Robinson Crusoe famously disliked castaway life but he might’ve felt differently had he been marooned at Seascape, a couple of hours’ drive from Christchurch. The “castaway concept” is front and centre at the retreat, which sits on a sheltered bay on an already remote farm, where the only sounds are crashing waves. Thrilling as the isolation is, the property is anything but basic: you’ll find an in-ground jacuzzi, wi-fi, indoor and outdoor gas fireplaces, soaking tub, private chef and dramatic ocean views through floor to ceiling windows. Read more ↗

Forget your dreaded weekday alarm; here, you’ll wake to the sound of twittering birds and ducks, and with the Wairarapa area being Aotearoa’s newest dark-sky reserve, see some of the most spectacular skyscapes from your private back terrace before dozing off each night.

If you really want to do as Will and Kate did, you can book to stay in Foley Villa - a three-bedroom house 10 minutes’ walk away from the main lodge. General manager Rooney jokes that this Hamptons-inspired stay comes with “a lot of NDAs”, and it has a price tag to match – but is certainly spectacular with its own pool, private chef and dedicated helicopter landing area. Read more ↗