At TravelEssence we are convinced that accommodation should be far more than just a place to sleep. It should be a place that you feel pleased to be in. Comfortable, spacious, great views, away from the masses, peace and tranquillity. For the same or less money as a standard hotel or a camper, you can be staying somewhere special in the nature. The accommodations we offer are small – scale and carefully chosen. Because we are frequently visiting the different accommodations you can be sure of their quality.
In every place you get a warm welcome by your hosts who know how to make yourself fell at home. You will stay with locals who are happy to share their knowledge on the region. In many cases you can enjoy walks through forests or over mountains, or swims in private waterfalls or thermal pools all without leaving your accommodation. Stay a few days on every spot, enjoy, discover and relax. At their place you feel more like a friend than a tourist.
Price
NZ$ 230 - 285
Hosts
Maureen & Don Hurst
Where
Northland
The Bay Cottage provides a unique 'Hideaway Holiday stopover", a cosy cottage for two in a waterfront location in a peaceful sheltered Bay. The two level dwelling is surrounded by native bush and bird life. The Cottage is situated in Te Wahapu Bay where this area and The Bay Of Islands in general, was the scene of the first European habitation in New Zealand.
Price
NZ& 160 - 205
Where
Northland
Sleep
Queen beds
Another quality 'Hideaway Holidays' Cottage 'built for two' on an elevated coastal site with extensive sea and countryside views and all-day sun position. Fully self-contained, one level with ample deck space facing the sea. Fringed by native trees and plants and ample bird life.
Price
NZ $ 250
Where
Northland
Sleep
Super king beds
Guadalest offers a very warm welcome to guests. For the first time, this prestigious family home is available for bed & breakfast holiday accommodation. Overlooking the Bay of Islands it has stunning views from a sun-drenched patio featuring an infinity pool and barbecue area - the perfect spot in which to relax and unwind.
Price
NZ$ 205 - 220
Hosts
Simone & Martin
Where
Auckland
The Woods has two spacious well appointed rooms complete with luxurious en-suite bathrooms. Surrounded by 360 degrees of native trees and birds it is perfect for relaxation and privacy within a tranquil setting. There are two spacious lounge areas with comfortable seating and a roaring log fire to make for a cosy evening in with a glass (or two!) of wine.
Price
NZ $ 350
Hosts
Patrick Bourke
Where
Auckland
“Just Pure Bliss” – Omaha Beach House is a unique architectually designed modern accommodation on the North Island offering unobstructed views over the sand dunes to Omaha Beach and the Matakana Coast with Great Barrier Island on the horizon. The accommodation is close to the beach and it is only 7 minutes drive to the vineyards of Matakana, the local Omaha saturday morning market and various art galleries.
Price
NZ $ 196 - 256
Where
Auckland
Sleep
King / twin beds
The Langham Hotel Auckland exudes a timeless elegance that celebrates the past, yet embraces the future. As a luxury Auckland hotel, we will enchant you with our tradition of graceful living.
Price
NZ$ 295
Hosts
Lorraine & Bill Muir
Where
Coromandel
An elegant beach house overlooking Kuaotunu bay, on a 4 hectare property in both bush and pasture. Purpose built for guests in 2000 we offer a true :"kiwi" experience in a relaxed style.
Price
NZ$ 158
Hosts
Julie & Donovan
Where
Waikito
Redwood lodge is a superbly comfortable country lodge and sits amid 8 acres of peaceful rolling \'park-like\' grounds including an acre of redwood forest. Guests can be assured of a warm and friendly welcome, and smart accommodation offering some essential home-from-home comforts.
Price
NZ$ 295
Hosts
Oscar Nathan
Where
Rotorua
Exclusively yours, and located adjacent to the bubbling mud pools and fumaroles of Kuirau Park, the MUD HUT Maruata is a proudly Maori owned and operated oasis, that is centrally located and contemporary in design. Soak yourself in the healing waters waiariki of the outdoor spa bath or learn more about the local people Te Arawa and the language te reo as you read through the literature and stories of this magical slice of Aotearoa New Zealand.
Price
NZ$ 150 - 165
Hosts
Graeme & Raewyn
Where
Nelson
Absolute waterfront, private beach and jetty with complimentary use of kayaks, row boat and bicycles. This is a truly unique summer or winter holiday experience. Swim, sunbathe or relax and enjoy gorgeous lake edge setting.
Price
NZ $ 355 - 420
Where
Bay of Plenty
Sleep
King and queen beds
Nicara Lakeside Cottage, on the shores of Lake Rotorua, stands in its own grounds with superb lakeside views, a small beach and private jetty. The enclosed gardens are a special feature, leading to the lake. A covered pergola offers a sheltered setting to enjoy drinks as the sun sets. A wide elevated deck is an ideal place to sunbathe or BBQ. Nicara Cottage has been assessed by Qualmark, the official New Zealand accreditation agency as 4+ Stars under their "Holiday Home" category.
Price
NZ $ 485 - 525
Hosts
Heather & Mike
Where
Bay of Plenty
Imagine yourself feeding the wildfowl from the spacious grounds, exploring private beaches in a kayak or simply relaxing in your luxury accommodation. Experience a helicopter or floatplane excursion; skim across the lake in a jetboat or troll for a trout and all this right from the grounds of our luxury lodge - Nicara Lakeside Lodge.
Treetops Lodge & Wilderness Experience
Price
NZ $ 665 - 1160
Hosts
John Sax
Where
Bay of Plenty
New Zealand, or Aotearoa, is a mythical land steeped in legend and mystery. The diverse landscape of Rotorua is where adventure abounds. Treetops Lodge offers the ultimate in world class luxury accommodation and is located in the heart of the trout fishing capital of the world and famed therapeutic thermal region, Rotorua, New Zealand.
Price
NZ$ 248
Hosts
Gayle & Denton
Where
Central Plateau
The lodge offers 4 superbly appointed rustic timber units in lodge and boutique cottage style accommodation. Lying on the banks of the Mangawhero river spacious units and guest only facilities provide for a relaxing private retreat taking in prominent views of Mt Ruapehu.
Price
NZ $ 250 - 400
Hosts
Linda & Van Howard
Where
Hawkes Bay
Tom’s Cottages is a romantic accommodation in a natural setting. A perfect location to relax and enjoy the calm and rest in the Tuki Tuki River Valley on the North Island of New Zealand.
Price
NZ $ 352 - 402
Hosts
Amo & John
Where
Wellington
Kapiti island Alive & Kapiti Nature Lodge is one of New Zealand’s premier nature experiences, offering bush and coastal walks and treks, and simple but comfortable bush cottages and cabins. We have options to be very active, or very relaxed. Kapiti Island is a protected island wildlife sanctuary, with exclusive entry limited to small number of visitors daily. No large crowds or mass tourism to worry about at Kapiti Island.
Price
NZ $ 215 - 300
Hosts
Jane Tolerton
Where
Wellington
Booklovers Bed and Breakfast is an elegantly-restored Victorian house in downtown Wellington, owned and operated by writer Jane Tolerton. It is the perfect place for people who love culture and nature. It is close to mid-city, within walking distance of dozens of cafes and restaurants, Te Papa (the national museum), the Museum of Wellington and the City Art Gallery.
Price
NZ$ 135
Hosts
Rodney & Cherie Trevurza
Where
Nelson
Dehra Doon Chalets on the South Island is a quiet, comfortable accommodation in a rural setting on a private 6 hectare lifestyle block. The Abel Tasman National Park, Kaiteriteri Beach and the village of Motueka are all within a 10 minute drive.
Price
NZ$ 590 - 690
Hosts
Steve & Wendy Wood
Where
Nelson
Korimako is a small country lodge in a spectacular setting - glorious views, secluded, casually stylish and relaxing. You can fish for trout in a brown trout fishing paradise, explore the forest, raft and kayak the nearby rivers, observe the birdlife, walk in the forest, explore our historic district or simply sit back and relax and soak up the view.
Price
NZ$ 1290
Hosts
Peter & Bobbie Martin
Where
Nelson
Tatler, the UK society magazine, has named Edenhouse as one of the “101 Best Hotels of the World” in its 2010 Travel Guide. This prestigious small lodge is situated within 48 acres of private grounds and extensive gardens.
Price
NZ $ 235 - 510
Hosts
Dave and Pam Birt
Where
Abel Tasman
Fancy staying in the middle of the vineyards? That is possible in The Old Schoolhouse Vineyard Cottage, a stylish accommodation in a picturesque setting amongst rows of grapevines of Kina Beach Vineyard, only 200 m from Kina Beach on the South Island.
Price
NZ$ 153 - 280
Hosts
Wendy & Marcel
Where
West Coast
Glenfern Villas, just 3,5 kilometers north of the Franz Josef township, offers 18 villas, located in a rural setting with alpine, bush and rural views from every villa. This is an ideal place for a holiday adventure in the mountains or a relaxing stay in a tranquil surrounding.
Price
NZ$ 290 - 370
Hosts
Pauline & Hemi Te Rakau
Where
West Coast
Situated on the New Zealand West Coast of the South Islands Southern Alps. Awatuna Homestead offers you so much more than just an elegant accommodation. It is really an escape to a cultural world where you can relax amidst a peaceful setting, yet enjoy a touch of luxury and homely elegance, gain some understanding of the Maori aspects of the Homestead and its environment.
Price
NZ $ 340
Where
Bruce Bay
Sleep
Super king and twin beds
Mahitahi Lodge is surrounded by the majestic South Westland landscape in the township of Bruce Bay, the gateway to Glacier Country. The bay itself is unique in that the ancient rimu forests reach down to the quiet rugged beach.Bruce Bay, Te Tauraka o Maui, has special cultural significance to maori. Visit the nearby Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers and Lake Mathieson (the mirror lake) is a “must see” while here as well.
Price
NZ $ 190 - 295
Where
West Coast
Sleep
Queen beds
Hydrangea cottages are secluded and stylish self contained cottages surrounded by native bush, wild hydrangeas and huge limestone outcrops.We are 600m south of the Pancake Rocks and border the Paparoa National Park, with sweeping views of the Tasman sea.
Price
NZ $ 275 - 425
Hosts
Allison & Andre Gygax
Where
West Coast
Take time out, (you won’t regret it,) from your journey for a few days, to relax and unwind at Birds Ferry Lodge.
Price
NZ$ 180
Hosts
Kerry & Murray Cox
Where
Canterbury
Hamilton apartment is a self contained, top floor apartment with its own access. It has amazing views of the lake, mountains and the stars at night. A quiet and relaxing place to stay.
Price
NZ $ 170 - 230
Where
Canterbury
Sleep
King, queen and twin beds
Relax in the garden hot-tub, sit on the verandah with a glass of wine and gaze at the stars and snow-capped mountains, or enjoy our lounge for cosy evenings next to the woodfire. Known as Old Maud Foster\'s place after the original owner, Nikau Lodge was built in 1925. The glow of native Rimu and Matai is everywhere, and the warm burgundy and yellow colours give to the place a cosy homely feeling...
Price
NZ $ 250 335
Hosts
Lynn and David
Where
Canterbury
Come and gaze at our fabulous view, with the ocean so close you can smell the salt spray! Catch a romantic moonrise, a theatrical sunset performance, or experience a screaming southerly front approach? Watch dolphins play at the edge of the front lawn, or maybe just outside your room window?
Price
NZ $ 350-400
Hosts
Penny & Bert
Where
Canterbury
Peel Forest Lodge is one of the South Island\'s best kept secrets, nestled amongst native bush on the edge of the Southern Alps. Enjoy the warmth of this fully equipped, modern log home.
Price
NZ & 150-260
Hosts
Carolyn & Graeme Murray
Where
Lake Tekapo
"Parkbrae Estate is so much more than a stay... it is an experience! Preferred by so many due to its unique style cottages and units (apartments), peaceful surroundings and privileged location! No doubt the spot in Tekapo!
Price
NZ$ 375 - 500
Hosts
Meg
Where
Otago
Riverrun offers relaxation, fine food and wine, space, peace and privacy and magnificent views only 5kms drive from Wanaka resort. Set on an escarpment with panoramic views of the Southern Alps, the lodge is surrounded by 500 acres bordering the Clutha and Cardrona rivers with walks and running trails on the property.
Pice
NZ $ 213 - 330
Hosts
Many & Wayne Enoka
Where
Otago
Come discover the secret that is Te Wanaka Lodge. Nestled beneath the old walnut tree, Te Wanaka Lodge provides a haven of beauty and relaxation in the heart of Lake Wanaka village. One block from the town centre, two blocks from the lake, the Lodge is perfectly appointed for you to enjoy your time here ... yet still feel set apart from the hustle and bustle.
Price
NZ $ 170-185
Where
Otago
Sleep
Queen beds
Captain Eady\'s Lookout, a delightful home stay bed and breakfast, is situated on the water’s edge at Portobello on the Otago Peninsula, 20 km\'s from Dunedin.
Price
NZ 207 - 250$
Hosts
Christine & Jim
Where
Fiordland
The Captains Lookout is locared at Lake Manapouri which has about 35 small and large islands, 100kms of shoreline varying from tiny white beaches to sheer ice carved fiords .
Price
NZ$ 640 - 1,140
Hosts
Andy Cunningham
Where
Te Anau
Fiordland Lodge was built in 2002 overlooking Lake Te Anau and is surrounded by the Fiordland National Park, known for hiking, fly fishing and outdoor adventure in one of New Zealand’s most scenic locations.
Price
NZ$ 170 - 210
Hosts
Fergus & Mary Sutherland
Where
Southland
Experience The Catlins for yourself, at your own pace and in a comfortable, safe and environmentally sustainable cottage, fully equipped with bedding, cooking and eating utensils. Each cottage is self-contained and private and located on the edge of our 8 hectare native forest covenant at Mohua Park, Tawanui, The Catlins.
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