Luxury Meets Adventure: Honeymoon Chronicles at The Lindis Lodge

Anja Chang
Jul 9
5 min read

The Lindis Lodge is an absolutely stunning getaway in the beautiful Ahuriri Valley of New Zealand. It’s the perfect mix of luxury and adventure, making it ideal for couples like my husband and me who want to relax but also experience something special.

Our road trip from Minaret to The Lindis Lodge was an adventure all on its own. The drive was a bit winding, taking us through majestic mountains and picturesque valleys where vibrant lupines were in full bloom, splashing the fields with beautiful purple and pink colors. We saw plenty of sheep along the way; our enthusiastic driver told us that sheep outnumber humans in New Zealand by about five to one! As we got closer to the Ahuriri Valley, the landscape started to shift into a desert-like scene—dusty, dry, and rocky, all framed by a stunning mountain range.

Day 1: Arrival at The Lindis Lodge

When we arrived, we were immediately welcomed by our host, who made us feel right at home. They gave us a quick tour of the lodge’s cool facilities, which included a gym just steps away from the main building, a charming gift shop, and a few smaller buildings stocked with activity gear. One of the highlights was a beautiful soaking tub off to the side of the lodge, available for booking to catch the sunset over the valley. With only five rooms in the main building, the lodge felt super intimate, and the architecture was something I had never seen before—designed to blend right into the hillside. We stayed in one of the lodge suites, which quickly became one of my favorite hotel rooms ever. After settling in, we enjoyed coffee with the friendly barista. It’s nice to get to know the staff since they live on-site, which adds to the cozy vibe.

We enjoyed the complimentary bottle of champagne in our room as we unwound after a long day of travel. The main dining room serves all meals, similar to Minaret, but at the Lindis, you are seated at a separate table instead of enjoying a ranch-style family dinner. The food was absolutely delicious, particularly dinner, which consists of five courses each night, paired with an excellent selection of New Zealand wines. After dinner, we headed back to our suite, still buzzing from the excitment of being at a new place. It was a perfect way to wrap up our first night at the Lindis, and it really captured the laid-back vibe of our stay.

Day 2: E-Biking Adventure & Relaxation in the Hot Tub

The lodge has a cute little gym with everything you need to stay active, including a rower, bike, treadmill, and free weights. We kicked off our morning with a workout, as usual, before heading to the dining room. Breakfast was delicious, with a menu of tasty items to choose from and a coffee bar open all day. Our concierge welcomed us with our itinerary, which we hadn’t set up in advance. During our stay at Minaret, the other couple shared how much fun they had on their e-biking adventure, so we decided to give it a try as well. Just a heads-up: it gets super dusty, so it’s a good idea to have a bandana handy!

After a quick rundown on how to use the bikes, we set off on our adventure. There were several trails to choose from, but since we wanted to stay close, we went for the Birchwood Trails. The path was essentially a straight shot downhill into the valley, allowing us to pick up some speed. The scenery was breathtaking; I felt as though I was in The Sound of Music, surrounded by beautiful wildflowers and snow-capped mountains framing the landscape. We rode quite a distance, stopping to take pictures and even attempting to pet some sheep along the way. Upon our return, we were pleasantly surprised by how sore we were from our adventure, and we decided to book the soaking tub for some relaxation after dinner. A staff member prepared the tub for us, and we enjoyed a bottle of Pinot while watching the sunset—a perfect way to end a day well spent.

Day 3: Fly Fishing Experience & Star Gazing Under the Southern Sky

We started our day just like the others, pondering how to spend our time. We thought about going trap shooting, but the wind was a bit too wild, so our concierge suggested fly fishing instead since the river was more sheltered. We met our guide and tried on our waders; it was our first time fly fishing, and it turned out to be a blast! Our guide gave us the lowdown on how to hold our rods and cast, trying to imitate a fly on the water. Definitely wear clothes you don’t mind getting wet because the river was stunning and powerful. I realized that even if we didn’t catch anything, just being out there in nature and trying something new was a win in itself. We switched spots three times before Alex finally landed a fish—a big one, too! After four hours of standing in the river, we decided to call it a day. Keeping your balance in a river current is no joke, so we opted for stargazing in the evening. I’m not exaggerating when I say it was the most beautiful night sky I’ve ever seen. The darkness was lit up by millions of stars, and we even spotted several shooting stars while trying to pick out different constellations. There’s something truly magical about unplugging and enjoying life’s simple pleasures.

Day 4: Last Day & Drive to The Routeburn Track Wilderness Experience

After spending most of our honeymoon at two remote luxury destinations, we were uncertain about what to expect from our next adventure: a multi-day hike through the New Zealand wilderness along the Routeburn Track. We savored one last amazing breakfast at The Lindis before our driver arrived to take us to our next destination.

Conclusion

Our time at The Lindis left us feeling revitalized and refreshed. The stay was incredibly relaxing, and having a gym on-site was a great change from Minaret. If I had to choose one over the other, I would still lean towards Minaret, mainly because of the incredible staff. The Lindis is absolutely breathtaking, so if you're looking for a more luxurious experience with picturesque surroundings, The Lindis would likely suit you better. Both places offer fairly similar excursions, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference.

What to Pack

Given that you're in a remote location, be sure to pack appropriately. Depending on the excursions you choose, you may want to check what’s included. However, I recommend bringing the following items:

Plenty of layers: Mornings and evenings can be quite chilly, while the days can get really hot.
Bug spray: They do provide this, but it's always good to have extra on hand since the bugs can be quite persistent.
Swimsuit: For the soaking tub.
Moisture-wicking clothes: These will keep you comfortable throughout the day.
Sunscreen: Protect your skin from the sun while you're out exploring.
Bandana: Useful for various purposes, from keeping sweat at bay to protecting your neck from the sun.
Sporty sun hat or baseball cap: Essential for shading your face during outdoor activities.
Hiking boots: A must for tackling the trails with ease.
Sneakers: Great for casual outings and relaxing after a day of adventure.
Ugg boots or flip flops: For lounging after the days activities

When to Visit

The ideal time to visit New Zealand largely depends on your desired experiences. If you're looking for enjoyable weather and opportunities for outdoor activities, the summer months from December to February are your best bet. For those interested in skiing and winter sports, the winter months of June to August are perfect, particularly on the South Island. If you prefer fewer crowds and milder temperatures, the shoulder seasons of April to May and September to October provide an excellent compromise.