The 8 Best Wine hotels in Northland

Around 130 miles north of Auckland, Northland sits at the northern tip of North Island. Its wine production may be small — largely from boutique vineyards — but it can lay claim to being New Zealand’s oldest wine-producing area; the first vines were planted in 1819. Vineyards are mainly around the Bay of Islands and on the west coast near Kaitaia. So, many of the best wine hotels in Northland make a great base for a sun and beach holiday too. Our hotel experts have scoured the area to bring you a collection of their favourite properties to base yourself at for a wine-focused break. Whether you want something right on the beach, a property on a private vineyard or something you could rent out in its entirety with friends — there is something to suit most tastes here. So why not browse through our collection to start planning your next break?

For luxury

• The Landing Residences offers luxury accommodation in the vineyards of the Bay of Islands. The four, individually designed residences offer privacy and personalised service in a spectacular natural setting, with bespoke, chef-created menus and a private jetty for local exploring by boat. Luxury defined.
• Eagles Nest has five contemporary and opulent villas nestled on a private headland in the Bay of Islands. With private pools, saunas, gyms, kitchens, chefs, personal trainers and breathtaking views — you have it all here. The wine list is (unsurprisingly) also very good.

For a beach

• If you want to combine wine-tasting with sunbathing, Paihia Beach Resort is a stone’s throw from one of the Bay of Island’s prettiest beaches. Light, contemporary style bedrooms have balconies or patios, plus there’s a spa, watersports and fishing trips on offer.
• Bay of Islands Beach House offers luxury self-catering apartments with fabulous views overlooking Sullivans Bay. With ensuite rooms, private balconies, direct beach access, and BBQ areas — this is ideal for a relaxing getaway,

For an eco stay

• With just 4 rooms, the Donkey Bay Inn is an exclusive and intimate seaside hideaway that has been producing wine for the last 100 years. The property casts an eco-conscious eye over its energy usage, and the living rooftop and gardens is a nice added touch. Interiors are bright and funky and the property even boasts its own private beach.

For groups

• Te Whare Ma is a family-run boutique B&B offering just three rooms making it ideal to rent out in its entirety. The accommodation is simple and contemporary; sliding glass doors lead onto private terraces which overlook the large pool. With outdoor pursuits a-plenty and wine tours offered, there is plenty to do here.
• The Sanctuary @ Bay of Islands is another good option for small groups of friends. Here interiors are minimalist and light with picture windows letting the surrounds take centre stage. Homecooked food focuses on healthy dining paired with excellent wines. A luxurious yet laidback choice.
• The White House is a renovated heritage villa with just three rooms and all the comforts of home (think kitchen, laundry facilities, etc.). With a sociable outdoor area to sample local wines including a deck, bbq area, and a pool — this is ideal for groups.

Still not sure where to book?

• Browse through our list of the best wine hotels in Hawke's Bay.
• Expand your search to include all our North Island recommendations.
• Alternatively, contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.

  • Paihia Beach Resort and Spa Hotel The Bay of Islands 21 rooms from $348

    
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    Families  -  Two-bedroom suites with fully equipped kitchens and private terraces are great for families

    Diving  -  Take a day trip with the resort's experienced dive staff and marvel at the Pacific Ocean's biodiversity

    Restaurant  -  The Glasshouse Kitchen & Bar features rom the Middle East, South Asia & Kiwi classics

    Great walks  -  Guided walking tours of Russell are ideal for discovering NZ's history

    

    Luxury hotel with light, clean and spacious suites with features such as French oak floors and large balconies. Only metres from Paihia's most picturesque beach, completed with spa, swimming pool and restaurant serving seasonal food. Ideal for tours of Bay of Islands, golfing and fishing trips. See More

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  • The Landing Residences Bay of Islands, The Bay of Islands 4 rooms from $2696

    
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    Groups  -  The spacious private residences at this luxury hotel are perfect for a group trip, with multiple bedrooms and sit-out decks

    Country Escape  -  Set within acres of private grounds which include vineyards and beaches, book this hotel for a unique escape to the country

    Local exploring  -  Set on the beautiful Bay of Islands, this hotel offers excellent packages to assist with your local exploring

    Fishing  -  Head out on the hotel boat with a skipper and fishing guide to collect pots of crayfish and enjoy world-class fishing

    

    Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith

    This hotel offers luxury accommodation in the vineyards of the Bay of Islands. The four, individually designed residences offer privacy and personalised service in a spectacular natural setting, with bespoke, chef-created menus and a private jetty for local exploring by boat. See More

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  • The Sanctuary @ Bay of Islands Bay of Islands, The Bay of Islands 4 rooms from $224

    
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    Back to Nature  -  Escape to nature in this secluded spot with wonderful views of the islands and native rain forest

    Groups  -  Sleeping up to eight guests, this is a great choice for a small group

    Swimming Pool  -  Infinity plunge pool and surrounding deck with wonderful views

    Great walks  -  Explore Rainbow Falls and Puketi Rainforest on long walks

    

    Contemporary accommodation in the Bay of Islands, in an area known for its watersports and beautiful scenery. Interiors are minimalist and light with picture-frame windows letting the surrounds take centre stage. Home-cooked food focuses on healthy dining paired with excellent wines. A chic stay. See More

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  • Little Donkey Bay The Bay of Islands 1 rooms from $679

    
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    Hideaway  -  Off the beaten track, guests emerge from a hidden alleyway to the secluded grounds, with their own stretch of private beach

    Beach nearby  -  As well as their private stretch, guests have easy access to popular Long Beach and a nearby naturist beach

    Honeymoons  -  A private oasis for romantic couples - complete with outdoor freestanding baths. A honeymoon dream

    Outstanding location  -  With unparalleled sea views over the bay, in leafy and secluded settings, a short walk from Russell

    

    With just one indulgent suite, Little Donkey Bay is an exclusive and intimate seaside hideaway. Interiors are bright and funky, the property even boasts its own private beach. A chic, adults-only escape for honeymooners or romantic couples. See More

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  • Bay of Islands Beach House The Bay of Islands from $143

    
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    Families  -  Multi-room apartments with self-catering facilities are great for relaxed family trips

    Beach Life  -  Superb location right on Sullivans Beach and with a private beach area

    Active Holiday  -  Swim, paddle, sail or fish in the waters surrounding Paihia

    Diving  -  Try diving and snorkelling with Paihia Dive

    

    Family-friendly self-catering apartments with fabulous views overlooking Sullivans Bay in the Bay of Islands. With ensuite rooms, private balconies and BBQ areas, just a short walk from Paihia's restaurants and shops. Use of dingy, sea kayaks and lifejackets for watersports enthusiasts. See More

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  • Eagles Nest The Bay of Islands from $1881

    
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    Birdwatching  -  Estate home to rare NZ birds including North Island Brown Kiwi, North Island Weka and Korora

    Sights nearby  -  Russell is minutes away, with range of a museum, galleries, shops, cafes and restaurants

    Restaurant  -  Personal chefs use fresh local ingredients to create dishes specially for you

    Swimming Pool  -  Private infinity swimming pools or jacuzzis at each of the villas

    

    Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith

    Five opulent contemporary villas nestled on a 75-acre private headland in the Bay of Islands. With pools, saunas, gyms, kitchens, chefs, personal trainers and breathtaking views. Access to private beaches and opportunities to see rare native birds. Stunning exclusivity and NZ hospitality. See More

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Written by Helen Pickles

posted Monday, 27th June 2022