5 New Zealand lodges loved by the Royal Family

Since the Queen first stepped ashore New Zealand in 1953, the country’s vast array of luxury lodges have been the accommodation of choice for visiting royals. Here we unveil the best of the best lodges, with the royal family’s stamp of approval.

Huka Lodge, Lake Taupo

Topping the list is Taupo’s Huka Lodge in the central North Island – a favourite of Britain’s HM Queen Elizabeth II who has stayed at the secluded property several times.

Regularly awarded for its elegant accommodation, service excellence and fine dining, Huka Lodge has no shortage of accolades, including ranked #42 in our countdown of ‘100 Best Hotels and Resorts in the World’. The revered Huka Lodge joined the Baillie Lodges portfolio of luxury accommodations in early 2021 and is in good company; Longitude 131°, Capella Lodge, Silky Oaks Lodge, Southern Ocean Lodge (to be rebuilt) in Australia and Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge in Canada all fall under the Baillie Lodges’ banner.

It’s been said that Her Royal Highness is especially fond of the trout fishing here, which guests can enjoy a few steps from the lodge, situated on the banks of the Waikato River.

Joining Queen Elizabeth and the Queen Mother on Huka Lodge’s guest register is a long list of princes and princesses, dukes and duchesses, lords and ladies from the United Kingdom, Netherlands, Belgium, Luxemburg, Denmark and France.

Taupo’s Huka Lodge in the central North Island is a favourite with the Royals.

Stewart Island Lodge

Prince Henry of Wales found a home away from home at Stewart Island Lodge when he visited New Zealand’s island hideaway during a week-long tour in May 2015.

The six-bedroom bed and breakfast owned by Real Journeys boasts stunning sea views and native bush surrounds, and is just a short walk from the centre of Oban, Stewart Island’s village.

Prince Harry shared the view on Instagram with a photo of the sunrise from his balcony and enjoyed a close encounter with a kaka (a large, forest-dwelling native New Zealand parrot), one of many native birds that can be spotted from the lodge.

Stewart Island Lodge was Prince Henry’s home away from home in 2015.

Wharekauhau Lodge, Wairarapa

Wharekauhau Country Estate, set on a 5000-acre working sheep station overlooking Palliser Bay north of Wellington, joined the list of New Zealand royal residences when the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge first arrived in New Zealand to embark on their 2014 tour.

Wharekauhau (which means “place of knowledge"), began life as a sheep station in the 1840s, but has since been transformed into a lavish hideaway that ranked #11 in our countdown of ‘100 Best Hotels and Resorts’.

As a melting pot of luxury accommodation and soft adventure, horse trekking, archery, clay bird shooting and golf is all readily available.

And being on the doorstep of the boutique Martinborough wine region, fine food and wine is never far away either.

Wharekauhau Lodge is set on a 5000-acre working sheep station north of Wellington.

Riverrun Lodge, Wanaka

Prince Harry also took time out from his full New Zealand schedule to enjoy a private, overnight visit to Riverrun Lodge, near Lake Wanaka in the picturesque Southern Lakes region.

As well as being a small luxury lodge, Riverrun is also a 500-acre working sheep farm.

Set on an escarpment – the remains of an ancient glacier terminal moraine – bordering New Zealand’s largest river, the Clutha, Riverrun guests have access to 30 kilometres of walks and running trails.

As indulgent as the views is the dining, featuring a selection of local ingredients like Cardrona merino lamb, Aoraki salmon and Blue River sheep’s cheese.

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Matakauri Lodge, Queenstown

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s 2014 tour included a visit to Queenstown, New Zealand’s year-round adventure resort, now rated one of the most popular holiday destinations in the world.

As well as checking out local attractions like jet boating at Shotover and wine tasting at Amisfield, the couple experienced some of the region’s famous luxury accommodation, enjoying a night at the award-winning Matakauri Lodge on the banks of Lake Wakatipu.

With panoramic views of the lake and the dramatic Remarkables mountain range from every suite, Matakauri Lodge is part of the Relais & Châteaux global family, priding itself on fine haute cuisine and down-to-earth New Zealand service.

The award-winning Matakauri Lodge on the banks of Lake Wakatipu in Queenstown.

Slow travel is encouraging us all to take our time and truly experience our journeys, and cruising has always been the perfect way to do just that.

The slow travel trend isn’t going anywhere. Instead of racing through a packed itinerary, travellers are opting for extended travel, allowing for a more immersive experience – as well as the time to actually feel reset and rested at the end of the journey. Part of that travel style is choosing the best method of travel. With none of the hassle, plenty to enjoy between ports, and port stops that allow time spent in a new place with a new culture, cruising may just be the slow travel answer.

And Royal Caribbean‘s new 16-night Long Adventure cruise itinerary from Sydney to Honolulu might just be the perfect slow adventure to get you started. After all, nothing says slow travel like getting on island time.

Immersive travel itinerary

moorea lagoon Pacific Double-saddle Butterflyfish — Dive into underwater worlds. (Credit: Getty/ Global Pics)

On this journey connecting Australia to Hawaiʻi, guests have a chance to experience destinations and culture that typically aren’t combined into one leisurely-paced trip. From tropical South Pacific islands to the beauty and culture of Hawaiʻi, each port offers its own rewards. Not to mention sea days in between to rest and reflect.

Stop in Papeete, Tahiti, to watch waves roll over black and white sand beaches. Or wander through tropical beauty at Paofai Gardens. While in French Polynesia, gaze on the jagged green peaks of Moorea. Here, snorkel among vibrant coral and tropical fish in the Lagoonarium. Later, experience the lesser-travelled Raiatea – where coral gardens practically explode with marine life and inland hiking trails lead to waterfalls. End the journey with the golden beaches and rich culture of Honolulu.

More time to connect

wave rider on anthem of the seas royal caribbean — Use sea days to make new memories together.

The essential factor that makes cruising the ultimate form of slow travel? Time on board is never wasted. On Anthem of the Seas® during your Long Adventure cruise, that could look like booking a seat for world-class theatre productions and live shows. Or spending time together in one of the many pools, bars and lounges for all moods.

Head to the adults-only Solarium, an indoor-outdoor retreat sitting right at the front of the ship for epic views from the swimming pools, whirlpools and lounge area. With something on every night, take in the onboard entertainment and nightlife. Like We Will Rock You – the West End musical featuring the legendary hits of Queen.

Built-in pauses

RCI Vitality℠ Spa — Enjoy a spa treatment at Vitality Spa.

We so often forget to factor in time to pause and reflect when we travel, but sea days are a built-in deep breath. Take advantage of resort-style living at sea to disconnect and avoid the trap of a frantic holiday schedule.

On Anthem of the Seas, expansive spaces have been designed specifically to help guests relax, reset and enjoy the journey. Spend time together enjoying onboard entertainment, dining, or lounging by the pool. Head to the observatory to check out an unpolluted night sky. Or, for something truly special, book a restorative massage or rejuvenating facial at Vitality℠ Spa.

Remove travel hassle

royal caribbean anthem of the seas royal loft balcony room — Unpack once, and return to your own comfortable room every night.

Instead of sweating as you run from one airport gate to another, getting grumpy because everyone is sleep-deprived or having to unpack and pack over and over again, travel time is spent creating new memories together. Simply depart from Sydney and let the rest be taken care of for you.

Unpack once, and return to the same comfortable room every night. This all-inclusive cruise brings together accommodation, dining, entertainment and transport in one seamless experience. It’s a more considered way to travel, offering exceptional value and removing logistics.

Dine at your leisure

Izumi Sashimi — Dine on flavours from around the world.

With world-class dining and a choice of over 18 dining options on board Anthem of the Seas, indulge your senses at any time (and never feel rushed). Take advantage of Royal Caribbean’s Dynamic Dining concept, allowing guests to choose from multiple complimentary restaurants, each with its own distinct style.

Or, book in for an elevated experience at specialty dining venues, with flavours from around the world. Tuck into Jamie’s Italian, led by the celebrated British chef Jamie Oliver. Enjoy Japanese delicacies at Izumi. For something really special, join the Chef’s Table, where up to 14 guests can indulge in a five-course wine-pairing dinner hosted nightly by an Executive Chef and Sommelier.

And with 11 bars and lounges to choose from, there’s always a new spot to enjoy a tipple. Like the unique mixology experience at Bionic Bar, or caipirinhas at the ship’s Latin-themed club, Boleros.

A taste of diverse cultures

Let Anthem of the Seas transport you overnight between diverse international ports. With cruising, there’s no need to pick just one destination. The longer, more immersive Transpacific cruise itinerary allows travellers to experience a range of destinations and cultures all across Oceania.

Head inland at Papeete to discover the story behind one of Tahiti’s most iconic treasures at the Robert Wan Pearl Museum. Visit the sacred Marae Taputapuātea on Raiatea, a UNESCO World Heritage site, before leaning into the relaxed local rhythm in Uturoa commune. And delve into the rich and diverse cultural heritage of Hawaiʻi.

The luxury of time

royal caribbean solarium — Relax in adult-only areas of the ship.

The greatest luxury that cruising provides is that of time. More time to disconnect, more time to explore, and more time to enjoy the journey at your own pace. This Long Adventure voyage isn’t just about racing from destination to destination; it’s about how you get there. Taking your own time, both on sea days and during days on land.

Start planning your Long Adventure at royalcaribbean.com.au.