pass” cheese sauce. New Zealand wines from the hotel’s own wine cellar.

GETTING THERE

Fly into Queenstown or Christchurch and take a beautiful drive through the mountains.

*Images property of The Lindis

Aro Hā

NEW ZEALAND

THE PERSONALITIES

Soul searchers. Minimalists. Quiet achievers. Reset artists.

MOMENTS

Transformative experiences. Awe-inspiring landscapes. Reconnecting with the wild. The simplicity of being. Feeling light and alive. Panoramic view of Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding snow-capped mountains. Silence broken only by wind and birdsong.
Strength found through stillness.

BEST VISITING MONTHS

Late spring through early autumn (November to April) offers the most balanced experience at Aro Ha, when alpine trails are open, days are long, and temperatures support outdoor movement, lake immersion, and open-air mindfulness practices. Winter brings snow-dusted peaks and deeper solitude, ideal for those drawn to intensity and introspection, though access is more weather-dependent and programs are more physically demanding.

COST

WHY STAY

Set high above Lake Wakatipu near Glenorchy, Aro Hā is a mind, body, and soul wellness experience occupying a dramatic alpine shelf where mountains rise sharply and the lake mirrors sky and stone. This is raw New Zealand geography at its most elemental: glacial valleys, beech forests, and vast open air that immediately recalibrates the nervous system. The remoteness is intentional; arrival feels like leaving the world behind and stepping into a landscape designed for clarity.

Accommodation is deliberately restrained. Purpose-built eco-suites and shared lodges are constructed from stone, timber, and glass, drawing directly from the surrounding terrain. Interiors are calm and uncluttered, prioritizing sleep quality, natural light, and thermal comfort. Architecture does not compete with the view; it frames it. Every space reinforces the idea that less allows for more: more rest, more presence, more awareness.

Wellness at Aro Ha is rigorous, immersive, and science-informed. Founded by Damian Chaparro, the retreat integrates functional fitness, yoga, breathwork, mindfulness training, and plant-forward nutrition into a structured daily rhythm. Cold-water immersion in the lake, guided movement in alpine air, and intentional recovery periods work together to support metabolic health, mental resilience, and long-term vitality. The experience is challenging but deeply restorative, offering a full-system reset rather than passive relaxation.

Why Wander

Guided hikes through Mount Aspiring National Park reveal landscapes shaped by ice, time, and weather. Trails move from dense forest to exposed ridgelines, encouraging both physical endurance and quiet reflection. Movement becomes a form of meditation, with the land setting the pace.

Lake Wakatipu invites cold immersion and contemplative stillness. Entering its glacial waters sharpens awareness and strengthens mental resolve, while the vastness of the lake restores perspective. These moments are about relationship with body, breath, and place.

The wider Glenorchy region offers a sense of frontier calm rarely found elsewhere. Open valleys, braided rivers, and minimal human imprint create space for unstructured wandering, photography, or simply sitting with the landscape. Exploration here feels internal as much as external.

Indulge In

Nutrient-dense, plant-based cuisine designed to support physical performance and recovery. Meals emphasize organic vegetables, clean proteins, medicinal herbs, and fermentation, prepared with precision and intention. Food is functional, grounding, and quietly refined.

Getting There

Fly into Queenstown, then travel by road through Glenorchy to the retreat. The final approach winds through valleys and along the lake, marking a gradual transition from urban pace to alpine stillness.

Wild Initiatives

The purpose of Aro Ha is to transition people to a more awake and sustainable approach to life and relationship with the environment. The buildings and landscape, gardens, permaculture, extraordinary environment and activities on retreat all come together to educate and create this change. Aro Ha was designed to be used as an example of living sustainably. Aro Ha has established an infrastructure that treads lightly on the environment and is strongly self-sufficient. To do this Aro Ha minimises energy use through exceptionally high insulation levels, airtightness, careful solar design and low energy lighting and appliances. The buildings were built using Passive Huas Techniques. 

Aro Ha also has a commitment to onsite renewable energy generation and was New Zealand's first renewably sourced distributed heating Scheme. Aro Ha uses:

• 5 kw photovoltaic panels and thermal solar panels.

• Wood-boiler feeding large thermal store supported by solar panels feeding a district hot water scheme.

• 40kw Micro-hydro generation from mountain stream combining with PV arrays to feed back to the grid and allow for self-sufficiency when grid not available, which can happen in harsh winter conditions.

• Vegetable Gardens and greenhouses, coppicing, nut and fruit trees, irrigation systems, rainwater collection and reuse, Vermiculture wastewater treatment.

• Landscape and building providing specifically focused environment to support the vision of the retreat center.

• Predominantly locally sourced materials and labor.

Aro Ha’s contributions to local and the wider community:

• Breast Cancer Foundation New Zealand is supported through ongoing contributions.

  The Routeburn Dart Wildlife Trust is a local conservation organisation dedicated to trapping introduced predators to protect native bird species. The Routeburn Track is frequently walked by guests, making the commitment to preserving the surrounding bush and wildlife deeply meaningful.

  Community-based fundraising initiatives are supported throughout the year, including local fairs, primary schools, kindergartens, and neighbouring businesses, strengthening ties within the region.

  Monthly donations are directed toward local classes run on a volunteer basis by staff members. These sessions range from yoga and movement practices to nutrition education, extending wellness beyond the retreat into the wider community.

  The scholarship programme is a point of pride. Throughout the year, individuals facing financial barriers are offered the opportunity to experience a full retreat, contributing only the GST portion of the standard retreat price.

  The Work Scholar Programme supports those seeking experience in the luxury wellness industry. Over eight weeks, participants volunteer across multiple departments, gaining hands-on insight into retreat operations before completing the programme with a full retreat experience.

*Images property of Aro Ha, C Stoddart

Hapuku Lodge + TREE HOUSES

NEW ZEALAND

THE PERSONALITIES

Honeymooners. Foodies. People looking for remote luxury and unparalleled natural experience. 

MOMENTS

Bedroom in the sky, surrounded by a deer farm. Childhood treehouse dream with modern luxury. Vews to the mountains and the Pacific

BEST VISITING MONTHS

December to March. 

COST

WHY STAY

Hapuku Lodge + Treehouses is a luxurious and uniquely situated retreat in New Zealand that offers an unparalleled natural beauty. Nestled in the breathtaking Kaikoura region on the South Island's east coast, Hapuku Lodge provides guests with a truly immersive experience in the heart of nature. The lodge is renowned for its stunning treehouse accommodation, perched among a canopy of native Manuka trees and overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

Designed with a keen eye for detail, the interiors feature natural materials like wood and stone, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Large windows and private decks enhance the connection to the outdoors, offering panoramic views of the lush environment and the distant mountains. The suites have fireplaces, balconies, bathrooms with Japanese soaking tubs, and rainforest showers. 

The lodge is surrounded by pristine forest and rolling countryside, providing an idyllic backdrop for relaxation and adventure. Guests can enjoy the tranquility of the treetops while being just a short distance from the vibrant marine life and dramatic coastal scenery that Kaikoura is known for. The natural beauty of the area is a central element of the experience, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the serenity of their surroundings.

WHY WANDER

Kaikoura offers a diverse array of activities that cater to nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. Renowned for its marine life, whale watching is a highlight in Kaikoura, where visitors can witness the majesty of these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. Dolphin encounters and seal swims also provide unique opportunities to get up close and personal with the local marine fauna. The region's stunning coastal landscapes and mountainous terrain offer fantastic opportunities for hiking and trekking, with scenic trails that provide panoramic views. For those seeking a more adrenaline-packed experience, options like sea kayaking, snorkeling, and even surfing are readily available. Additionally, the town's vibrant cultural scene, with its art galleries, local Maori heritage, and charming boutique shops, offers a more leisurely and cultural exploration of this picturesque coastal town. Make sure to observe Kaikoura’s night sky - something you will be genuinely in awe of.

INDULGE IN

All food is created in Hapuku's kitchen and all the produce is sourced from its own herb and vegetable gardens. Try the crayfish and the venison with wild blackberries.  

GETTING THERE

Fly into Wellington and take a short connect flight to Kaipura. 

WILD INITIATIVES

The hotel prides itself on its green initiatives, which include a strong focus on energy conservation, waste reduction, and water management. They source a significant portion of their restaurant's ingredients from their own gardens and local farms, emphasizing a farm-to-table approach that minimizes food miles and supports the community. With eco-friendly practices at the core of their operations, Hapuku Lodge offers a luxurious and environmentally conscious experience, inviting guests to appreciate and protect the natural beauty of New Zealand for generations to come.

*Images property of Hapuku Lodge

Delamore Lodge

NEW ZEALAND

THE PERSONALITIES

Winos. Foodies. Architecture lovers. Couples looking for an intimate wedding location.    

MOMENTS

Peace and privacy. Mesmerizing views. Scent of citrus in the air. White yachts on the horizon. 

BEST VISITING MONTHS

December to April are the warmest and see the least rain. 

COST

WHY STAY

Delamore Lodge is a boutique luxury hideaway on Waiheke Island of the Auckland region in New Zealand. Facing the secluded Owhanake Bay of and surrounded by lush hillside, the resort comes with unparalleled cliff top views of the Hauraki gulf, the surrounding islands, Little Barrier, Great Barrier and Coromandel.

Choose one of the spacious nature-inspired suites - Awatea Suite (Dawn), Motu Suite (Island), Mahana Suite (Warmth), or Moana Suite (Ocean), complete with floor-to-ceiling windows, private patios,  rain showers landscaped gardens and never-ending views. 

Take it all in from the infinity pool. Relax in the cave-like Jacuzzi or the steam sauna. Wander through Delamore's extensive gardens filled with citrus and olive trees. 

WHY WANDER

Go sailing around Auckland harbour. Take part in the Waiheke Wine & Food experience and visit the surroundings vineyards and farms. Go kayaking or fishing. Go ziplining through the native forest. 

INDULGE IN

Enjoy Delamore's local fine dining experience or visit Mudbrick Vineyard & Restaurant, Tantalus Estate, Cable Bay Vineyard, Stonyridge Vineyard, Poderi Crisci and Casita Miro. Try the oysters at The Oyster Inn.

GETTING THERE

Fly into Auckland International Airport and take a ferry or a very short fixed wing airplane or helicopter flight to Waiheke Island.

*Images property of Delamore Lodge

TE WAONUI FOREST RETREAT

NEW ZEALAND

The Personalities

Adventure seekers with a taste for indulgence. 

Moments

Unwind by the open fire on the outside terrace before heading off for an unforgettable sleep. Get perfect sleep in the soundproofed rooms, complete with soft woollen underlays and plush down and wool duvets. Close your eyes and relive your adventure.

Best Visiting Months

All year round. Remember - the seasons are in reverse! For the warmest and most settled weather visit February - March. 

Cost

Why stay

Te Waonui Forest Retreat is a luxurious eco-friendly haven situated on New Zealand's South Island, offering a unique and immersive experience in the heart of nature. Nestled within the enchanting rainforests of Franz Josef, this retreat blends seamlessly with its lush surroundings, creating an environment of serenity and tranquility.

The eco-conscious design of the retreat incorporates sustainable materials, ensuring minimal environmental impact. Guests are treated to spacious and elegantly appointed rooms with rainforest views. With a strong focus on preserving the pristine wilderness, Te Waonui takes its sustainability initiatives seriously, making it an ideal destination for eco-minded travelers looking for a harmonious balance between luxury and environmental responsibility. Whether exploring the region's magnificent glaciers or simply enjoying the peaceful ambiance, this retreat promises an unforgettable escape amidst New Zealand's natural wonders.

Why wander

Welcome to the Westland National Park, where glaciers collide with a rainforest in an area blessed with contrasting landscapes of lakes, rivers, ocean, forests and the snow capped mountains. Take part in Bike tours, Eco Rafting, and Glacier Country Kayaking or visit the Glacier hot pools. For the extreme adventurer, enjoy a Helicopter flight and take in spectacular views of the Franz, Fox and Tasman Glaciers as well as Mt. Tasman and Mt. Cook. If this isn't enough adrenaline, experience sky-diving in a place with the most panoramic views of New Zealand - one of the only places in the world offering the highest jump of 18000ft.

Indulge in

Dine among the trees in ‘The Canopy’ restaurant. A five course mouthwatering dinner from the freshest West Coast and South Island produce. Try the tea smoked, Te Waiponamu Scallops or the South Island Alpine Merino Lamb tenderloin. Or both.

Getting There

Rent a car to take in the unspoiled landscapes. Greymouth Airport is about 2 hours away.

*Images property of TE WAONUI FOREST RETREAT