Where to Find Luxury Lodges and Holiday Homes in Takaka and Golden Bay
Over the limestone karst mountains of Takaka Hill stretching out to the ever-growing Farewell Spit, Golden Bay is the ultimate off-the-beaten-track retreat. Just because you’re getting off the main tourist trail, however, doesn’t mean you have to give up luxury. In fact, quite the opposite with the bay’s lavish lodges and unique eco-stays. Breathtaking coastal vistas are a standard of Takaka‘s luxury accommodations, but after that, each one offers its own charms. Discover them for yourself in this list of the best luxury accommodations in Takaka and Golden Bay.
Plus, for more luxury accommodation in Takaka and travel advice for a premium stay, see The Luxury Guide to Takaka and the 8 Luxury Experiences in Takaka.
1. Adrift in Golden Bay
Experience tranquillity and beachfront accommodation at Adrift in Golden Bay. Relax up in one of the five self-contained serviced one-bedroom villas or the studio where you have all the usual homely conveniences at your fingertips and then some. Drift from your king-sized bed through the bi-fold windows to sea views from your elevated position in the gardens. Your tiled bathroom has a two-person hydrotherapy spa bath, as well as underfloor heating and local artisan toiletries. Make meals and breakfast at your own leisure with your kitchen facilities and make use of included hot drink-making provisions like freshly ground organic coffee, milk and teas. Alternatively, a continental or English breakfast hamper can be delivered to your door each day.
Check Adrift in Golden Bay out:
- Adrift in Golden Bay on Booking.com
- Adrift in Golden Bay on Trip.com
- Adrift in Golden Bay on Expedia
© Adrift in Golden Bay2. Ratanui Lodge
Experience classical elegance in the 4.5-star Ratanui Lodge just across the street from Pohara Beach. Relax in your elegantly-appointed suite with an ensuite and tasteful ornate decor with luxurious down bedding and an outdoor seating area. The lodge is exclusively adults only, with an age limit for guests being 12 years old, ensuring the right tone is set. Guests also have the pleasure of dining in the lodge’s intimate dining room and gin/cocktail lounge where tapas and three-course set menus are available to indulge in. See more couple-centric stays like this in the 10 Most Romantic Accommodations in Takaka & Golden Bay.
Check Ratanui Lodge out:
© Ratanui Lodge3. Golden Bay Hideaway
Try something unique at the Golden Bay Hideaway, boasting five creative accommodation experiences nestled in a bush setting overlooking Wainui Bay. Take in the breathtaking vistas from your outside bathtub or from the master bedroom of one of the unique stays, like the “Kiwi Greenie” or “Little Greenie” – low-energy passive solar design homes – or the lovingly restored and presented “House Truck” that revels in pioneer spirit. All accommodation options focus on eco-friendly living, enhancing a feel-good stay. For more self-contained stays, be sure to also check out the 10 Best Self-Catering Accommodations in Takaka & Golden Bay.
Check Golden Bay Hideaway out:
© Golden Bay Hideaway4. The Bay Lodge
Elevated on a hill shrouded in birdsong above Pohara Beach, The Bay Lodge offers an escape to nature with luxurious comforts. The lodge is stylishly modern, which shines through its spacious suites complete with high-quality king beds, lounge and dining furniture, ensuite and kitchenette. When you’re not relaxing on your private deck with expansive ocean views, warm up in the outdoor spa pool or cool down in the outdoor swimming pool amidst stunning landscaped gardens. You may want to explore the picturesque water gardens on the property or spend a rainy day in the library with books, games and movies at your disposal.
Check The Bay Lodge out:
© The Bay Lodge5. Westhaven Lodge
The base of a 404.6ha (1,000-acre) private peninsula in the remote reaches of northern Golden Bay, Westhaven Lodge is a place to truly escape from it all. Stay in one of the five luxurious lodge rooms overlooking a wilderness setting or opt for one of the two spacious suites with views of Wainui Bay and the Kahurangi National Park. All meals are included in your stay: a full buffet breakfast, a picnic lunch for your activities, afternoon tea with homemade cake, and a three-course dinner. Guests also have access to an attractive indoor pool, an extensive library, spa and sauna, as well as many on-site activities outlined in the 8 Luxury Experiences in Takaka. Plus, see more stays like this in the 10 Best Boutique Accommodations in Takaka & Golden Bay.
Check Westhaven Lodge out:
© Westhaven Lodge6. Rocky Ridge Cottage
Finally, those seeking their own piece of Golden Bay paradise can find it at Rocky Ridge Cottage. Perched on the hill of a 2,000-acre sheep farm with the Rawhiti Caves, Abel Tasman National Park and Rameka Creek at its borders, this two-bedroom holiday home is the ideal place to get away from it all. Lap up the surrounding mountain views from your deck and garden area complete with a barbecue and an outdoor bathtub. For more stays ideal for family getaways like this, check out the 10 Best Family Accommodations in Takaka & Golden Bay.
Check Rocky Ridge Cottage out:
![5 Best Luxury Accommodations in Takaka & Golden Bay 🍸 [2023]](data:image/svg+xml;nitro-empty-id=MTk0NDoyODA=-1;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgMTAyNCA1NzYiIHdpZHRoPSIxMDI0IiBoZWlnaHQ9IjU3NiIgeG1sbnM9Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cudzMub3JnLzIwMDAvc3ZnIj48L3N2Zz4=)
© Rocky Ridge CottageMore About Luxury Accommodations in Takaka and Golden Bay
That’s it for our list of the best luxury accommodations in Takaka and Golden Bay. Don’t miss any of the highlights in Golden Bay by having a look at the following guides:
- 8 Luxury Activities in Takaka
- 20 Best Things to Do in Golden Bay
- The Food Guide to Takaka: Places to Eat & Food Tours
Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in The Luxury Guide to Takaka.
Sources:
The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:
- Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2024])
- Tourism Export Council New Zealand (Tourism trade association - Updated [2024])
- TIA (Independent tourism association - Updated [2024])
- NZ Māori Tourism (Official Māori Tourism platform - Updated [2024])
- Department of Conservation (Tracks, hikes, campsites and more - Updated [2024])
- Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2024])
- Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2024])
Our editorial standards: At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.
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