1. Introduction to Helena Bay Lodge
2. The Natural Beauty and Wildlife
3. Relaxation and Activities
4. Culinary Experience
5. Exploring the Surroundings
6. Getting to Helena Bay Lodge
Helena Bay Lodge is a secluded sanctuary on New Zealand’s North Island.
When you arrive at Helena Bay Lodge, a tranquil haven on the North Island, a warm welcome awaits you. The resort boasts a staff of 54, catering to a maximum of just 10 guests, ensuring an intimate experience. However, it’s the charming non-human residents that truly enhance your visit.
Imagine standing amid the rolling green hills overlooking the bay when your guide calls out, and a delightful group of fuzzy-headed alpacas come running towards you, their quirky teeth forming goofy grins. The lodge features a vast farm with grazing cows, goats, and pigs, and a resident dog that enjoys riding around in a golf cart with his puppy protege, keeping watch over the 800-plus acres.
During our visit in May, we were fortunate to be the only guests since the lodge was preparing to close for the season. With only five spacious waterfront suites, spotting an orca from your patio is more likely than running into another guest, even during peak season. Experiencing the serenity of breathtaking landscapes and friendly farm animals is hard to surpass.
Guests typically enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking the picturesque trails, kayaking, playing tennis, swimming, or fishing. Engaging in these activities is encouraged, especially since head chef Michele Martino, from Italy’s Michelin-starred Ristorante Don Alfonso 1890, ensures that fresh pasta and fine wines are abundant.
Martino thoughtfully guides guests through his lush herb and vegetable gardens, selecting the freshest ingredients for culinary delights. He offers cooking demonstrations for those who wish to participate or allows guests to unwind with a crisp New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc by the fire while he prepares a sumptuous multi-course meal featuring seasonal seafood or premium wagyu beef.
Even a short stay of four days can lead to profound rejuvenation. Many visitors notice a sense of relaxation and tranquility within just a few hours.
Mornings at Helena Bay start with sipping a flat white and enjoying the soothing sounds of waves lapping the shore. Days are filled with engaging activities and sunshine, culminating in tranquil nights soaking in a giant tub. Consequently, unwinding feels effortless. Yet, the spell of nature keeps Helena Bay dynamic, providing delightful surprises at every turn.
During a boat ride, we encountered a stunning rainbow arching overhead, perfectly timed with playful dolphins swimming alongside us. Such moments are as common as breathtaking; they continually remind visitors of the stunning natural beauty offered at Helena Bay.
With over two miles of untouched coastline and four pristine private beaches, the opportunities for exploration are seemingly limitless. Whether it’s enjoying a relaxing picnic set up by Martino at Mohei Beach or searching for bioluminescent glow worms along the shore, the vast property provides numerous hidden corners of wonder.
Additionally, Helena Bay Lodge features a yacht that can transport guests to some of the best scuba diving spots globally, including the Poor Knights Islands, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its rich marine ecosystems.
Travelers can reach Helena Bay in less than three hours from Auckland, arrange a convenient 50-minute private car transfer from Whangarei airport, or indulge in an unforgettable helicopter ride that offers breathtaking views as Auckland’s skyline fades into a lush landscape.
Air New Zealand provides nonstop flights to Auckland from major cities, including Los Angeles and Chicago, offering an impressive selection of local dishes even in economy. High season at Helena Bay Lodge runs from November to April, so planning and securing accommodations well in advance is advisable, particularly for holiday periods.
Regardless of your purpose for visiting—be it a honeymoon, family gathering, or solo getaway—one certainty remains: upon returning home and recalling your “happy place,” the enchanting images of the rainbow skies, emerald hills, and friendly, furry residents of Helena Bay will remain etched in memory.
Helena Bay Lodge provided support for the reporting of this story.
