The 19 Best Luxury Hotels in South Island

South Island is probably one of the most beautiful places on earth. Gushing rivers, rolling hills and parkland, and dramatic coastlines all in the shadow of snow-capped mountains. Nearly all of the best luxury hotels in South Island perch amidst spellbinding scenery and there is a good choice of eco retreats, rustic chic lodges and cutting-edge design hotels. South Island is also famed for its adventure activities and many luxury hotels offer a wide range of outdoor pursuits with everything from bungee-jumping to heli-skiing. Our hotel experts have compiled a collection of their top picks of luxury hotels in South Island with something for everyone whether you are planning a family break or a romantic escape. So why not browse through our collection to start planning your trip?

For a romantic hideaway

• Split Apple Retreat is an adults-only boutique hideaway in Abel Tasman National Park. Chic and contemporary, the floor-to-ceiling windows leave the rooms bathed in light and open out to the spacious private sundecks. Relax in the spa, dine on fresh organic food and swim in the infinity pool with waters that fade into the lake.

For families

• Only reachable by water or air, Bay of Many Coves Resort is one of South Island's best luxury hideaways. The elegant suites and apartments are perfect for families, and there's so much to do: explore 50 acres of private bush, take the hotel kayaks or boats out onto the water, chill at the waterfront cafe or go dolphin spotting.
• Matakauri Lodge is one of the best luxury family hotels in South Island. Lakeside, framed by mountains, these gorgeous villas and suites offer the intimacy, relaxation and fun needed in a family holiday (as well as babysitting services). Relax at the spa, gym or infinity pool, trouble free, or take a boat out onto the water for an adventure.
• Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel is a form of modern architectural wizardry and sustainability. The designer rooms are adorned with local art, the restaurant boasts its own vegetable and herb garden, and the Alpine views as you relax in the spa or pool have to be seen to be believed. Refreshingly cosy, it's one of the best luxury hotels in South Island for families.

For a luxury lodge

• Minaret Station Alpine Lodge offers true Alpine luxury. On a glacial valley reachable only by helicopter, this gorgeous luxury South Island hotel is surrounded by streams and meadows. Cosy, warm and rustic-chic affairs with fur throws, Persian rugs, glass doors and fireplaces, it's the perfect place for couples.

For a country escape

• Perfect for a wine holiday, The Marlborough Lodge is a country estate perched amidst rolling parkland. Elegant and contemporary, the uniquely-designed rooms and suites all have private balconies. Go on a wine-tasting tour tailored to your tastes, dine at the organic Harvest Restaurant, or enjoy a romantic cruise on the hotel's boat.
• The Lindis sits in the enchanting Ahuriri Valley, surrounded by mountains, one of the best luxury lodges in South Island. Offering locally sourced food in the restaurant and spectacular horseriding trips, this is an intimate place of daring architectural design.
• An escape pad set in a 19th-century mansion, Otahuna Lodge is one of South Island's best traditional luxury hotels. Sophisticated and elegant, the rooms have high ceilings, oil paintings, antiques and working fireplaces. Play croquet on the lawn or tennis and enjoy breathtaking views of the plains and Southern Alps.

For fishing

• For one of South Island's best luxury hotels, Owen River Lodge has the warmth and intimacy of a home away from home. This luxury collection of whitewashed wooden fishing lodges are smart and snug, the vibe is wholesome, all set in a lovely garden framed by mountains. Take the hotel's dogs for a ramble, relax in the hot tub, go fishing in the rivers (the hotel provides equipment) or take a guided trek.

For an active holiday

• Whether it's an active holiday or an escape to nature, Westhaven Retreat is one of the best luxury hotels of its kind in South Island. On a 1000-acre private nature sanctuary, it boasts its own secluded beach, an indoor pool in a glassy enclave, a sprawling spa, and an acclaimed restaurant. Go fishing with the hotel's own guide, or explore the water by kayak. Beauty in peaceful surroundings.
• One of South Island most intimate luxury hotels for outdoor thrill seekers, Stoneridge Estate perches by a lake in the shadow of mountains, on a working vineyard. A small boutique, guests can book a traditional or contemporary suite and dine at the restaurant that serves up the best of local produce. From white water rafting to bungee jumping - you name it - it's offered here.
• Blanket Bay is a luxury lodge on the shore of Lake Wakatipu, a snug getaway on a sheep, deer and cattle farm. Homely and rustic, with open fireplaces, timber beams, antique furniture and private balconies with views of the bay, you can go horseriding on the estate, heli-skiing or mountain biking. Perfect for the adventurer.
• Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat is one of the best adults-only luxury villas in South Island and it has an unbeatable location of lakes and mountains. Perfect for couples, the interiors are cosy while the three-course dinners are a real treat. Offering everything from heli-skiing to cycling, thrill-seekers will be satisfied.
• Annandale is a working coastal farm comprising of 5 separate rustic-chic residences sprawling over 6000 acres. In a quiet cove by the sea, it's easily one of the best luxury hotels in South Island for those wanting to keep busy. There's tennis courts, swimming pools, gardens, boats-for-hire, quad biking and kayaking, to name just a few.

For a wine hotel

• Unique, secluded, in the heart of 'wine country', Te Koi Lodge offers chic, modern suites and villas overlooking the Waimea Estuary. Set within landscaped gardens, there's tennis, yoga and award-winning wines to be enjoyed. The rooms are spacious and stylish affairs, curated with local art, with private verandas. One of the best luxury hotels in South Island for couples.
• One of South Island's most romantic luxury hotels, Gibbston Valley Lodge & Spa is a stylish series of villas with private sundecks sitting in a picturesque Pinot Noir vineyard. Even the spa specialises in wine - vinotherapy! There's a sauna, cool cafe, lounge and cinema - a very chic choice.

For a luxury B&B

• On the outskirts of Blenheim sits one of South Island's best luxury B&Bs, The Peppertree. An Edwardian villa in the heart of the Marlborough wine region, it offers romantic, unique rooms with designer pieces, free-standing baths and fireplaces - perfect for a snug evening with your significant other. A croquet lawn and bicycles to hire complete the picture.

An urban bolthole

• The glitz and glamour of 1920s Paris awaits you at Sofitel Queenstown, undoubtedly one of the best value luxury hotels in South Island. 5 star French art de vivre with the vibe of a jazz bar, it's perfect for a romantic break. Marble bathrooms, a pampering spa and restaurant right in the heart of Queenstown.
• The George is a sophisticated urban bolthole and one of the best luxury hotels in South Island for city style. Expect funky decor and local art on the walls while the rooms are simple and contemporary. The two award-winning restaurants are the real draw, renowned throughout Christchurch.

Still not sure where to book?

• Try our list of 5-star hotels on North Island;
• Or our collection of the best hotels in Southland;
• There's also our top picks of Auckland's most romantic hotels to consider;
• For something gourmet, try this guide to the best wine hotels in Canterbury or New Zealand;
• Expand your search to include all our properties in New Zealand;
• Contact one of our Gurus for advice.

 

Written by Edmund Wise

posted Tuesday, 26th July 2022