Relatively new to the North Island of New Zealand, Helena Bay brings timeless elegance and a sense of adventure to the rugged east coast.
Combining masterful design, attention to detail and a wide variety of activities across an abundant landscape, you can while away the day soaking in a seawater rock pool, take to the hammam for a traditional Turkish bath, or marvel at wildlife like whales and dolphins from the comfort of a boat or helicopter.
The remainder of the estate houses an Astroturf tennis court, a network of walking and mountain biking trails, and a farm that holds alpacas, donkeys and Wagyu cattle.
Mountain bikes, paddle boards and sea kayaks can be borrowed on request, or you can take an electric buggy out onto the grounds with a gourmet picnic to explore.
Located on the very near tip of New Zealand’s North Island, Helena Bay Lodge has easy access to both the Bay of Islands and the Poor Knights. Encompassing 800 total acres, nearly two miles of coastline, four private beaches and countless secluded coves, you can rest assured you’re enjoying some of the most pristine landscapes in the country, kept at their best just for you.
For those wanting to arrive via air, there are daily flights into nearby Whangarei Airport. Once you’ve landed, the drive is 40 minutes to the lodge. Flights from Auckland are under three hours, and a top-of-the-range helicopter can be arranged directly through Helena Bay.
Hosting a maximum of 10 people across five individual suites, Helena Bay Lodge offers an intimate approach to incomparable luxury. Two of the villas, Kiwi and Kotare, each encompass 1,450 square feet, and are made complete by waterfront balconies opening up to unspoiled views of the ocean. The three junior suites – Tui, Kea and Hihi – are just as special, covering a space of 700 square feet each.
The lodge itself was completed in 2016, and features eclectic artwork, global treasures and a unique array of natural materials. The very base of the building is clad in sedimentary schist, which has fragments of ancient coral, crustacean and mollusk shells dating back some 30 million years. No expense was spared in designing the lodge or the rooms, and it’s the details such as these that will keep your senses delighted throughout your stay.
Junior Suite
The three Junior Suites at Helena Bay have waterfront balconies with ocean views, air conditioning, lavish furnishings and an assortment of impressive dressings. Expect carefully chosen, hand-made linens from Europe, hypoallergenic pillows and duvets from Australia. Bathrooms boast thick toweling sourced from Germany, accessories from Italy and British Molton Brown products for your use. A spacious wardrobe holds a sumptuous robe made in Switzerland, and a lounge area with television opens to the private terrace with lounge chairs.
Villa Suite
The two villa suites are larger in size, with super king beds, a real log burning fire and breathtaking views from the waterfront balconies. The bedroom and living spaces are separated into two rooms, connected by a large private terrace at one end and a spacious mini bar at the back. Like the junior suites, all villas have carefully-chosen features like hand-made linens from Europe, duvets from Australia, toweling from Germany and Molton Brown products from Britain.
