The 6 Best Boutique Resorts in South Island (2025)

Nestled in the tranquil embrace of Sunshine Bay, Azur Lodge is a sanctuary where luxury meets nature's stunning artistry. Each private villa boasts breathtaking vistas of Lake Wakatipu, creating an idyllic backdrop for romance and relaxation, allowing you to unwind in absolute serenity just minutes from the pulse of Queenstown.

Romantic Break - Experience love flourishing amidst panoramic lake views, with soft candlelight and the crackle of your villa's fireplace setting the perfect mood for intimate evenings.

Total Relaxation - Savor the soothing experience of a freestanding spa bath, where the gentle sound of water lapping at the shore melds with the aroma of lavender-infused bath products, creating a blissful escape tailored for wellness enthusiasts.

Secluded Setting - Surrounded by lush greenery and majestic mountains, each villa feels like a hidden gem, offering you the chance to immerse yourself in nature without sacrificing modern comforts.

Guest Experiences - As dawn breaks, the delightful aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafts through your room as breakfast arrives, perfectly plated, while outside, the golden sun dances on the rippling lake, beckoning you to explore the beauty of Queenstown.

Nestled in the tranquil embrace of Arthur's Bay, Bay of Many Coves is a sanctuary where luxury meets nature. With sweeping views of the shimmering waters of Queen Charlotte Sound, this elegant resort offers an intimate atmosphere perfect for romance or rejuvenation, inviting you to unwind on your private balcony while listening to the gentle rustle of leaves and the melodic call of native birds.

Romantic Getaway - Every corner of this chic retreat whispers romance, from candlelit dinners overlooking the bay to cozy evenings spent beneath starlit skies, where the soothing sound of waves sets the mood for cherished moments together.

Culinary Delights - Revel in the artistry of local cuisine at the fine dining restaurant, where each dish is prepared with passion and precision, showcasing the freshest seasonal ingredients paired beautifully with an extensive selection of New Zealand wines, enlivening your palate with every bite.

Wellness Retreat - Unwind at the Miritu Day Spa, where the fragrant aroma of natural oils mingles with the serene sounds of nature, offering indulgent treatments that promise total relaxation, leaving you refreshed and rejuvenated after each luxurious experience.

Guest Experiences - As the sun dipped below the horizon, a couple found themselves enchanted by the delightful symphony of Tui birds nearby, their beautiful songs creating a backdrop to breakfast enjoyed on the terrace—a picturesque moment that felt like pure magic amidst the stunning surroundings.

Nestled by the serene shores of Lake Wakatipu, Driftaway Queenstown offers an intimate escape where modern elegance meets the unspoiled beauty of New Zealand’s landscapes. With breathtaking views and a tranquil ambiance, this resort is a haven for couples seeking romance, adventure enthusiasts yearning for exploration, and wellness seekers craving rejuvenation in nature's embrace.

Romantic Retreat - Every corner invites romance, from the glow of sunset painting the mountains to private balconies that frame the lake's sparkling surface, creating perfect moments for shared whispers and stolen glances.

Outdoor Adventure - Step outside and immerse yourself in the thrill of outdoor adventures—whether it's skiing on pristine slopes or embarking on scenic walking trails, the spirit of exploration is right at your doorstep.

Chic Comfort - Experience the delightful mingling of modern aesthetics and cozy warmth; each room features contemporary design, warm textures, and amenities that ensure a restful stay, while communal areas buzz with laughter and camaraderie.

Guest Experiences - Guests often describe a lovely aroma wafting from the shared kitchen, reminiscent of homemade meals, while the inviting warmth of the hot tub beckons after a day of adventures—its bubbles and steam create a soothing retreat against the backdrop of majestic mountain views.

Nestled on the tranquil shores of Lake Wakatipu, Rosewood Matakauri embodies an enchanting retreat where breathtaking mountain vistas harmonize with the gentle lapping of water. This luxurious haven offers a symphony of romance and relaxation, inviting guests to indulge in sublime comfort while being just moments away from the vibrant heart of Queenstown.

Total Relaxation - Surrender your cares at the exquisite day spa, where soothing treatments melt away tension while you breathe in the crisp, alpine air, rejuvenating both body and soul in this serene lakeside sanctuary.

Outstanding Location - With panoramic views that seem to stretch into infinity, each suite features a private terrace where whispers of the wind mingle with the splendor of the surrounding landscape, providing an ideal backdrop for intimate moments.

Spa Breaks - Dive into the outdoor heated infinity pool, where the water glimmers under the sun's golden rays, or unwind in the spa pool as you sip on refreshing beverages, enveloped by stunning mountain silhouettes—an oasis of tranquility awaits.

Guest Experiences - Imagine savoring delectable dishes in front of a crackling fire, the rich aroma of gourmet cuisine wafting through the air, while friendly staff treat you like old friends—one guest cherished how Vladimir mixed the perfect Negroni, leaving them enchanted and craving another.

Nestled in the enchanting Canterbury high country, Fable Terrace Downs Resort by MGallery invites you to experience an oasis of tranquility and luxury. With breathtaking views of the rugged mountains and lush landscapes, each moment here feels timeless, making it an ideal romantic retreat or an adventurous escape.

Romantic Getaway - Immerse yourself in moments of intimacy as you unwind in spacious villas featuring open-plan living and cozy gas fires, perfect for snuggling up after a day of exploration.

Culinary Delights - Savor the essence of local produce at our cafe, where the aroma of freshly prepared dishes dances in the air. Enjoy your meal against the backdrop of panoramic mountain views, whether it's a sumptuous breakfast or an elegant evening dinner.

Adventure Awaits - Engage your spirit of adventure with a plethora of outdoor activities, from exhilarating jet boating to serene fishing excursions. Each experience is crafted to reconnect you with nature and invigorate your senses.

Guest Experiences - As the sun sets, the laughter of friends echoes around the outdoor terrace, where one guest noted the friendly staff's effortless attention—they even arranged early check-in so they could freshen up before diving into the culinary wonders of the evening menu, described as 'unreal' and 'the best food we've ever had.'

Tucked away in the mesmerizing embrace of Abel Tasman National Park, Awaroa Lodge is a hidden gem where romance and adventure intertwine. Accessible only by water taxi or helicopter, this sanctuary invites you to leave the hustle behind and immerse yourself in the serene beauty of nature, with golden beaches and lush gardens providing the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable escape.

Outstanding Location - Nestled at the northern tip of Abel Tasman National Park, Awaroa Lodge offers unparalleled access to breathtaking coastal walking tracks and pristine beaches, making it a paradise for nature lovers and wanderers alike.

Total Relaxation - With accommodations harmoniously set among native greenery, guests can unwind on private patios, relishing the gentle rustle of leaves and the soft lapping of waves, creating an oasis of peace far removed from everyday life.

Culinary Delights - Awaroa Restaurant and Café showcases gourmet cuisine crafted from organic produce and local seafood, where each bite encapsulates the essence of New Zealand’s rich culinary heritage, all enjoyed in an atmosphere warmed by friendly staff whose care elevates every meal.

Guest Experiences - As dawn broke, the comforting aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air, while guests were captivated by the stunning views of the sun rising over the waters of Awa-iti, marveling at how the tranquility enveloped them like a warm embrace. An afternoon stroll along the Coastal Track unveiled hidden coves and playful sea birds, leaving many in awe of the vibrant life thriving just steps from their doorstep.