8 Wellness holidays in New Zealand for mind, body and soul

If you’ve ever fancied giving stand-up paddleboarding a go or want to keep up your yoga routine, Surf N Stay has you covered. This modern B&B in the Coromandel offers a variety of beach activities and is most famous for its surfing classes.

If you’re feeling social or want to cut down on costs, they have hostel-style accommodation, as well. While some might laugh at the idea of a surf holiday as a “wellness retreat,” is there really anything more freeing than kicking back in the waves and feeling the sun on your back?

Whangamata, where the rainforest meets the beach, is also a perfect destination for those looking to escape the city and enjoy a waterfall hike, bird watching, or kayaking. Surf N Stay can point you in the right direction to experience all the region has to offer.

One of Auckland’s most highly-regarded luxury resorts, Castaways feels hundreds of kilometres away from the city, but it’s roughly an hour’s drive from downtown. The private ocean feel and numerous walking tracks are perfect for getting away from it all. When you get up out of your super king-size bed, make yourself a coffee in your own kitchenette and spend your morning relaxing on your sprawling private deck with panoramic ocean views

If you and your partner are more the adventurous type, opt for spending your nights in one of the property’s glamping tents with stunning outdoor baths. Seamlessly blending nature and luxury, nothing helps to refresh the senses quite like the combination of steam, hot water, and views of the native bushland and Pacific that stretch out for miles. Enjoy with a glass of wine in hand and you’re good to go.

Castaways is home to a highly-regarded restaurant which serves up all kinds of tantalizing seafood options, such as the Salmon a la Planca in coconut curry broth. For dessert, try their unique twist on a classic: the matcha and rum tiramisu. You wouldn’t guess green tea and tiramisu could possibly go so well together until you’ve tried it.

If you’re flying in and out of New Zealand’s capital but prefer to stay away from the city bustle, there is no better option than Edgewater Lodge. This waterfront bed and breakfast features luxurious rooms fitted out with all the mod cons and impressive decks where you can spend your mornings staring out at ocean views with your morning coffee in hand. It’s a short walk to the beach, which is an oasis of quiet that’s surprisingly close to the city. A nationally-regarded B&B, it offers full china service.

Stella, the host at Edgewater, is the former owner and chef of an award-winning Wellington restaurant. She privately caters for visiting dignitaries and Hollywood stars, and if you’re looking to indulge your taste buds there’s no better option on this list. Her eggs benedict gets rave reviews, or if you’re after comfort food, try the pancakes. There are always pastries and home-baked scones at the coffee cart, too. After your gourmet breakfast, curl up in their cozy lounge with a good book and let the world drift away.

Ranked as one of the top 25 ecolodges in the world by National Geographic, The Resurgence is every bit deserving of its somewhat dramatic name. Set on a huge tract of native bush that’s home to plenty of New Zealand’s famous birdlife, you’ll wake up to the sound of birdsong every morning. With suites set in the luscious bush. It’s a perfect base to call home while exploring the Nelson region. Each room is designed with indoor-outdoor flow in mind to make you feel at one with the deep green of your natural surroundings.

Home to an internationally recognized menu featuring local ingredients and produce–not to mention the local wine–The Resurgence may tempt you to stay hidden away for the entirety of your stay. If you do decide to explore Nelson, you’ll find it’s an artist’s paradise with eclectic markets, studios showcasing silversmithing, pottery and flax weaving (just to name a few), and unique hippie culture. Sunny, rejuvenating, and just a little quirky, Nelson is off the beaten path for many of New Zealand’s international travellers, where you can escape the throngs of tourists that congregate in more publicised destinations.

If your idea of wellness involves hiking and exploring in addition to facials and pedicures, look no further than Split Apple Lodge. This boutique eco-hotel offers views over Tasman Bay and the Marlborough Sounds. It’s the closest high-end accommodation to Abel Tasman National Park, and while the words “national park” may not immediately evoke thoughts of luxury spas and saunas, the Split Apple has you covered on that front, too. Their spa options include massage therapy, infra-red sauna, and steam rooms.

The Split Apple is all about cultivating your mind as well as your body, and they have a number of cultural offerings for guests to explore and enjoy as well. Try a calligraphy lesson or learn the art of the Japanese tea ceremony while you’re there.

The Hanmer Springs thermal pools and nearby Dog Stream Recreation Reserve are one of the top wellness destinations on New Zealand’s south island. Home to the famous Hanmer Spa & Artisan Spa, the area is known as a destination for holidaymakers and those seeking top-end, internationally acclaimed skin care treatment and repairs. If you want to be in the thick of the action, The Hanmer Springs Retreat Hotel is a short walk away from all this and more.

If your wellness goals involve getting out and staying fit, Hanmer Springs Retreat is an excellent base camp for exploring the area on two wheels. The nearby forest offers 66 kilometres of mountain bike track through heritage woodlands. Rides are available to suit all skill levels and the staff at the Retreat can organize bike rental or guided tours depending on your preference.

Queenstown has a reputation as both a party town and an adventure destination. Its siren song calls out to bungee jumpers, snowboarders, and mountain bikers. However, there is an alternative to the bustle and noise that allows visitors time and space to indulge themselves at a quieter pace (if so desired).

Set on tranquil grounds outside of Arrowtown, Millbrook Resort is one of the region’s premier luxury destinations. It features an award-winning spa, daily yoga sessions, bike hire, golf, and outdoor hot pools. No matter how you prefer to relax, your bases are covered.

A short drive from many of Queenstown’s most scenic walking tracks. Arrowtown in the autumn can’t be beaten for its colours, and in the spring and early summer, the lupines blooming along the Arrow River are not to be missed.

Just outside Queenstown proper with wide-angle views of the Remarkables mountain range, Hotel Sherwood has been creating a lot of buzz since it was renovated and reopened.

The rejuvenated hotel site is now a full-service wellness getaway, with on-site yoga, a restaurant and market offering local organic produce, and walking and biking trails. The hotel regularly hosts engaging classes and workshops on everything from horticulture to jewellery making. It’s becoming a cultural hotspot in Queenstown as well, with performances by local musicians and readings by local poets and authors.

Hotel Sherwood offers a variety of yoga classes. From Hatha and Vinyasa to evening restorative yoga, choose from small group classes or a one-on-one session if you are just starting out or looking for a more exclusive experience. Follow up your class with one of their massage treatments, which feature organic oils sourced from New Zealand plants.