Inside NZ's secret escapes hidden in the hinterland

In the heart of the North Island, you'll find a hinterland full of hidden retreats.

How about breakfast overlooking a national park? Or you could canoe to a vintage wagon, where you'll find a sumptuous three-course meal awaiting your arrival.

These are some of Ruapehu's best off-the-beaten-track escapes.

For an all-inclusive luxury experience, one of the best in the region is found less than 10 kilometres west of National Park Village.

Retaruke Country Estate is part of a vast 1600-hectare farm that stretches from dense bush to an impressive plateau.

The grand lodge, made from mudstone shipped from Nelson, works on an exclusive use basis - meaning you can gather up to three couples to share the cost.

The nightly rate includes all activities on the property, such as horse riding, farm tours, off-road adventures, mountain biking, hunting and trout fishing – to name just a few.

Your stay also includes meals and drinks and a luxurious hot tub.

On a private slice of the Whanganui River, you'll find one of the region's best glamping escapes.

Te Awa Glamping has all the luxuries of a five-star hotel with a dramatic location. You'll be treated to a welcome basket on arrival, a plush bed, designer indoor bathroom, an outdoor bath for stargazing, and a huge selection of blankets for those colder nights.

There is a massive variety of things to do around the area, but you're best to unwind here, then spend a few nights somewhere else to enjoy everything the region has to offer. When you've reached paradise, why would you want to leave?

This remote lodge is nestled in the Pureora Forest Park, a 78,000-hectare wilderness with ancient trees and majestic bird life.

The lodge can be accessed via the magnificent , a bike track that weaves along old logging lines through dense forest that feels like a time portal – it's as if you're riding through Gondwana.

You'll find the lodge at the 35km marker on the trail, where you turn off and ride a further 6km.

Aside from a self-catering option, the lodge offers an all-inclusive package, meaning you'll arrive to find home-cooked meals, a comfy bed, and a spa to soothe those muscles.

If you're after a decent amount of adventure for a night away, Posh Pioneers is for you. There is no road to the retreat - instead, you need to follow the mighty Whanganui River.

One of the more popular options is to paddle into the retreat, after which you'll be taken to the lodge, where a hot drink and scones will be waiting.

After a hot shower and tour of the camp, you can expect a home-cooked meal before retiring to one of six pioneer-style wagons.

The escape minimises its footprint with solar power, local produce and an advanced composting toilet, which looks much like a traditional one.

You can also get to the retreat by jet boat or helicopter.

This remote farm, surrounded by the Whanganui National Park, feels like you have truly reached Middle Earth. The drive there is exceptionally windy, but it's well worth the effort.

The remote farm offers affordable accommodation options alongside activities such as bush safaris, jet boating, kayaking and a cafe.

The property is also home to popular multi-day horse treks through the ruggedly beautiful hinterland.

Blue Duck Station is also home to the hugely popular fine-dining experience known as "The Chef's Table", where a feast is prepared in an off-grid restaurant on top of a remote hill.

You'll start with a two-hour ATV safari of the farm, which weaves up to the remote peak where chef Jack Cashmore's hand-crafted restaurant awaits. From there, you're treated to an unforgettable 12-course dinner as the sun sets over the national park.

If you're after a once-in-a-lifetime experience, The Chef's Table also offers an overnight package – where you'll stay the night in a luxury cabin near the restaurant.

After your dinner, retire to your room for some spectacular stargazing. But perhaps the most spectacular sight comes in the morning, when the sun begins to light up the North Island's vast interior. You'll have breakfast in one of the most beautiful places on Earth.

The Nightsky Cottage is one of the country's best romantic stargazing escapes. You are so secluded there is a resident population of kiwi that you'll hear at night. And deer are often spotted at dusk.

But the real attraction is what's above. The two-bedroom cabin has a large skylight, so you can admire the Milky Way without getting off the couch.

You can also take a short walk to an outside viewing platform. Here you and your significant other can wrap up in a blanket and watch the stars while listening to kiwi calls echo around you.

The cottage is one of the top environmentally rated properties in the country, and you won't find any single-use plastic. The biodegradable carpet is made from genetically modified corn, all the soaps and candles are handmade, and even the teas are produced from plants on the property. When you jump into bed, the plush duvet feels like it could be made out of the most delicate feathers. But it's actually been created with the help of 175 milk bottles.

Ruapehu region is roughly 4.5 hours drive from Auckland or 3.5 from Wellington. Air New Zealand has flights to Taupō from Auckland, while Sounds Air flies from Wellington. The region can also be accessed from Whanganui Airport, which has flights from Auckland with Air Chathams.

from $200 a night. See:

from $200 a night. See:

from $669 a night. See:

overnight experience including ATV safari, dinner, bed and breakfast is $750 per person. See:

overnight canoe stays, including dinner, bed and breakfast starts from $195 per person. See:

from $900 per couple, all-inclusive. See:

from $460 a night. See:

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