With the winter chill well and truly in the air, there’s an undeniable allure to cosy escapes and snug hideaways. Fortunately, New Zealand is brimming with inviting destinations that beckon us to embrace the colder months. From rustic retreats to cosy eateries and lakeside luxuries, these handpicked gems chosen by the team at Good offer a respite from the frosty weather and a reminder that adventure knows no season.
Let’s explore the cosiest corners of Aotearoa, where crackling fires, hot cups of tea and outdoor baths await – because who says you have to wait for summer to indulge in a holiday?
Hewlett’s Hideaway: A Rustic Retreat
Nestled on Hewlett Point in Whangārei Harbour, this hideaway offers a serene escape just 2.5 hours from Auckland. Originally a barn, it’s been lovingly renovated into a stylish modern-rustic space with an open-plan layout and a cosy loft bedroom. Surrounded by farmland and tidal flats, you’ll enjoy stunning views and encounters with native birds and farm animals. Don’t miss the chance to stargaze by the fire pit, explore the nearby limestone rocks and take an outdoor bath within the privacy and magic of a large tree canopy.
canopycamping.co.nz/hewletts-hideaway
Circular Bay Cottage: A Cosy Island Escape
Located on the eastern end of Waiheke Island with its own private beach, Circular Bay Cottage offers a perfect retreat for those seeking privacy, relaxation and good times while on holiday. This lovingly restored three-bedroom family cottage with beautiful coastal views has an inviting spa and a basket full of board games for those chilly winter nights indoors. Voted Bookabach’s 2024 Bach of Year top 10, it’s easy to see why this is a great choice for a cosy escape.
mudbrick.co.nz/stay/circular-bay
Dida’s Wine Lounge: Auckland’s Winter Haven
For a winter catch-up with friends in Auckland, look no further than Dida’s Wine Lounge. With its roaring fire and enticing tapas menu, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy great company and fine wines as the temperatures drop outside. The relaxed vibe and the European-hospitality style will keep you smiling and snug all night long.
didaswinelounge.co.nz
Black Barn Cottages: Riverside Relaxation
Experience luxury by the Tuki Tuki River in Hawke’s Bay with Black Barn Vinyards. Unwind beside stunning schist outdoor fireplaces, sipping wine and soaking in the tranquil ambiance after a day of adventure. With 17 luxury retreats, each as different, yet cosy, as the next, you’re sure to find something you love. blackbarn.com
Powderkeg Restaurant & Bar: Ohakune’s Après Ski Gem
After hitting the slopes in Ohakune, head to the Powderkeg for a warm welcome by their roaring fire. Indulge in hearty food and soak up the lively atmosphere or relax in a hot pool with convenient bar service – a true après ski paradise! The team at Powderhorn Chateau and Powderkeg Restaurant also implement multiple conservation initiatives. From saving energy to sustainable food and water conservation, they recognise the importance of protecting the natural environment and the community.
Originally the residence of F.J. Carter from the renowned Carter sawmilling family, the historic Powderkeg building was relocated and opened in 1989. Gaining fame for its Flintstone-esque steaks cooked on hot rocks and homebrewed Powderkeg beer, this spot soon evolved into a hub for après ski revelry and late-night dancing, along with hearty breakfasts for slope enthusiasts. Today, the Powderkeg remains a beloved destination for both locals and tourists.
powderhorn.co.nz
Harakeke: Kāpiti Coast Comfort
If you can drag yourself away from the view, Harakeke is an easy 5 min walk from local restaurants, cafés and stunning parks and reserves in Waikanae Beach, Kāpiti Coast. This holiday home, which won a spot on Bookabach’s 2024 Bach of the Year top 10, has in-core floor heating and a wood burner for warmth and ambience for those colder winter nights. With mains pressure continuous flow water heating there is plenty of hot water, and apart from the standard inside showers, and inside and outside baths, a hot outside shower is a touch of luxury for after swimming or at night.
bookabach.co.nz/holiday-accommodation/p20010129
Eichardt’s Bar: Lakeside Luxury
Located in the boutique hotel Eichardt’s in Queenstown, this small, cosy bar boasts an inviting open fire and an excellent selection of wines and food. The gold miners of the late 1800s may be long gone, but this chic and classically styled spot gives a loving nod to a colourful past that is not forgotten. With inviting sofas, a homely fireplace and elegant furnishings, Eichardt’s is just the spot to relax in.
eichardts.com/eichardts-bar
The Secret Sauna: Wānaka’s Hidden spot
Nestled in Wānaka, The Secret Sauna is a wild oasis of tranquillity nestled on the shore of crystal clear Lake Hāwea. Offering a serene escape with its wood-fired barrel sauna, you can immerse yourself in nature’s warmth with a stunning mountain view, before plunging into the cold and healing waters of the lake. Experience the natural and restorative powers of contrast therapy – cycling from hot to cold – as you venture on this invigorating winter wellbeing escape.
thesecretsauna.nz
Castle Cliff Lodge: Fit for a King or Queen
Escape in ultimate style to one of Bookabach’s 2024 Bach of the Year winners, Castle Cliff Lodge in Queenstown. This incredible six-bedroom home with breath-taking 270-degree views features many areas for large groups to both socialise and relax. You’ll find all the winter amenities you need including a sauna, spa, outdoor fireplace and many games to keep you entertained such as a billiards table, dartboard, ping pong table and pinball machine. Local designers have collaborated on the lavish tasteful interiors to provide the most indulgent stay. Oh, and don’t forget to check out the secret treehouse for the kids with a stunning view!
bookabach.co.nz/holiday-accommodation/p9652470
Cardrona Pub: Quaint Charm and Fireside Chats
Home to over 150 years of good stories. Embrace the quaint charm of Cardrona Pub, where crackling fires and cosy leather couches invite you to unwind. Whether you’re après-skiing or exploring nearby Wānaka, it’s a great spot to mingle with fellow travellers over local wine and hearty fare. With its rustic charm, spectacular mountain setting and rich history it’s a destination to tick off the list while in Central Otago.
cardronahotel.co.nz
NZ’s Best Hot Pool Spots:
Secret Spot: Rotorua’s hidden gem. Relax in your own cedar hot tub surrounded by ferns, overlooking the stunning Whakarewarewa Forest and Puarenga Stream.
secretspot.nz
Wai Ariki: A place where Ngāti Whakaue culture, healing traditions, and warm hospitality converge. Located on the shore of Lake Rotorua, its name, ‘Chiefly Waters,’ reflects the majesty it holds.
wai-ariki.co.nz
Polynesian Spa: Immerse yourself in New Zealand’s original geothermal hot pools. Experience the iconic thermal pools of Rotorua for a soothing soak amid picturesque surroundings.
polynesianspa.co.nz
Kerosene Creek: Enjoy a free soak in nature’s hot waters, just a short drive from Rotorua. This is the best place to have a thermal swim out in nature.
kerosenecreek.co.nz
Te Rātā Bay Hot Water Beach: Discover the divine outdoor natural springs just a short walk from the campground. Dig your own hot pool and sit and relax as you gaze out at the ocean.
Cow Stream Hot Pools: Small thermal spring located in St James Conservation Area. Just the right temperature for a relaxing soak.
adventuresftsouth.com/cow-stream-hot-pools/
Hot Tubs Omarama: Experience natural relaxation in the heart of the South Island. Their sustainable hot tubs feature locally sourced wood and pure New Zealand mountain water for the ultimate relaxation experience. Indulge in the beauty of New Zealand while being kind to the environment.
hottubsomarama.co.nz
Te Aroha Mineral Spas: Soak in the natural, silky mineral water that has made Te Aroha famous for over 100 years at the foot of Mt Te Aroha. Relax and unwind in a wooden tub and for your safety remember to always bring a friend, there is a minimum of two adults per spa. T
tearohamineralspas.co.nz
