The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs offers so much by way of visual spectacle outdoors, including the Kauri Cliffs championship golf course which overlooks the Pacific you might find yourself getting a little lost on the way in.

You are completely spoilt for choice: between complete laziness and the wealth of activities that awaits outside the door of your suite.  The lodge offers spectacular views of the island and the majestic Pacific Ocean. Luxury accommodation in the 28 suites and rooms features roaring fireplaces too add a bit of coziness, private patios and king sized beds for size.

The eye candy on offer spans marshland, forest and the green pastoral farmlands typical of the area. You can enjoy al fresco wellness treatments at the side of the stream, surrounded by lush green foliage. If you want to pick it up a notch you can enjoy snorkeling, game fishing, scuba diving and sailing. Tennis courts and a fitness center offer more conventional ways to stay in shape.

25-minutes from Kerikeri Airport, you can also arrange helicopter arrivals from Auckland Airport if you’re in more of a rush.

North Island translates as “Te Ika-a-Maui” in Maori which means Fish of Maui. The island is home to around 70% of New Zealand’s population. It is also home to the famed Ninety Mile Beach which is not, in fact, ninety miles long, but rather around 55 miles or 88 km. it’s famous for body boarding on its notorious dunes, which look more like they belong in a desert setting than on a beach. Ninety Mile Beach was used by the Airmail Service back in 1932, as a runaway for trips between Australia and New Zealand. The area is particularly notorious for its treacherous high tides which have swept away a number of vehicles, so visitors who are not looking forward to sea rescues should take note.