Tucked into a glacial valley in New Zealand’s South Island, The Lindis is one of the most architecturally striking stays in the country, and has been awarded numerous awards for it. It’s sleek, remote, and quietly extraordinary — built to blend seamlessly with the surrounding landscape of the Ahuriri Valley, where tussock-covered hills roll into alpine peaks. From above, the building is barely visible; from inside, it’s pure drama — floor-to-ceiling glass, raw timber, and wide, open skies.
This is an escape for those who want space, solitude and something truly special. Days here are built around your pace: horse riding through the valley, fly fishing on the Ahuriri River, stargazing with zero light pollution, or simply soaking in an outdoor hot tub with a glass of Central Otago pinot. Meals are a highlight — artful, locally sourced and served fireside or out under the stars. With only a handful of rooms and private pods, service is genuinely personal, and the atmosphere is luxuriously low-key.
The Lindis is set within the 6,000-acre Ben Avon Station in the remote Ahuriri Valley, part of New Zealand’s South Island. It’s about a 3-hour scenic drive from Queenstown or 2 hours from Wanaka, passing through jaw-dropping alpine scenery. You can also arrive via private charter directly to the property’s own airstrip. There’s nothing else around — and that’s the magic. The nearest village is Omarama (40 minutes away), known for its glider flights and dramatic clay cliffs, but most guests never feel the need to leave the valley once they’ve arrived.
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The Lindis has just five Lodge Suites and three standalone Pods — each one designed to immerse you in the vast, cinematic beauty of the landscape.
The Lodge Suites are spacious and refined, with floor-to-ceiling glass, stone fireplaces, and soaking tubs positioned for prime valley views. Expect moody interiors, king-size beds, underfloor heating, and curated minibars. These are perfect for couples or solo travellers looking for a seriously spoiling retreat.
For something more private, book a Pod — cocooned hideaways with mirrored exteriors and curved timber interiors. Each pod includes a king bed, en suite, outdoor bath and private deck. They’re fully self-contained and made for romantic, off-grid luxury.
All meals, non-alcoholic beverages, daily pre-dinner drinks and canapés, selected activities (e.g. e-biking, hiking), and valet parking.
The lodge is designed for adults, but children aged 12+ are welcome by arrangement.
The Lindis is open year-round. Summer offers clear skies and warm days for hiking and fishing. Winter is dramatic and cosy — perfect for snow-dusted views, log fires and stargazing.
Hapuku Lodge & Tree Houses is one of those rare stays that manages to feel both wildly remote and completely refined. Set just outside Kaikōura on New Zealand’s South Island, this contemporary country lodge is framed by the Kaikōura mountains on one side and the Pacific Ocean on the other. And then there are the tree houses—yes, actual tree houses—elevated 10 metres above the ground and nestled in a grove of native manuka trees.
Set in the heart of Marlborough’s wine country, The Marlborough Lodge is a polished, privately owned estate surrounded by vines, gardens and gently rolling countryside. Just 10 minutes from Blenheim Airport — but worlds away in feel — this former convent-turned-luxury-lodge offers the kind of laidback indulgence that New Zealand does so well.
Hidden deep in the Marlborough Sounds—only accessible by boat or helicopter—Bay of Many Coves is the kind of place you come to truly disappear. No roads. No rush. Just a scattering of architecturally pared-back apartments tucked into native bushland, with every room angled towards the water.
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