Active/Adventure: Places: New Zealand: Private Island Idyll

New Zealand: Private Island Idyll

To get to Moturua, a retreat in the Bay of Islands, you have two choices: go by helicopter or by boat. Perfect for those who place a premium on seclusion, the private island offers gorgeous beaches, a rugged, unspoiled landscape, and a remarkable waterfront home that has won numerous design awards. Local architect Pete Bossley created what he calls “light pavilions,” with monopitch roofs that “float above and beyond the spaces.” Walls of windows blur the lines between indoor and out, showcasing the sublime ocean views. Each of the four bedrooms in the main house has a private terrace. There’s a separate guest cottage near the boathouse, which is stocked with plenty of toys (sea kayaks, Jet Skis, fishing gear). You might spend your days hiking through the surrounding landscape, horseback riding on the beach, scuba diving in the Cavalli islands, or perhaps playing golf at nearby Kauri Cliffs. Moturua is exclusively available through Seasonz, one of our favorite New Zealand tour operators. Contact Indagare for details on how to book: 212-988-2611. NZD $25,000 a day, including private chef.