AUCKLAND - Going on vacation always seems like a bit of a splurge, no matter what your budget. And for many, New Zealand is the ultimate tick off the bucket list that requires a great commitment of time and cash. While there are plenty of budget and reasonably-priced places to stay on both the North and South Islands, there is a growing trend for even the most budget-conscious visitors to take a night or two and indulge themselves by staying at one of the country’s nicer lodges or hotels.

After all, if you go all that way, why not splurge a little.

So, we offer up some interesting, unique and special places to stay in New Zealand, starting with:

• The Boatshed on Waiheke Island, just a 40-minute ferry ride from Auckland, offers visitors a charming piece of Kiwi life. The five suites and two bungalows are designed to reflect “baches” — a New Zealand term for a holiday home. It offers an eclectic mix of different buildings, spaces and room types — all with a view of the ocean. And exclusive to guests is fine dining at The Boatshed’s restaurant. Service is in a relaxed, alfresco setting, with exceptional New Zealand seafood and gourmet meat cuts accompanied by organic, locally sourced produce (some grown at The Boatshed). The fact that this luxury accommodation is located on Waiheke Island, which is home to a number of beautiful vineyards and local artists and offers lovely beaches, just makes it that much more of a treat. Bed and breakfast rates start at $645 NZD ($555 CDN) per room per night. www.boatshed.co.nz/

• Black Barn, located in the wine producing region of Hawke’s Bay. This winery and vineyard produces fabulous wines and also offers accommodation — right in the vineyard. There are 14 distinctive, self-contained accommodation offering character and style. From an eight-bedroom luxury retreat to a two-bedroom turn-of-the-century cottage in the heart of the vineyard, Black Barn offers wine lovers something special, including the fact that everyone at Black Barn loves to talk wine. One question to the staff turns into a half-hour conversation between wine-loving friends. For music fans, Black Barn presents a series of summer concerts where you can sit outside, put your feet up, sip a glass of wine, and enjoy the good life. Retreats start at $390 NZD per night. www.blackbarn.com/

Above: Sit back, kick off your shoes and enjoy your stay at a New Zealand hotel.

• In the Bay of Islands, travellers can fully indulge themselves at Eagles Nest, which offers a choice of five magnificent villas nestled into a beautiful peninsula with stunning ocean views. The breathtaking scenery blends with the creative and sophisticated architectural and interior designs, making the villas feel completely connected to nature. Culinary resources include resident chefs, a superb wine cellar and fresh, locally sourced foods. Eagles Nest is often used by larger families or groups for weddings and other celebrations — allowing event guests to stay together in the villas, creating even greater memories. Rates start at $1,295 NZD per villa per night and include a bottle of Laurent Perrier Champagne upon arrival, fresh fruit platter — replenished daily — gourmet breakfast provisions — replenished daily — selected mini-bar items and high-speed wireless Internet access. www.eaglesnest.co.nz/

• For those looking for something unique, Hapuku Lodge & Tree Houses, in Kaikoura, provides a once-in-a-lifetime experience. While every room in the lodge is exceptional, the tree houses offer something extraordinary. The tree houses sit high above the ground (10 metres) in the canopy of a native Manuka grove. Each tree house offers spectacular views of the area’s dramatic mountains and the Pacific coastline. Each has a fireplace and a wall-to-wall shower that overlooks the ocean and provides a pampered sanctuary of relaxation. The chef’s focus is on fresh, local ingredients — fish, meats and seasonal vegetables — many from the lodge’s own little farm. Along with all of this, the welcoming and friendly approach of everyone at Hapuku makes it feel like you are staying at a wealthy relative’s home — a relative who really, really likes you. Rates start at $567 NZD per night for a lodge room and $929 NZD for a tree house. http://www.hapukulodge.com/kaikoura/

Above: The views one gets at a New Zealand hotel are quite fascinating.

• In Queenstown, The Spire hotel calls out to the hipster in all of us. It is a place where even if you were a geek in high school — just by being there, you immediately become cool, sophisticated and a part of the “in” crowd. The Spire, which sits in the heart of New Zealand’s adventure capital, is a boutique hotel with a difference. While the rooms are spacious, lavish and oh-so-comfy (and are decked out with anything and everything you could ever wish for in a hotel), it’s the attention to detail, the willingness of the staff to make your stay excellent, and the commitment to guest service that takes this hotel from great to world-class. Add in the hotel bar and restaurant, No. 5 Church Lane, which offers incredible food, amazing drinks, a friendly clientele and the feeling that you just walked into your own birthday party. Rates from July — November 2013 are $1,095 NZD for a single and $1,165 NZD for a double.

Go to http://www.thespirehotel.com/)

• Just outside Christchurch, in the Canterbury Region, Otahuna Lodge provides history buffs with a piece of Queen Anne architecture and an interesting past. Built by a prominent Kiwi politician and philanthropist, Otahuna had been a private home for more than 60 years, until 1956. Since then, it has served as a Catholic seminary and even a hippie commune. Now, this heritage building is one of New Zealand’s premiere lodges. It has seven bedroom suites – all of which provide guests with a glimpse of times gone by. And while Otahuna is a picturesque, old grand dame, it’s also clear that she has a great deal of strength. Damaged in the 2011 earthquake, she has been restored and now stands stronger and more dignified than ever. (Rates start from $1,100 NZD per room per night and includes pre-dinner drinks and canapés, five-course degustation dinner featuring the finest local produce, wine matches to complement each course, and full breakfast: http://www.otahuna.co.nz/)