Kinloch Manor & Villas

Kinloch Manor stands on high ground above the northern shores of Lake Taupo, New Zealand's largest lake, with a panorama that runs across water and tussock to the distant volcanoes of the central plateau. The lodge's angular, schist-and-glass architecture takes its cues from the land, and its adjoining course—The Kinloch Club, a Jack Nicklaus Signature design—threads through the same rumpled, links-like terrain, ranking among the country's most challenging and scenic layouts.

Suites in the manor and the larger hillside villas share a restrained contemporary style, with window walls, fires and terraces arranged so that the lake view does the decorating. The atmosphere is quieter and more grown-up than resort golf usually implies; non-golfers are equally well served by the infinity pool, spa treatments and the lodge's lounges.

Beyond the fairways, Taupo's geothermal country supplies the excursions—trout fishing on famous rivers, the Huka Falls, Tongariro's volcanic day walks and mountain-bike trails along the lake. Dinner returns guests to a menu of central-plateau produce and New Zealand wine as the light fades over the water. For a golf-led North Island stay with genuine lodge comfort, Kinloch is the standout.