Glimpse of HeavenN°001
Queenstown & Wanaka, New Zealand
From $18,174 per night
New Zealand is a two-island Pacific nation of fjords, alpine lakes and vineyard coastlines. Renting a luxury villa in New Zealand pairs that scenery with private comfort, from Queenstown lakefronts to Bay of Islands retreats, each backed by concierge service and direct booking through Smiling House.
- Lakefront and alpine villas in and around Queenstown and Wanaka
- Coastal retreats in the Bay of Islands and Hawke's Bay wine country
- World-class skiing, hiking, jet boating and bungy adventures
- Cellar doors across Central Otago and Marlborough
- Concierge-managed stays with direct booking
Known forDramatic landscapes, fjords, adventure sports, Marlborough and Central Otago wine, Maori culture
Best time to visitDecember to March for summer and lakes; June to August for South Island skiing
Nearest airportAuckland (AKL) and Queenstown (ZQN) international airports
Ideal forAdventurous couples, families, and friend groups seeking nature and luxury
Sunshine Villa with Direct Access to BeachN°002
Opua, New Zealand
Private Pool
From $6,571 per night
Sweet Grapes CottageN°003
Opua, New Zealand
Private Pool
From $1,460 per night
Penthouse with Expansive Views in AucklandN°004
Auckland, New Zealand
Sea View
From $627 per night
Rooftop Penthouse with City Views in AucklandN°005
Auckland, New Zealand
From $620 per night
Contemporary City View Apartment in AucklandN°006
Auckland, New Zealand
From $620 per night
32homes available
1–8bedrooms
up to 16guests
2with a pool
Where to stay in New Zealand
Events not to miss in New Zealand
- February
Marlborough Wine & Food Festival
New Zealand's longest-running wine festival celebrates Sauvignon Blanc country among the Marlborough vines at the height of summer. Combine it with cruising the Marlborough Sounds.
- March, in Auckland
Pasifika Festival
Auckland hosts one of the world's largest Pacific Island cultural festivals, with villages of food, music and dance representing island nations. A vivid weekend if your itinerary starts in the north.
- June
Queenstown Winter Festival
The southern hemisphere's ski season opens with fireworks, live music and mountain mischief over Lake Wakatipu. Time an alpine lodge stay around it for the full southern winter.
- September to October, in Wellington
World of WearableArt (WOW)
An extraordinary stage spectacular where sculpture meets fashion, drawing designers worldwide to the capital. Tickets sell out well ahead, so plan early.
New Zealand through the seasons
- Summer (December – February)
Beaches, sounds and long southern days
High summer brings warm beaches in the Bay of Islands, hiking the Great Walks and evenings that last past nine. Waterfront villas from Auckland to Queenstown suit touring families.
- Autumn (March – May)
Harvest colour and Central Otago gold
Vineyards bring in the harvest, Central Otago's poplars turn gold and the trails stay open in settled weather. A photographer's season with thinner crowds.
- Winter (June – August)
Southern Alps ski season
Queenstown and Wanaka become the southern hemisphere's ski capital, with hot pools and lake-view lodges for the afternoons. The North Island stays mild for geothermal touring.
- Spring (September – November)
Lambs, blossom and waterfalls in flow
Snowmelt swells the waterfalls, gardens and orchards blossom and the countryside is at its greenest. Shoulder-season value before the summer rush.
Overview
New Zealand rewards travellers with an extraordinary density of landscapes within short distances. The North Island brings geothermal Rotorua, the cosmopolitan harbour city of Auckland, the volcanic plateau and the sun-warmed vineyards of Hawke's Bay. The South Island delivers the snow-capped Southern Alps, Fiordland's Milford Sound, glacier-fed lakes and the adventure capital of Queenstown. The country is famously safe, easy to navigate and welcoming, with strong Maori cultural heritage woven through everyday life. A luxury villa here gives you a private base from which to explore, whether that means a lakeside lodge framed by mountains or a clifftop house above the Pacific.
Best Regions
Queenstown and neighbouring Wanaka are the headline choices, offering lakefront luxury villas and alpine chalets with Remarkables views, ideal year-round for skiing or summer water sports. The Bay of Islands in the far north suits warm-water sailing and secluded coastal retreats. Hawke's Bay and Marlborough centre on wine, with elegant homes near cellar doors and the coast. Auckland appeals for harbour living and city culture, while Rotorua and the Coromandel offer geothermal spas and beach escapes. Each region delivers a distinct character, so itineraries often combine a North Island leg with a South Island finale for contrast.
Things to Do
Adventure defines New Zealand. Queenstown alone offers bungy jumping, jet boating on the Shotover, paragliding and heli-skiing. Hike the Routeburn or Milford tracks, cruise the fjords of Fiordland, or kayak the Abel Tasman coastline. Wine lovers tour Central Otago pinot noir estates and Marlborough sauvignon blanc cellars. The North Island adds Waitomo glowworm caves, Rotorua geysers and Maori cultural experiences, plus surf beaches along the Coromandel. Families enjoy gentle lake cruises and wildlife encounters, while film enthusiasts seek out the rolling Hobbiton set near Matamata. Your villa concierge can arrange private guides, charters and tee times throughout.
Dining & Nightlife
New Zealand's kitchens have earned international standing, built on inventive chefs, pasture-raised produce, just-caught seafood and award-winning wines. Expect crayfish, green-lipped mussels, lamb and seasonal vegetables prepared with restraint and flair. Auckland leads the urban scene, where the waterfront Britomart precinct fills converted warehouses and packing sheds with stylish bars and restaurants. Wellington rivals it for coffee culture and intimate dining. In wine regions, vineyard restaurants pair tastings with long lunches overlooking the vines. Nightlife is relaxed and convivial rather than frenetic, with live music venues, craft breweries and rooftop bars. Concierge teams secure tables at the most sought-after addresses.
When to Visit
Seasons are reversed from the northern hemisphere. Summer, December to March, is peak season for lakes, beaches, hiking and vineyard touring, with long warm days across both islands. Autumn brings golden Central Otago colour and harvest. Winter, June to August, transforms the Southern Alps into a ski destination, making it the prime window for a chalet near Queenstown, Wanaka or Mount Hutt. Spring offers fewer crowds and blooming landscapes. Many travellers visit over the festive period, so booking a luxury villa well ahead is wise for those dates.
Getting There
Most international visitors arrive into Auckland (AKL), the country's main gateway, with direct long-haul connections to Asia, the Middle East, North America and Australia. Queenstown (ZQN) and Christchurch (CHC) handle South Island arrivals, including trans-Tasman flights. Domestic services link the major cities and resort towns efficiently. Self-drive is the favoured way to explore, with well-maintained scenic routes connecting regions, though private transfers and helicopter charters are easily arranged. Your Smiling House concierge can coordinate airport collection, vehicle hire and onward travel so that arrival at your villa is seamless.