NZ havens rank with world's best

From left, Blanket Bay, Otahuna Lodge and Huka Lodge.

Three New Zealand luxury lodges have been named among the world's "Top 20 International Hideaways" in the prestigious Andrew Harper's Hideaway Report.

Christchurch's Otahuna Lodge is second, behind Eden Rock in St Barthelemy in the French West Indies, while Taupo's Huka Lodge is ninth and Blanket Bay, near Glenorchy, is ranked 16th in the report's 2014 list of favourite lodges, hotels and resorts as voted by its readers.

The Hideaway Report is an internationally recognised source of information about luxury travel and accommodation.

The Andrew Harper website describes Otahuna Lodge's "magnificently appointed public areas" and says Huka Lodge is "set along the willow-draped banks of the Waikato River near dramatic Huka Falls and Lake Taupo".

The website says Blanket Bay is a "splendid sanctuary along the shores of Lake Wakatipu with a majestic backdrop of snowcapped peaks; a scenic 45-minute drive from Queenstown".

The late actor Robin Williams stayed in Blanket Bay when he was in New Zealand and Prime Minister John Key last year described it as "a gorgeous five-star resort" and said it was one of his favourite places to stay in the country.

Travel website jasons.co.nz said Williams went fly-fishing and mountain biking when he stayed at Blanket Bay.

Lodge owner Tom Tusher said: "The nice thing here is when people come here, people you would know, celebrities and politicians ... people don't bother them. There are no safety or security issues here."