---
type: "Article"
title: "Te Ariki Nui – like a luxury lodge in the remote wilderness of Wanaka"
description: "Te Ariki Nui is an idyllic rural abode on the 4-hectare property on the outskirts of Wanaka, New Zealand. Only 10 minutes from Wanaka Te Ariki Nui feels like a luxury lodge in a remote wilderness."
resource: "https://travelmemo.com/new-zealand/te-ariki-nui-wanaka-luxury-lodge"
author: "Justine Tyerman"
publisher: "Travelmemo"
photo_count: 21
tags: ["Lodge", "Luxury", "Rural", "New Zealand"]
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  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/topics/landscape"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/topics/lake"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/topics/travel-photography"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/topics/winter-tourism"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/topics/air-travel"
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  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/topics/nature-tourism"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/organizations/and-beyond"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/organizations/wilderness-safaris"
generated: { by: "human:https://travelmemo.com/author/tyermanj", at: 2026-07-04T13:46:14+00:00 }
sources:
  - id: photos
    resource: te-ariki-nui-wanaka-luxury-lodge.md#photos
    title: "Original photography by Justine Tyerman"
    author: "human:https://travelmemo.com/author/tyermanj"
    last_modified: 2018-02-05
timestamp: 2026-07-04T13:46:14+00:00
---

# Te Ariki Nui – like a luxury lodge in the remote wilderness of Wanaka

> Te Ariki Nui is a luxury architect-designed holiday home on the outskirts of Wanaka, New Zealand, offering a private, lodge-like retreat set within 4 hectares of rugged Central Otago landscape with mountain views in every direction.

## Destination
On the outskirts of Wanaka, Central Otago, South Island, New Zealand — about 10 minutes from the town centre.

## Getting there
Fly Air New Zealand to Queenstown, then drive to Wanaka: 60 minutes over the Crown Range or 90 minutes via the Kawarau Gorge. JUCY Rentals can be picked up at Queenstown Airport and dropped off in Christchurch, Wellington or Auckland.

## When to go
Suitable at any time of year; midsummer brings intense heat and long golden sunsets but can also bring unseasonal snow on the peaks.

## Why visit
A rare combination of architectural elegance and wild Central Otago scenery — floor-to-ceiling glass walls frame a 360-degree ring of mountain ranges, while the property's seclusion makes it ideal for private gatherings or family retreats.

## What to see
- **360-degree mountain panorama** — Black Peak, the Buchanan Mountains, Mt Maude, Mt Iron, Mt Barker and the Cardrona–Mt Pisa Ranges encircle the property.
- **Sculpture collection** — New Zealand artworks by owner Robyn Hall are placed throughout the 4-hectare grounds and interior, including a piece by Hannah Kidd.
- **Orchard** — Hazelnuts, plums, peaches, pears, nectarines, redcurrants, cherries, apricots and gooseberries grow on the property; Central Otago conditions give the fruit intense flavour.
- **Alpaca paddock** — Sociable alpacas in the neighbouring paddock can be hand-fed from the property.
- **Lake Wanaka** — The lake and its busy recreational scene — jet boats, paragliders, water skiers, kayakers — are about 10 minutes away.

## What to do
- **Soak in the Jacuzzi** — A sheltered courtyard spa pool is ideal for unwinding under the stars, including surreally with snow on the surrounding peaks in midsummer.
- **Alfresco dining** — A table with a large shady umbrella outside the house is set up for outdoor meals in the Central Otago sun.
- **Explore the grounds** — Walking the 4-hectare property to view sculptures, the orchard and wildlife makes for a peaceful alternative to the busy township.

## Good to know
Te Ariki Nui sleeps eight across four bedrooms and three bathrooms, including a self-contained detached studio. The house was designed by award-winning architect Paul Clarke and was runner-up in the 2005 New Zealand Home & Entertaining Home of the Year Award. It is the private home of New Zealand fashion icon Robyn Hall and is available as a holiday rental. 'Te Ariki Nui' translates from Māori as 'Above all others'.

## Photos

```yaml
photos:
  - url: "https://travelmemo.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/winter-sunrise-Lake-Wanaka.jpg"
    caption: "Winter sunrise at Lake Wanaka"
    keywords: ["Cardrona Alpine Resort", "skiing"]
    captured: 2017-08-23
    geo: {latitude: -44.8722, longitude: 168.9635}
  - url: "https://travelmemo.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Te-ariki-nui-wanaka-newzealand.jpg"
    caption: "Te Ariki Nui is an idyllic rural abode on the outskirts of Wanaka"
    keywords: ["wanaka"]
    captured: 2018-02-02
  - url: "https://travelmemo.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Te-ariki-nui-wanaka-landscape.jpg"
    caption: "Te Ariki Nui sits light and low on the landscape, recessed into a shallow gully on the 4-hectare property"
    keywords: ["wanaka"]
    captured: 2018-02-04
  - url: "https://travelmemo.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/te-ariki-nui-wanaka.jpg"
    caption: "Te Ariki Nui sits light and low on the landscape, recessed into a shallow gully on the 4-hectare property"
    keywords: ["wanaka"]
    captured: 2018-02-02
  - url: "https://travelmemo.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/te-ariki-nui-wanaka-outdoor.jpg"
    caption: "The outdoor swing, kotuku weathervane, tussocks and alpacas - all part of the Te Ariki Nui experience"
    keywords: ["wanaka"]
    captured: 2018-02-02
  - url: "https://travelmemo.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/wanaka-alpacas.jpg"
    caption: "The alpacas feeling the chill after a mid-summer snow storm"
    keywords: ["wanaka"]
    captured: 2018-02-02
  - url: "https://travelmemo.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Te-ariki-nui-wanaka-hollow.jpg"
    caption: "Te Ariki Nui is nestled in a hollow surrounded by 4 hectares of land on the outskirts of Wanaka. Patrick Reynolds Photography"
    keywords: ["wanaka"]
    credit: "Simon Darby"
  - url: "https://travelmemo.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/te-ariki-nui-interior.jpg"
    caption: "The interior has minimal adornment allowing “the landscape to do the talking”, as the owner says."
    keywords: ["wanaka"]
    captured: 2018-01-31
  - url: "https://travelmemo.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Te-ariki-nui-wanaka-bedroom.jpg"
    caption: "The spacious master bedroom at Te Ariki Nui has floor-to-ceiling window and sliding doors"
    keywords: ["wanaka"]
    captured: 2018-02-05
  - url: "https://travelmemo.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/te-ariki-nui-master-ensuite.jpg"
    caption: "The master ensuite has unencumbered views of the mountains through floor-to-ceiling windows"
    keywords: ["wanaka"]
    captured: 2018-01-31
  - url: "https://travelmemo.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/te-ariki-nui-dining-area.jpg"
    caption: "The spacious open-plan kitchen, dining and living area is ideal for meals and socialising. Picture by Simon Darby Photography"
    keywords: ["wanaka"]
    captured: 2017-05-18
    credit: "Simon Darby"
  - url: "https://travelmemo.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/te-ariki-nui-living-area.jpg"
    caption: "The massive floor-to-ceiling glass walls on both sides of the living area push back to allow the ultimate in inside-outside living. Simon Darby Photography"
    keywords: ["wanaka"]
    captured: 2017-05-18
    credit: "Simon Darby"
  - url: "https://travelmemo.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/te-ariki-nui-lounge.jpg"
    caption: "Double-glazing, underfloor heating and a raised gas fireplace in the lounge make Te Ariki Nui super-cosy in the winter. Simon Darby Photography"
    keywords: ["wanaka"]
    captured: 2017-05-20
    credit: "Simon Darby"
  - url: "https://travelmemo.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/te-ariki-nui-bathroom.jpg"
    caption: "The Agape tear-shaped bath by the floor-to-ceiling windows in the master bedroom. Simon Darby Photography"
    keywords: ["wanaka"]
    captured: 2017-05-18
    credit: "Simon Darby"
  - url: "https://travelmemo.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/te-ariki-nui-master-spa-pool.jpg"
    caption: "It was quite surreal to soak in the spa pool surrounded by a dusting of mid-summer snow on the peaks and ranges"
    keywords: ["wanaka"]
    captured: 2018-02-02
```