Helena Bay Lodge

Helena Bay Lodge is nestled in its cove in the top corner of New Zealand’s North Island, an intimate and exclusive luxury retreat backed by forest and looking out on its private length of coastline.

There are just five individual suites, each named after native birds, with balconies and views to the South Pacific Ocean. The two larger villas have their own fireplaces and bathtubs. Leica binoculars are provided for the opportunity to spot visiting whales and dolphins.

In the Main House, which forms a U-shape around the heated outdoor swimming pool, discover the owner’s eclectic artwork and treasures, which have been collected on travels around the globe, as well as a gym, sauna, library, lounge areas and an outdoor fire pit.

Dining here is a highlight, Helena Bay having tempted Head Chef Michele Martino from Italy’s Michelin-starred Ristorante Don Alfonso to create an incredible ‘estate to plate’ menu of lamb, beef and honey come from the on-site farm and home-grown organic vegetables, fruit and herbs.

Explore the Helena Bay Estate on hiking and cycling trails (two of the latest mountain bikes here feature assistive electric motors), nature walks and farm tours. Spend the day relaxing on the beach of take to the water paddle boarding, kayaking or spend some time fishing from the pontoon.