Splurge:

When it comes to accommodation, Waipoua Lodge is the grand old dame of the region, a kauri homestead as solid as the trees that supplied its building materials. It has seen many reinventions and refurbishments since being built in the early 1900s. There are 4ha of land to explore, and four different luxury accommodation options, ranging from couples' retreats to multi-bedroom family suites. The lodge came into the guardianship of new owners Ann and Fiona in 2020.

4748 SH12, Waipoua Forest. (09) 439 0422, waipoualodge.co.nz