Hapuku Lodge & Tree Houses

Guide to Eco Hotels in New Zealand

An eco hotel, or a green hotel, is an environmentally sustainable hotel or accommodation that has made important environmental improvements to its structure in order to minimize its impact on the natural environment and eco friendly hotels New Zealand are considered excellent place to hang out for a couple of nights in Auckland and then beyond in New Zealand.

New Zealand is often considered to be one of the greenest countries in the world. … New Zealand’s carbon footprint has increased significantly as it has become a more industrialized nation. Between 1990 and 2007, carbon emissions increased by over 22% according to the mfe.govt.nz.

Best Eco Tours in New Zealand

 

See all Eco Tours in New Zealand on GetYourGuide.

 

1. The Resurgence Luxury Eco Lodge 5* – Eco Friendly Hotels New Zealand

The Resurgence luxury eco lodge
The Resurgence luxury eco lodge

Set on 50 acres of native forest next to the Kahurangi National Park, The Resurgence Lodge offers free WiFi, a hot tub and a guest lounge with a fireplace. All accommodation features a balcony with beautiful forest and garden views.

Guests can enjoy a swim in the salt-water pool, work-out in the fitness centre and then relax with a massage or spa treatment. There are bicycles available for exploring the property which is surrounded by 5 km of hiking tracks.

Set among 20 hectares of bush between Abel Tasman and Kahurangi national parks, this posh hotel has direct access to walking trails.

Decorated in earthy colours, the polished rooms offer balconies with countryside views, plus free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, DVD players and iPod docks. Standalone wood chalets come with kitchens, Nespresso machines and BBQs; upgraded units add wood-burning stoves, decks and airy bathrooms with roll top baths. There’s no air-conditioning.

Mountain bike hire and breakfast are complimentary, and gourmet 4-course communal dinners are served nightly (fee). Other amenities include an outdoor pool, a hot tub and a gym.

Voted one of the world’s 25 best luxury eco-lodges (National Geographic Traveler 2013), The Resurgence is set in 50 acres of tranquil wilderness with 5km of bush tracks. Surrounded by birds, this relaxed and friendly Lodge is a perfect base for exploring the Nelson Region. Select Boutique Lodge Rooms or self-contained Bush Suites on Dinner B&B or self-contained basis. Dinner is a highlight with 4-course gourmet farm-to-table dining showcasing Nelson wine and produce.
The Resurgence is the closest 5-star lodge to the Abel Tasman National Park and also offers easy day trips to Golden Bay, Kahurangi National Park or Nelson art studios and wineries. Let your well-travelled hosts help you plan activities such as kayaking, hikes and birding trips to winery and art tours. This child-free, smoke free resort with pool, spa and massage therapies is accessible by road, 45 minutes from Nelson airport. Ideal for honeymoons and for active couples who enjoy good food and nature.
This is a most amazing place to stay. We’d never stayed in an eco lodge before and fully took on board the ecological aims of our hosts, Peter and Clare. Set high up in the middle of a heavily wooded valley; making you wonder where you are going and then you find the lovely main lodge ahead of you – stunning.
Before we could get the car door open we were greeted by Peter and Clare’s assistants, Kayla and Adrian; what a warm welcome; we were shown to our immaculate room with balcony view across the valley. A shared fridge in the corridor was available but we did not need it or the in room tea and coffee facilities, as there were ample hot and cold drinks available down stairs.
A lovely Lodge in the most stunning private location surrounded by forest. Stayed in the Lodge for one night just before Christmas and wished we could have spent another night here. The rooms make the most of the views and just perfection to wake up to such a view unhindered by curtains or blinds.
The owners/hosts, Clare and Pete, are so friendly and so are the other staff. Great idea to have a drinks reception pre dinner on the veranda and chat to other guests. Tasty dinner and breakfast.
We chose The Resurgence because we wanted a base from which to conveniently explore Abel Tasman. It is indeed fabulously located. We would return, because it was an entirely amazing experience. Claire and Peter have mastered the art of the eco Lodge. Though unobtrusive in the beautiful surroundings, the chalets are large and well appointed with nicely equipped kitchenettes and great porches.
Perfect for a glass of wine with cheese and fruit from the fridge after a beach day or toast and coffee in the AM! We thoroughly enjoyed the pre-dinner drinks and bites and the delicious dinners. We especially appreciated the convivial atmosphere with like minded travelers. Additionally, the hosts have great knowledge of local activity options and are helpful with arrangements.
We stayed for 2 nights at Resurgence Eco Lodge and would definitely recommend.
The room was a lovely cabin with bedroom, bathroom (with a shower), even a separate lounge / kitchen area. The bath was outside so you could enjoy the views if wanted.
WiFi is included and parking was right outside the cabin,The setting was beautiful,(even if the weather wasn’t great) surrounded by trees and mountains. There are a number of walks you can do through the grounds.
Lots of bird life, which we enjoyed.At the main house breakfast and evening meal is served. Before dinner (which is a set menu – but was lovely), complimentary drinks are served on the veranda, you get to chat to Peter and Claire, meet the other guests and eat the canapés. Dinner is at tables with other guests and we met some lovely people. A nice experience.Hosts Peter and Claire were very welcoming and would do anything to help you. They were there if you wanted but also gave you space.
Eco Friendly Hotels New Zealand
Eco Friendly Hotels New Zealand

How much does a room costs at The Resurgence luxury eco lodge?

Prices start 472$/night for Suite with Hot Tub. The Deluxe Villais 631$/room per night with breakfast included – if coming on a honeymoon this is the perfect choice for couples.

This stand-alone villa includes 1 king-sized bed and an ensuite bathroom with a shower. There is a clawfoot bathtub or a hot tub on the large deck, with sun loungers and views. The villa has a kitchen and BBQ, a lounge area with sofas and a fireplace. Free WiFi and DVDs are available.

All packages include full breakfast provisions.

Where to book online – The Resurgence luxury eco lodge – Eco Friendly Hotels New Zealand you can find the best eco friendly hotels deals in New Zealand during Rhythm and Alps Festivalwhich is celebrated with much enthusiasm in New Zealand on Booking.comor Trip.com or Hotels.comand see more reviews on TripAdvisor.

 

2. Mahu Whenua – Eco Friendly Hotels New Zealand

Mahu Whenua
Mahu Whenua

Mahu Whenua consists of 5 luxury suites. Surrounded by high country sheep stations, the property is only a 20-minute drive from central Wanaka. A heated outdoor swimming pool, spa and free private parking on site is offered.

Each suite features views of the mountains and Lake Wanaka or of the Motatapu River and stables. All rooms include a private en suite bathroom.

There are shared dining and living areas. A library, media and games rooms is also provided for entertainment. Guests have access to a laundry, dry room, ski storage, heli-pad and outdoor fire pit.

The accommodation includes breakfast, lunch (except on the day of arrival/departure), dinner, morning and afternoon teas, pre-dinner canapes, refreshments and premium wine and beverages served with dinner.

South Island just 20 minutes drive from central Wanaka, 60 minutes drive from Queenstown or a 10 minute helicopter to Queenstown Airport.”,”viewport”:”DESKTOP”}]}”>

Mahu Whenua is a New Zealand luxury lodge offering guests total privacy, unforgettable experiences & exquisite cuisine and is set amongst 550 square km of dramatic alpine scenery stretching between Wanaka and Queenstown. It’s located in New Zealand’s South Island just 20 minutes drive from central Wanaka, 60 minutes drive from Queenstown or a 10 minute helicopter to Queenstown Airport.

What used to be a famous singer‘s private family retreat has been converted into a small lodge with only 5 rooms that makes you feel like staying at friends rather than a hotel. Everybody on the team makes you feel home and welcome, the food is delicious and the atmosphere best described as cozy and informal and relaxed. During our days at Mahu, Emma was manager of the day on most days and she did a wonderful job in creating a home away from home for us it’s her calm and caring nature.

All rooms have wraparound glass windows giving simply stunning views of the valley and lake Wanaka in the distance. We had one of the cottages which we liked as you had complete privacy.

We did half day horse rides and a guided hike which we really enjoyed as they took place on the property so we didn’t see another soul.

The food and wines were all excellent and the staff were incredibly attentive and welcoming plus provided really good service.

It’s not cheap but you definitely get what you pay for and it is one of the best places that we have ever stayed in.

We couldn’t recommend it highly enough – if you come to New Zealand stay here you won’t be disappointed.

A wonderful farm experience (albeit a 5 star one) in the middle of nowhere surrounded by hectares of the homestead’s own lawn. Celebrity owner aside, the lodge is perfectly executed with simple furniture and designer lighting. Food (all inclusive) is excellent but the service is what makes it.

We were looked after by the utterly charming and efficient Victoria who really enhanced our stay. The spot is ideal for exploring the South Island. The property has four lodges. The two adjoining the main house are excellent, while the other two across the lawn are less luxurious and have small bathrooms – minus one point for uncomfortably tiny wc seats.

A wonderful farm experience (albeit a 5 star one) in the middle of nowhere surrounded by hectares of the homestead’s own lawn. Celebrity owner aside, the lodge is perfectly executed with simple furniture and designer lighting. Food (all inclusive) is excellent but the service is what makes it.

We were looked after by the utterly charming and efficient Victoria who really enhanced our stay. The spot is ideal for exploring the South Island. The property has four lodges. The two adjoining the main house are excellent, while the other two across the lawn are less luxurious and have small bathrooms – minus one point for uncomfortably tiny wc seats.

Eco Friendly Hotels New Zealand
Eco Friendly Hotels New Zealand

How much does a room costs at Mahu Whenua?

Prices start 1404$/night for Deluxe Suite. The Suite with Mountain View is 1500$/room per night with breakfast included – if coming on a honeymoon this is the perfect choice for couples.

This stand-alone villa includes 1 king-sized bed and an ensuite bathroom with a shower. There is a clawfoot bathtub or a hot tub on the large deck, with sun loungers and views. The villa has a kitchen and BBQ, a lounge area with sofas and a fireplace. Free WiFi and DVDs are available.

All packages include full breakfast provisions.

Where to book online – Mahu Whenua – Eco Friendly Hotels New Zealand you can find the best eco friendly hotels deals in New Zealand during Rhythm and Alps Festival which is celebrated with much enthusiasm in New Zealand on Booking.com or Trip.com or Agoda.com  and see more reviews on TripAdvisor.

 

3. The Hotel Britomart 5* – Eco Friendly Hotels Auckland NZ

Green Hotels New Zealand
Green Hotels New Zealand

Conveniently set in the Britomart district of Auckland, The Hotel Britomart is located 2.9 km from Devonport Beach, less than 1 km from Sky Tower and a 15-minute walk from Aotea Centre. Featuring a fitness centre, the 5-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a private bathroom. The accommodation provides a 24-hour front desk, room service and organising tours for guests.

Guest rooms at the hotel are equipped with a seating area and a flat-screen TV. All guest rooms will provide guests with a wardrobe and a kettle.

The Hotel Britomart offers a continental or à la carte breakfast.

Smart, soulful and contemporary, The Hotel Britomart welcomes guests to the best of downtown waterfront Auckland. New Zealand’s first 5 Green Star hotel has beautiful timber-lined, cocoon-like rooms with elegantly tiled bathrooms, built-in sofas and hand-made ceramics.

Downstairs, the historic warehouses of the Britomart neighbourhood house some of the country’s best restaurants, bars and cafes, while plant-lined pedestrian streets and laneways are full of incredible shopping.

All our guest rooms offer a harbour, city or laneway views and feature snug timber-lined walls, elegantly tiled bathrooms, comfy built-in sofas, hand-made ceramics and minibars full of locally sourced treats. The Hotel Britomart’s five suites are named after bays at The Landing, the luxury destination in New Zealand’s Bay of Islands.

This place s should be the definition of new standard hotels. This neighborhood focused design perfectly merges the new architectural blood of the neighborhood while honoring the past architectural footprints and carefully wrapped up in an eco savvy fully recyclable ribbon. Curated bliss is all throughout and the best part is that you can buy and walk away with mostly everything you like in your suite. Not only did they deliver on a beautiful seamless space but they hired the best staff to elevate a weekend stay to become my all time experience worldwide.

A fantastic place to stay – friendly and helpful team. Great location and the room was very comfortable and beautifully designed. The full Eco Experience is what we really enjoyed. Luxury and gentle on the planet – we will be back!

The Hotel Britomart scored highly in all areas – style and sophistication abounds in the rooms and public spaces – plus friendly, unpretentious staff made our stay memorable.
Aside from all the praises I could heap on this eco conscious hotel it is also happens to be in a great location. With the Waitemata Harbour on your doorstep, it’s in the heart of the shopping district and many restaurants and bars are within easy walking distance. What more could you wish for?

Eco Friendly Auckland New Zealand
Eco Friendly Auckland New Zealand

How much does a room costs at The Hotel Britomart ?

Prices start 250$/night for King Room – Laneway. The King Room with Ocean View – Waitematā is 330$/room per night with breakfast included – if coming on a honeymoon this is the perfect choice for couples.

Featuring views of the Waitemata Harbour, these timber-lined rooms feature handmade ceramics, organic cotton sheets and plenty of natural light. Guests can relax on the built-in sofas and enjoy the views across the port to the harbour and the slopes of the North Shore beyond.

Where to book online – The Hotel Britomart – Eco Friendly Hotels Auckland New Zealand you can find the best eco friendly hotels deals in New Zealand during Rhythm and Alps Festival which is celebrated with much enthusiasm in New Zealand on Booking.com or Trip.com or Agoda.com  and see more reviews on TripAdvisor.

 

4. Grand Mercure Puka Park Resort 4* – Eco Friendly Resorts New Zealand

Grand Mercure Puka Park Resort
Grand Mercure Puka Park Resort

Surrounded by 25 acres of native bushland, this secluded resort is located on New Zealand’s stunning Coromandel Peninsula and combines a striking natural setting with personal service.

Grand Mercure Puka Park Resort offers guests a unique and tranquil retreat.

Start the day with a swim in the solar-heated outdoor pool. Afterwards, you can soak up the sun on the deck before treating yourself to a classy meal at the restaurant.

Have a game of tennis or opt for a relaxing afternoon in the day spa. In the evening, you can chat with other guests in front of the log fire or enjoy a glass of wine on your private balcony.

An 8-minute walk from Pauanui Beach, this polished hotel is also 2 km from the Pauanui Airfield.

The bright, contemporary rooms with a tropical flair include Wi-Fi (fee), satellite TV, and tea and coffeemakers. Upgraded rooms and apartments add kitchens, separate living rooms, pull-out sofas and/or private decks. Room service is available.

The hotel has a bar and a restaurant with outdoor seating, an outdoor pool, fitness facilities and bike rentals. Other amenities include a gift shop, conference facilities and a tennis court.

Grand Mercure Puka Park Resort is located at Pauanui Beach on the Coromandel Peninsula, just 1 hours 40 minutes from Auckland. This luxurious, secluded hideaway features 48 chalets set in 10 hectares of native bushland, an award winning restaurant, guest lounge and sun decks with views overlooking Pauanui and the Pacific Ocean. Facilities include a tennis court, heated swimming pool and the nearby beach has 3km of golden sand and renowned for surfing. There are many bush tracks to explore and array of activities in the Coromandel region.
 The Coromandel to the north is stunning but venture south and you will find secluded beaches and charming seaside havens.Well appointed chalets in the 25 acres of native forest, with lovely swim pool and tennis court gives the feel of a boutique eco resort. Walk to the beach, cycle along the bay hike the mountains or chill on your deck. Nothing is too much trouble for the friendly staff and the bar/restaurant overlooking the water is a great place to relax in the evening.

The resort is hidden quite well in the bush, scattered around a small one lane road and joined by a series od well built stone tracks. The reception staff were very warm and welcoming and drove us to our chalet with our bags. The rooms were very much of the quality you would expect from a room at the Novotel but felt very ‘Eco‘. The rooms are built with natural air flows so Air Conditioning isn’t required and the best thing – the SILENCE. There’s no drone of machinery in the background, just the birds and the wind in the trees. I think it’s one of the best night sleeps I’ve had!

The beds were very comfortable and the small wall heater was more than enough for the cold winter nights we were there. The package we bought included breakfasts and dinner. The breakfast was an average size continental buffet with cooked options on order, the bacon was VERY good, it can be extremely disappointing when you order bacon and eggs and you think “i could have made better myself at home” but this was very good quality. Coffee from the machine was good and there is a barista for espresso.

All in all I found this a very pleasant experience, We had a fantastic weekend away, the food was fantastic, the staff and the venue were great.
hilst the place may be a little dated in places it was still very lovely & peaceful and the service was excellent. The chalet we stayed in was cosy and comfortable and walking out onto the deck in amongst the native trees & ferns and listening to the Tui’s song was simply magical. The bed was really comfortable and there is an option to choose your pillow if you wish.
The pool/spa & activity area was nice but unfortunately we didn’t have time to use it. Walking through the grounds is fabulous and a real workout! You barely notice the rooms/chalets dotted throughout the Bush. The food in the restaurant was nice but I was expecting it to be a bit more WOW than what it was. The breakfast options were good and there’s a lovely view to enjoy while you eat.
Overall we had a really lovely time here and I highly recommend it and would definitely love to come back.
Eco Friendly Resorts New Zealand
Eco Friendly Resorts New Zealand

How much does a room costs at Grand Mercure Puka Park Resort ?

Prices start 175$/night for Standard King Room. The Superior Queen Room is 205$/room per night with breakfast included – if coming on a honeymoon this is the perfect choice for couples.

This room features a kitchen, laundry facilities and an en suite bathroom.

Where to book online – Grand Mercure Puka Park Resort – Eco Friendly Hotels New Zealand you can find the best eco friendly hotels deals in New Zealand during Rhythm and Alps Festival which is celebrated with much enthusiasm in New Zealand on Booking.com or Hotelscombined.com or Agoda.com  and see more reviews on TripAdvisor.

 

5. Hapuku Lodge & Tree Houses 5* – Eco Friendly Lodge New Zealand

Hapuku Lodge & Tree Houses
Hapuku Lodge & Tree Houses

Offering free WiFi, an outdoor pool and a restaurant, Hapuku Lodge & Tree Houses is located in Hapuku. All accommodation offers a 2-person spa bath, a fireplace and a balcony. Treehouse accommodation is elevated 10 m up within the trees.

Situated between the mountains and the sea, Hapuku Lodge boasts stunning views of Kaikoura and Pacific Ocean. The property is 10 minutes’ drive from Ohau Stream Walkway and Waterfall.

All air-conditioned suites feature a dining setting, a refrigerator and tea/coffee making facilities. Each includes a lounge area with a flat-screen TV, DVD player and iPod docking station. Your private bathroom also comes with a rain shower and hairdryer.

In a rural area between the Kaikoura mountains and the Pacific Ocean, this modern, country-style hotel off State Highway 1 is 12 km from Hunting and Fishing Kaikoura.

Polished rooms in the main lodge come with Wi-Fi and flat-screens, plus soaking tubs, rainfall showers and balconies. Suites add living areas with fireplaces, while luxe 1- or 2-bedroom treehouses, set above a canopy of manuka trees, offer whirlpool baths, and mountain and ocean views. A house has a kitchenette and a living room.

Breakfast and dinner are served in a dining room that has mountain views. There’s a cosy lounge, as well as an outdoor lap pool. Parking is available.

Hapuku Lodge and Tree Houses is distinctive boutique luxury accommodation set on a deer farm and olive grove in one of the world’s most beautiful locations, between the Kaikoura Mountains and the Pacific Coast of New Zealand’s South Island.

Not an easy thing to pull off the appearance of eco friendly with luxury and service but Hapuku Lodge manages it quite well.

The beds here rate 3/5 with comfortable linens and plenty of pillows to aid a reasonable nights sleep. The headboards are solid wood and the mattresses do not have comforters resulting in quite a firm base which makes complete relaxation difficult.

The treehouses are a surprisingly successful concept. They are quiet and have great views out to the coast. If you suffer with mobility problems they will not work for you. There are a lot of stairs to climb which for less mobile guests would be very hard. They are not suitable for young or boisterous children given the height from ground of a relatively open balcony at one end. Bathrooms are within the body of the bedroom and can be closed off from the sleeping section using a curtain. Due to the extensive use of glass the bathroom might be too open to external viewing for some tastes, in particular the shower. The toilet is however behind a modesty door.

The catering is excellent and to a surprisingly sophisticated standard given the location of the lodge. We did not have a bad meal at Hapuku and the accompanying wines were reasonable value too.

We are staying in a two sorry luxury tree-house which the brochures definitely undersold. It is Eco designed and all the luxurious touches are under-stated but add to the overall experience. Even the thought that has been our into the comfort of the bed is beyond scientific!

The Lodge itself is a little outside Kaikoura – approx 12 km – but this adds to the charm. It is set amidst a deer farm and is a short 30 minute walk to the ocean. The views from the treehouse are also spectacular.

It is not a big place – holds about 20 people in total – and there is a lot of space to really chill out.

Hapuku Lodge is located 12 kms north of the renowned, eco-marine town of Kaikoura on New Zealand’s South Island. The lodge is surrounded by an expansive deer farm and olive trees grove. Hapuku Lodge is situated in one of the most spectacular settings in New Zealand, nestled between the Kaikoura Seaward Mountain Range and famed Mangamaunu Bay.

We stayed at the 2 bedrooms “Family Tree House”. The two stories of the Family Tree House are composed of a one bedroom tree house above a lower branch bedroom, joined by an enclosed stairway.

The upper bedroom has an extra large king size bed, wood burning fire place with light filled seating area, LCD TV, DVD/CD player, IPOD sound system, heated towel rails and floor, couple’s spa bath, and rain fountain shower experience that opens directly onto tree top deck.

The lower bedroom is very much smaller than the upper room, and it has twin beds, heated towel rails and floor, electric fireplace, LCD TV, DVD/CD player, IPOD sound system and twin decks – one for sunrise & one for sunset.

Our stay at Hapuku Lodge includes Continental breakfast at the main lodge. The main lodge is a general gathering point for all Hapuku Lodge guests. It is just a short walk from the tree houses.

Overall, this is indeed a wonderful place for relaxation. The sceneries from the tree houses are simply breathtaking and astounding… so serene and tranquil.

One point however, travellers need to note is as follows:-

** Large suitcase – it is quite troublesome to bring / carry them up to the tree house especially when the size is big, and the weight is heavy as the stairway are long and narrow.

We would indeed love to return to Hapuku Lodge if we visit the Kiwis island again.

Eco Friendly Hotels New Zealand
Eco Friendly Hotels New Zealand

How much does a room costs at Hapuku Lodge & Tree Houses ?

Prices start 2019$/night for Superior Villa. 

This apartment features a balcony, a fireplace and a 2-person spa bath.

Where to book online – Hapuku Lodge & Tree Houses – Eco Friendly Hotels New Zealand you can find the best eco friendly hotels deals in New Zealand during Rhythm and Alps Festival which is celebrated with much enthusiasm in New Zealand on Booking.com or Trip.com or Agoda.com  and see more reviews on TripAdvisor.

by Sorin

Sorin is a freelance travel writer. He is an experienced travel writer and traveller. Since 2012 he explored more than 60 countries on 4 continents: Asia, Europe, Africa and North America. Currently is based in Romania after spending the last 7 years in Myanmar.