Award-winning experiences and accommodations in New Zealand in 2024

New Zealand is renowned for its stunning scenery, often showcased in movies and TV shows boasting our otherworldly landscapes and ecosystems. In 2024 alone, New Zealand has been voted the ‘Most Beautiful Country in the World’ by Rough Guides, ‘Best Value Destination’ for 2024 by Loney Planet, and additionally has a myriad of awards for being home to some of the most elite, luxurious and sought after accommodations, experiences, restaurants and activities the world has to offer. Let’s delve into some of New Zealand’s most celebrated and reputable luxury tourism offerings that are sure to end up on your next itinerary when travelling to New Zealand.

Travelling the world’s most beautiful country and getting your money’s worth!

This year, NZ has been named the world’s most beautiful country by Rough Guides, and it’s not hard to understand why. The country has a highly diverse collection of landscapes, from snowy mountainous landscapes and geothermal terraces to subtropical coastlines. New Zealand, seemingly so isolated from the rest of the world, is a country that guarantees to inspire any traveller who journeys here.

The iconic Lonely Planet has named New Zealand’s south island locations the best value destinations of 2024. Although a lengthy flight for most, the country is sure not to break the bank once you arrive. Travellers can enjoy luxury experiences for a reasonable price, and by travelling in groups of family or friends, the expense of a luxury private guided tour becomes almost equivalent to that of a solo traveller- which is indeed great value for money and something all travellers should ponder.

Minaret Station

Minaret Station, a remote and secluded luxury lodge located in New Zealand’s South Island in Wanaka, has been recognised in 2024’s Robb Report for being one of the ‘The 50 Greatest Luxury Hotels on Earth’.  This high country retreat, accessible by heli flight, is the epitome of opulence and luxury. The lodge has only a few chalets for guests to occupy, which means that the experience of staying at Minaret Lodge is highly exclusive and intimate.

The lodge offers premium experiences and activities such as private guided heli-skiing and exploring Mt. Cook, New Zealand’s tallest peak and ancient glacial caves. Once guests have enjoyed an action-filled day, return to the lodge to enjoy a private meal prepared by the in-house chef, consisting of only local sources and fresh ingredients. It’s no surprise that Minaret Station has made its way onto this list, as it is truly one of New Zealand’s greatest luxury stays.

Flockhill Lodge

Flockhill Lodge in the Canterbury high country has been voted #3 in the Robb Report 2024 ‘The 50 Greatest Luxury Hotels on Earth’. Two worlds collide at Flockhill Lodge, combining rugged and remote farmland with ultimate luxury and world-class amenities. The lodge offers guests an option to stay in the Homestead or the Villas, which are set to open in December this year.

The Homestead contains four bedrooms, each boasting views of Lake Pearson and overlooking picturesque rolling hills. The lodge promises guests a luxury experience, with privacy and seclusion and offers private activities such as farm tours, horse treks, fly fishing, heli experiences and even private cooking classes. Flockhill Lodge provides guests a way to experience the best of New Zealand in a way that keeps them ‘off the beaten track’- a truly unique travel experience.

Dive Tutukaka – Time Magazine’s world’s greatest places 2024

Have you ever heard of Tutukaka or maybe Poor Knights Marine Reserve? This world-renowned diving and snorkelling location is celebrated for its marine diversity and is known to be the best sub-tropical diving location in the world.  Dive! Tutakaka has been mentioned in Time Magazines ‘World’s Greatest Places’, offering travellers a once-in-a-lifetime experience exploring Tutukaka Marine Reserve with trained professionals.

No matter your level of expertise, Dive! Tutukaka can cater to everyone, offering snorkelling tours to experienced divers tours and day trips- with a comprehensive diving course for those wishing to learn the skill. Once you are in the water, you will encounter an array of sea life, such as dolphins, stingrays, vibrant coral reefs and native fish in their natural habitats. This experience with Dive Tutukaka promises memories that last a lifetime and the opportunity to build skills to keep you diving in the future!

Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat

This luxury high country retreat has also been featured in Time Magazine’s ‘World’s Greatest Places for 2024’. Mt Cook Lakeside retreat is a one-of-a-kind stay, offering guests premium lakeside villa accommodation with views of Lake Pukaki.  This retreat is three hours from Queenstown or Wanaka by car, or simply take a private heli flight to arrive extravagantly. 

This lakeside retreat has plenty of exclusive experiences and activities to offer guests, one of which is stargazing at Oraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve. Experience ‘Billion Star Dining,’ a Michelin-standard six-course fine dining experience followed by stargazing at Pukaki Observatory. The retreat offers exclusive activities such as fly fishing, guided hikes and nature walks, relaxing spa days, and even private heli picnics. Mt Cook Lakesite retreat offers guests an opportunity to explore some of New Zealand’s most celebrated locations while indulging in pure luxury.

See you soon?

New Zealand has accumulated some fantastic nominations and recognition, and I’m sure it is clear why! After exploring some of these amazing experiences and accommodations, I believe New Zealand will likely be added to all luxury travellers’ wish lists, now equipped with the latest and greatest New Zealand has to offer. Let us know what you think; which one of these would you most like to experience?

Veronika Vermeulen

Veronika Vermeulen is Director of Aroha New Zealand Tours Ltd.
Aroha New Zealand Tours Ltd. has been offering 100% tailored journeys and private guided luxury experiences in New Zealand since 2000.