Puka Park Resort by John Borthwick

Coromandel Peninsula on the north-eastern coast of New Zealand's North Island is a sanctuary for city escapees, farmers and artists. It boasts thermal springs, uncrowded beaches and, in early summer, a riot of crimson-blossomed pohutukawa trees.

Nestled high in a bush valley, the elegant, 48-chalet Puka Park Resort looks down on Pauanui Beach. Its svelte, timbered chalets (each with a private balcony) are tucked into the leafy groves of Puka Park's 10 hectares of native bush. The luxurious facilities of this privately-owned lodge include a fine dining restaurant and heli-pad. Here is a superb place either to "lay low" (reading, snoozing, dining, having spa treatments) or to use as your base for exploring the lush Coromandel Peninsula. Other features of this seaside resort include an airfield, tennis courts and an 18-hole international golf course.

The chef will pack you a picnic hamper and you can range from the sands of Pauanui Beach (almost at your doorstep) to craggy, volcanic peaks clad with kauri forests and old gold-mining towns. Visit renowned Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach where you can dig your own thermal pool.