Where to Find Luxury Lodges and Holiday Homes on Stewart Island
A destination as special as Stewart Island, New Zealand’s lesser-known third island on the edge of the Subantarctic, deserves a special place to see it all from. The small village and the island’s only settlement, Oban, offers an exclusive offering of upmarket lodges, B&Bs and holiday homes for travellers seeking a bit of luxury on Stewart Island. Check them out in this list of the best luxury accommodations on Stewart Island.
For more Stewart Island luxury stays and activities, take a look at The Luxury Guide to Stewart Island and the 6 Luxury Experiences on Stewart Island.
1. Church Hill Boutique Lodge & Restaurant
Retreat to the coastal tops of Halfmoon Bay, all while still being a short walk from Oban, at the Church Hill Boutique Lodge & Restaurant. This luxury lodge on Stewart Island offers three standalone suites with private elevated balconies either overlooking Halfmoon Bay, a small fishing bay or lush kamahi forest. While all suites offer luxuries like a coffee machine, home baking and full-glass frontage for soaking in the views, only one of the rooms has the exclusivity of a private wood-fired hot tub so you can soak under the stars – perhaps with a platter provided by the on-site restaurant? See alternative small-scale stays in the 10 Best Boutique Accommodations on Stewart Island.
Check Church Hill Boutique Lodge & Restaurant out:
- Church Hill Boutique Lodge & Restaurant on Booking.com
- Church Hill Boutique Lodge & Restaurant on Trip.com
2. Sails Ashore Lodge
Sails Ashore Lodge is not only a luxury B&B nestled on the quiet streets of Oban, but the hosts also offer small-group driving and Ulva Island tours. With that, your visit to Stewart Island is made all the more effortless. There are just two rooms available, each gorgeously presented with an ensuite boasting underfloor heating and a paua shell trim, as well as hot drink-making facilities accompanied by homebaked cookies. Stays also include a generous continental breakfast each morning at a time that suits you. See more couple-centric stays like this in the 10 Best Romantic Accommodations on Stewart Island.
Check Sails Ashore Lodge out:
3. Stewart Island Lodge
Set among verdant native gardens yet elevated enough to absorb the turquoise waters of Halfmoon Bay, Stewart Island Lodge offers a compelling stay for discerning travellers. Enjoy the views from your guest room with large windows spilling onto a private balcony where it’s common to meet friendly kaka (bush parrot). The village centre of Oban is a mere stroll away to join more adventures around Stewart Island. The lodge offers six king/twin rooms, as well as a continental breakfast each morning. See more lodge accommodations like this in the 10 Best Hotels & Places to Stay on Stewart Island.
Check Stewart Island Lodge out:
4. Jensen Bay House
A private hideaway with contemporary architecture surrounded by nature, Jensen Bay House offers something special on Stewart Island. There are two lodge rooms to choose from; either the more luxurious “Above-and-overall” room with a four-poster bed or the affordable luxury of the “Firmly-grounded” room. The architecture is thought-provoking inside and out, with the lounge boasting European features like a French pyramid fireplace, as well as a sauna and a sun-filled conservatory. What’s more, the lodge is fully off-the-grid with solar-photovoltaic electric, solar-heat generating system, wind generator, freshwater facility and clay-wall heating system.
5. Aurora Lodge
After the luxury lodges of Stewart Island, the remaining premium accommodation options are some of the island’s lavish holiday homes. One such option is Aurora Lodge, a designer three-bedroom home with unbeatable views sitting adjacent to the famous Observation Rock. With stylish interiors and large windows soaking in the views and birdsong, there’s plenty to admire inside and out. It’s a pleasure to entertain in the spacious open-plan kitchen with a breakfast bar leading into the lounge. See more like this in the 10 Best Holiday Homes on Stewart Island.
More About Luxury Accommodations on Stewart Island
That’s it for our list of the best cheap budget accommodations on Stewart Island. For more tips to help plan the perfect island excursion, check out the following guides:
- 5 Best Motels on Stewart Island
- 5 Best Family Accommodations on Stewart Island
- 20 Best Things to Do on Stewart Island
Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in The Luxury Guide to Stewart Island.
Author
Laura S.
This article was reviewed and published by Laura, editor in chief and co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. Since arriving solo in New Zealand over 10 years ago and with a background in journalism, her mission has been to show the world how easy (and awesome) it is to travel New Zealand. She knows Aotearoa inside-out and loves sharing tips on how best to experience New Zealand’s must-dos and hidden gems. Laura is also editor of several other South Pacific travel guides and is the co-host of NZ Pocket Guide’s live New Zealand travel Q&As on YouTube.