Don't leave town until you've seen the country! Remember the 1980s New Zealand tourism campaign? Now we're all living it – and in 2026, holidaying at home remains a fantastic way to explore our island paradise. We've compiled a list of places to stay from fancy to fun – with the idea of booking a room with a view.
Luxury
When your New Zealand holiday is all about champagne wishes and caviar dreams you shoot for the stars. The Bay of Many Coves in the Marlborough Sounds is isolated, private and in an idyllic setting with water views from your room across the bay. And in total luxury, you'll be sleeping on our very own Sleepyhead commercial mattresses. You're near the famous 71km Queen Charlotte track or you can hit the water in a kayak or paddle board. Check 2026 packages and availability here.
What about a room with absolute indoor outdoor flow? Not camping, but sleeping in a PurePod. Spend the night in a glass haven with killer views, where lying in bed and opening up the pod feels like you're immersed in the surrounding flora and fauna. A night in nature, stargazing at one of six South Island locations in absolute tranquility and peace – book your PurePod experience here.
How about a remote, windswept location with stunning views from Cape Kidnappers and a cheeky round of golf on one of New Zealand's premier courses? It's called The Farm at Cape Kidnappers but don't think shearing quarters – this is the pure definition of luxury lodge living. View The Farm at Cape Kidnappers rates and availability here.
If money is absolutely no object, you've got a helicopter or super yacht, and if you have the right connections, you can stay at Great Mercury Island. The island is owned by banker Michael Fay, of Fay Richwhite notoriety, so it's strictly private property – enquire about private bookings here.
Quirky
Who doesn't want to experience absolute waterfront with stunning views across the Cook Strait? The Lighthouse in Island Bay, just 15 minutes from Wellington CBD, remains a very cool place to stay in 2026. Check availability at The Lighthouse here.
Like shipping containers, grain silos are being converted and turned into all manner of things from restaurants to bars, homes, shops and accommodation. SiloStay, just out of Christchurch, has rooms inside custom designed grain silos. View SiloStay 2026 rates and availability here. Up the coast in Kaikoura there are treehouses you can sleep in with amazing views of the coast from your bedroom at Hapuku Lodge. Book Hapuku Lodge treehouses here.
Surround yourself in sculptures, gardens and kitsch art at The Giant's House at Akaroa – sold online as the happiest place on earth. Inside The Giant's House there are several rooms including one where you'll spend the night in a boat bed. Check The Giant's House B&B availability here.
Relaxing
What happens if you just want to spend a night somewhere doing absolutely nothing but soaking up the atmosphere? Kokohuia Lodge up in Omapere, Northland is off-grid eco accommodation with stunning views across the Hokianga Harbour and those wild sand dunes. Book Kokohuia Lodge here. Auckland CBD has a myriad of accommodation and there are now several established luxury hotels in trendy precincts like Britomart and Wynyard Quarter.
The Travelodge Hotel Auckland Wynyard Quarter has views over the harbour and yachts below and is the perfect place to chill out from the busy city below. View Travelodge Wynyard Quarter 2026 rates here. Plus you get to fall asleep on a comfy supportive Sleepyhead commercial mattress.
Finally, immerse yourself in a remote room that's set into the wild west coast bush with coastal views and absolute seclusion. Woodpecker Hut on the West Coast – halfway between Greymouth and Westport – has a cedar hot tub to sit and soak up the views, plus a log burner inside to keep you all snuggly and warm. Book Woodpecker Hut here.
Adventure
Sometimes you just appreciate a comfy bed and a place to relax that little bit more after a day spent exploring our beautiful country. Putting in the adventure miles doesn't necessarily mean bunking down in a tent in the middle of nowhere.
The Milford and Routeburn Tracks in Fiordland both have more upmarket alternatives to staying in DOC huts, with crisp clean white sheets on beds instead of bunks and a hot shower at the end of a hard day's walking. Check Routeburn Track guided luxury walk packages here. Why munch on scroggin when you could sip award winning wines while dining on anything other than freeze-dried food?
To the top of the South Island, the Abel Tasman is another great walk but you can kayak it as well. It's easy enough to paddle your way into the park then stay at Torrent Bay in the lodge to relax and have someone else take care of you instead of setting up a tent in a campground. Book Abel Tasman kayaking and lodge stays here.
If mountain biking is your thing, try a private 27km loop trail south of Queenstown in Otago and en route there are the Mud and Slate Huts to give you absolute solitude. While they're not exactly 5-star, they are all yours for the night and come with an open fire place, an outdoor bath, and bunks. Book Mud and Slate Huts here.
Finally, why not push the boat out with a trip into one of the loveliest spots this author has experienced in the New Zealand backcountry. The Siberia Valley is in Mount Aspiring National Park and the views are jaw-droppingly beautiful. It's possible to helicopter or fly into the valley and stay the night in the Siberia Hut. Check Siberia Hut availability via DOC here.