New Zealand has held a unique beauty long before Hollywood came knocking on its door. The country’s stunning natural landscapes are unlike anywhere else we’ve been, and while it may get passed over for a holiday due to it being ‘too close to home’ for Australians, the sheer beauty of its rugged landscapes are something everyone should experience.

For anyone still ambivalent about a New Zealand escape, we may think this may be the clincher. The Farm at Cape Kidnappers is a 6,000 acre working farm amongst the dramatic Hawke’s Bay scenery on the North Island. The remote location is ripe for an immersive retreat, but the luxurious features of the boutique hotel still tick off all the creature comforts.

Against the spectacular backdrop of the Pacific Ocean, the property has been transformed from a working sheep and cattle farm to a fully-fledged boutique hotel complete with an onsite restaurant, golf course and spa facilities.

The landscape is firmly the standout attraction though, and the hotel’s design recognises its influence in the form and style of the building. Cosy lounge areas and outdoor conservatory spaces alike play up the views and natural backdrop, while the dining room balcony becomes the hottest seat in the house at sunset. Content to let the panoramic views steal the limelight, the interior aesthetic is warm, relaxed and gently chic, mixing French countryside style with a a rustic American lodge.

While the property may be isolated from any nearby cities or large townships (something we’d argue is part of the appeal) the hotel encourages a communal experience with breakfast, dinner, nightly cocktail hour and use of the various lodge facilities such as the infinity pool, music and book library, outdoor Jacuzzi and golf course. And there’s no shortage of outdoor pursuits with some of the North Island’s best trails to explore, from beginner tracks to cliffside hikes – the hotel can help with backpacks, blankets and picnics for hire to make a day of it.

Take in the views of the property from the forest to the coast from the heated infinity pool, or explore the farm with a guided quad bike tour with one of the locals.

The hotel’s aesthetic blends local hospitality with countryside charm, preferring cosy textiles and a creamy colour palette over fleeting trends. Wicker, timber and steel add a relaxed materiality to the provincial style.