New Zealand Bed and Breakfast -
New Zealand bed and breakfast accommodations are commonly found throughout New Zealand. It is, however, not easy to find those who are willing to accommodate small children under 12. |
This is the only cottage we stayed with among the New Zealand bed and breakfast we stayed.
If you are claustrophobic, you may like to light the fireplace, sit back and relax by the television in the living room.
This is a unique New Zealand bed and breakfast. This place is private, intimate and very refreshing.
We met Paulina, owner of the villa. She’s a very qualified psychotherapist who runs Joya Centre of Balance. She has a warm and friendly personality.
I booked to stay with Joya after reading about her training and classes. I would like to find out more about the listening training.
This is not just another sleep, eat and play vacation. I like to know what people in the other side of the world are doing. And I find Paulina’s work very interesting.
It is very meaningful to learn while on holiday!
Ok. Let me tell you more about our garden studio...
The room has a homely feel. The furnishings are simple and they complement the settings and surroundings. I particularly like the steps leading to the bedroom area.
Paulina is an organic enthusiast so she uses eco-friendly products (the toilet paper is recycled! Don’t worry – it’s soft and very hygienic!)
In other words, this is an organic New Zealand bed and breakfast.
The water (drinking and bathing) is filtered and if you like an organic breakfast, it can all be arranged. Or else, cook your own. Pots and utensils are all provided.
There is a sweet scent in the room and we cannot figure that out. After having a chat with Paulina, she told us that she oiled the wood (rimu) floors and the wooden fixtures in the room with aromatherapy oil – natural fragrance!
I always like to share the uniqueness of the places we stayed.
For Joya, the thing that stands out most is the fish pond and beautiful garden. It’s very nice to hang around at the patio and enjoy the chirping tunes of the birds.
Even the sounds of the water stream flowing into the pond is pleasing to the ears here.
Alex and myself feel so relaxed after a long winding drive from Queen Charlotte Sound.
And our dear Clayton has lots of room to crawl and move about.
We were greeted by the gently sun rays in the morning. The breeze is so crisp and fresh in the garden.
For rates that start from $NZ135, this is a jewel that many have yet to discover.
We hope you can experience this yourself…
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Hapuku Lodge, Kaikoura
Hapuku Lodge is contemporary, elegant and exclusive.
This is one luxury New Zealand accommodation!
It sits quietly on Highway One leading to Kaikoura (only 12km away). This stunningly purpose-built New Zealand bed and breakfast cannot be missed!
We were admiring this architectural beauty as we drove towards Kaikoura. Then I saw the little signage pointing towards ‘Hapuku Lodge’.
“Alex!” I shouted! That was the place we were booked for the night!
And we can’t wait to check out this beautiful luxury New Zealand accommodation.
We checked in after a short tour in Kaikoura seaside town and were greeted by our hosts, Justin and Marie.
Justin showed us to our Olive House.
The Olive House is a separate building and is directly above the olive mill. When we stepped into the apartment, we were speechless.
It is so spacious. Every detail is well thought of by the architect designer who happens to be Justin’s dad.
Did I say mention earlier about the stunning views surrounding Hapuku?
Justin’s dad has purposely built full glass doors and windows to complement the scenery.
That allows an uninterrupted 360 deg views of the snow-capped Kaikoura ranges surrounding the property.
From the extended couch to the huge dining table (made from one piece of wood!)...
...to the fireplace, to the customized king size bed, to the luxurious double jet spa…
This place guarantees an affordable New Zealand luxury travel experience!
There are two things in this house that Alex and myself can’t wait to experience.
One is to light up the fireplace. The other is to relax in the spa!
(Justin graciously showed us how to operate both – I’m glad he did! I don’t want to burn the place down!)
We did both that night – Clayton was all excited about the fire and yes, he slept soundly on the nice big bed!
The bed is one of the most comfortable ones we have slept in! Thanks, Justin!
Besides the Olive House, Hapuku has six guestrooms in its main lodge above its award winning Hapuku Cafe, which serves organic produce.
Unfortunately, the lodge does not accept small children.
We first thing we did the next morning was to check out the scenery. The clouds were hovering over the mountains so it was a little disappointing.
Rates for the Olive House starts from NZ$340 and as for the lodge, rates ranges from NZ$270 - $295 (includes breakfast). This is applicable for winter specials only.
If you like a New Zealand bed and breakfast with a touch of luxury, try Hapuku lodge.
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Shotover Lodge, Queenstown
Right. I am about to share with you our most pampered experience of this 4-week trip.
This is also our most luxurious New Zealand bed and breakfast visited.
I had searched a long list of accommodation websites in preparation for our trip. Many hours were spent evaluating the rooms, facilities, rates, location and other details.
We want to make sure our money is well spent and the memories pleasant.
There is one place that gives Alex and myself very fond memories.
It is The Shotover Lodge. We stayed in many luxury new Zealand accommodations. But this place deserves a special mention.
When you stay in a beautiful place like this, you don’t want to leave.
We were pampered with personal service from Steve (the owner, the man!) the minute we stepped into the lodge.
It sits quietly in a supreme spot overlooking The Shotover river and The Remarkables. We can even catch a glimpse of the Coronet Peak on the balcony of our en-suite room.
This is the only accommodation in our trip that does not have kitchen facilities. Thus, I was initially worried about Clayton's meals.
Thankfully, we have a pair of friendly and helpful hosts, Steve and Jeannette.
There is no doubt about the award-winning hospitality reputation they have earned.
This lodge is luxurious in every detail. From the well-manicured gardens to the quality furnishings, the ambience is lovely and relaxed.
We have never been so well-hosted in our travel history and it is nice having a home-cooked 3-course gourmet breakfast every morning.
Yes, it's a 3-course breakfast! Plus the pre-dinner canapes which Jeannette creatively prepares in the evening.
Yummy!
Jeannette is a great cook and her green fingers can be seen in those lovely cherry blossoms that surrounds the lodge.
Steve is fantastic in making us feel at home. We had a great time chatting about our adventures and he would share his hospitality experiences with us.
He is a great help in getting our day planned too. You can count on him to offer you his local opinions and experiences on where to go, what to do and where to pig out.
The room in the lodge is something else.
It is spacious, relaxed and cosy, with stunning views of Coronet Peak from the balcony.
Check the views of the Remarkables from the ceiling windows. How lovely! We particularly love the warm rays coming through from the ceiling windows and the balcony at dawn and at dusk. The beds are comfortable to ensure a good night rest after a long day of exploring and adventure.
The only thing we didn’t get to do (unfortunately) is the cliff-top Jacuzzi. If only the weather wasn’t that cold those two nights.
Imagine stargazing in the cliff-top Jacuzzi with your loved one. A must do for honey-mooners!
I must make special mention that Jeannette bakes the best cookies. I thoroughly enjoy them (I finished them!)
To me, this is far better than staying in an expensive hotel if your budget permits. Here, it’s like staying with two good friends who love to pamper you and always making sure that you are well and happy!
If you need a friendly New Zealand bed and breakfast to rejuvenate, reflect, relax and recharge – look no further.
Comparing with many luxury New Zealand bed and breakfast in this region, it is affordable. Not cheap but not at rates that scare you either.
The Shotover is only 5 minutes drive from town, the same road leading to Arrowtown.
Great choice as it is an accommodation queenstown does not offer.
It’s walking distance to the popular Shotover Jet if you are seeking for some good fun.
Rates start from NZ$385 for a room (only three available) but the lodge does offer specials during off peak or shoulder season.
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Blue Ridge Boutique Accommodation, Te Anau
When you have driven or traveled for six hours (total) in a day, you want to relax in a comfortable place.
This is one of the few quality New Zealand bed & breakfast in the Te Anau region.
Blue Ridge is located just 500 metres from Te Anau town centre in a secluded and private landscaped garden.
We were greeted by Julia, a friendly and soft-spoken lady and owner of this New Zealand bed and breakfast accommodation.
There are only four rooms (to ensure you receive excellent service and attention);
three brand new, beautifully appointed studio units comprising one family unit with queen & single bed and wheelchair access and two king studio units.
One other queen room is set within the main house with separate bathroom, TV, tea and coffee making facilities.
You even have your own outside door.
Julia showed us to our family unit (Kaka room) which comes with a king (UK super king) bed.
One look at this room and you notice the meticulous and artistic fingers of Julia.
It is neat, tidy, clean and pleasantly decorated in cool beige tonings accented with a vibrant red couch, cushions and accessories.
The colours of the furniture and furnishings are so well coordinated.
Our family unit is disabled friendly and the only one with full cooking facilities while the other two studio units have only kitchenettes.
The room is not as spacious as The Shotover, Queenstown or Glenfern Villas, Franz Josef but yet, it is very cosy and comfortable.
In Blue Ridge, you don't have to go far for breathtaking views.
Just step out of your door and you can enjoy awesome views of the Keppler and/or Murchison mountains.
Julia even set up a cot for little Clayton.
The time we enjoyed most (most memorable for us) during the one night stay is breakfast time in the house.
Not so much for the food but it’s the time of getting to know Julia and meeting Phillip.
As we all know that it's the people you encounter who can make a vast difference to your experience.
This is a popular New Zealand bed and breakfast during peak season so book early. Rates are reasonably priced at:
Kaka and Tui Rooms - $195 - $225 for two adults.
Bellbird Room - $185 - $215 per double.
Kea Room - $125 - $150 per double.
(Breakfasts included)
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