When it’s time to indulge yourself on New Zealand’s South Island

Going on vacation always seems like a bit of a splurge, no matter what your budget. For many, a trip to New Zealand is tied to something special – a milestone anniversary or birthday, a honeymoon or a bucket list trip. While there are plenty of budget and reasonably-priced places to stay in New Zealand, this second part of a two-part series looks at the growing trend for even the most budget-conscious visitors to take a night or two and indulge themselves by staying at one of the country’s nicer lodges or hotels.

For those looking for something unique, Hapuku Lodge & Tree Houses, in Kaikoura, provides a once-in-a-lifetime experience. While every room in the lodge is exceptional, the tree houses offer something extraordinary. The tree houses sit high above the ground (10 metres) in the canopy of a native Manuka grove. Each tree house offers spectacular views of the area’s dramatic mountains and the Pacific coastline. Each has a fireplace and a wall-to-wall shower that overlooks the ocean and provides a pampered sanctuary of relaxation. The chef’s focus is on fresh, local ingredients – fish, meats and seasonal vegetables – many from the lodge’s own little farm. Along with all of this, the welcoming and friendly approach of everyone at Hapuku makes it feel like you are staying at a wealthy relative’s home (a relative who really, really likes you!).

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In Queenstown, The Spire hotel calls out to the hipster in all of us. It is a place where even if you were a geek in high school – just by being there, you immediately become cool, sophisticated and a part of the “in” crowd. The Spire, which sits in the heart of New Zealand’s adventure capital, is a boutique hotel with a difference. While the rooms are spacious, lavish and oh-so-comfy (and are decked out with anything and everything you could ever wish for in a hotel), it’s the attention to detail, the willingness of the staff to make your stay excellent, and the commitment to guest service that takes this hotel from great to world-class. Add in the hotel bar and restaurant, No. 5 Church Lane, which offers incredible food, amazing drinks, a friendly clientele and the feeling that you just walked into your own birthday party. Just outside of Christchurch, in the Canterbury Region, Otahuna Lodge provides history buffs with a piece of Queen Anne architecture and an interesting past. Built by a prominent Kiwi politician and philanthropist, Otahuna had been a private home for more than 60 years, until 1956. Since then, it has served as a Catholic seminary and even a hippie commune. Now, this heritage building is one of New Zealand’s premiere lodges. It has seven bedroom suites – all of which provide guests with a glimpse of times gone by. And while Otahuna is a picturesque, old grand dame, it’s also clear that she has a great deal of strength. Damaged in the 2011 earthquake, she has been restored and now stands stronger and more dignified than ever. Air New Zealand (www.airnewzealand.ca) has direct non-stop flights from Vancouver to Auckland and offers flights from many other North American cities. For more information about New Zealand, please visit: www.NewZealand.com.