We are luxury accommodation specialists, who have been sharing our wealth of industry and local knowledge with our guests since 2013.
We work exclusively with unique properties offering character, style and luxury. We favour feel-good spaces, premium locations, breath-taking outlooks, distinctive art collections, statement architecture, thoughtful styling and modern conveniences.
Our carefully hand-picked portfolio of villas, holiday homes, luxury lodges and boutique hotels is a collection of the finest properties throughout the length of New Zealand, and we pride ourselves in our in-depth product knowledge of the best accommodation options throughout the country.
Whilst accommodation is our specialty, we can offer you so much more: delegate the stress of coordinating your holiday plans to us and allow us to work our magic and create for you a seamless and stress-free holiday experience, saving you time and energy, and ensuring you don’t miss out on any of the best local bits in your chosen destination. We offer an infinite list of in-house add-on services to make each stay 100% unique and it is our attention to detail and comprehensive MajorDomo customer experience that sets us apart.
Our small, yet agile team of luxury accommodation specialists truly takes the time to understand each guest and we seek the story behind each journey. We want to know our guests, why they are travelling, what they want to take away from their trip, where their ideal location is, and how they enjoy spending their time. This information combined with our privileged access to select accommodations and local experiences puts us at the top of our game and we aim to inspire our guests to confidently explore the depths of New Zealand, by sharing our unparalleled local and regional experience. From glacier picnics to gallery tours, lake paddleboarding to local pinot wine tasting, helicopters to hakas, supercars to spas… we genuinely have everything covered.
Frequently Asked Questions – MajorDomo Luxury New Zealand Accommodation
About MajorDomo
What is MajorDomo and how does it differ from Airbnb or Booking.com?
MajorDomo is a curated luxury villa rental service specialising exclusively in handpicked premium properties across New Zealand. Unlike large booking platforms with thousands of listings, we personally verify every villa in our portfolio and provide expert in-villa concierge services. Each property meets strict quality standards, and our team offers personalised local knowledge to enhance your stay, far beyond what a standard booking site would provide.
How are your luxury NZ villas selected and verified?
Every property in our luxury portfolio undergoes a rigorous vetting process by our expert team. We inspect accommodation, verify amenities, check guest reviews, and ensure each accommodation meets our 5-star standards. This curated approach means you’re choosing from only the best properties, not trying to wade through thousands of listings which may not be up to standard.
Do you only have villas in Queenstown?
While Queenstown is our flagship destination, we offer luxury villas and accommodation throughout New Zealand. Our most popular locations include Wanaka, Bay of Islands, Waiheke Island, Auckland, and other premium locations across both the North and South islands.
Where is the MajorDomo team based?
Our team is based on the ground in Queenstown, New Zealand. This places us at the heart of New Zealand’s top holiday destination. We are available 7 days a week so you can sure of a responsive, personal service from us, pre-, during and after your holiday. We are experts in planning incredible New Zealand luxury stays and can assist with selecting the perfect property, location, activities and in-villa concierge services for your group’s specific requirements.
Booking & Availability
How far in advance should I book a New Zealand villa?
We recommend booking at least 3 months ahead for peak seasons (December-February, as well as July for mountain destinations). Off-season bookings can often be arranged with shorter notice. Our sales & reservations team can assist with requests with shorter lead time depending on availability. We recommend that you book directly with us to be sure of the best price.
What is your cancellation policy?
Cancellation terms vary by property and will be shared during the booking process. We recommend reviewing individual property terms during booking or contacting our team for specific policies. Our full terms & conditions are detailed here.
Can I book a holiday home for a specific date if it’s not showing as available online?
A selection of our properties do not have real-time availability and will not appear when searching by date. If your preferred property isn’t showing any availability over your selected dates, please contact our team to discuss your options.
Luxury Accommodation: Features & Amenities
What amenities are included in your luxury villa rentals?
Our properties typically include a selection of premium amenities such as heated pools, hot tubs, gourmet kitchens, high-end entertainment systems, art collections, concierge services, and stunning views. Specific amenities vary by property. Please check individual villa listings for detailed amenity information.
Do your villas have in-villa concierge services?
Yes, many of our premium accommodations include personalised in-villa concierge services available at an additional cost. This might include a personal meet & greet, stocking the fridge for your arrival, private chef services, in-villa massages or ski fittings, activity and event planning, restaurant reservations, or local experience coordination. Availability depends on the specific property selected.
Are your villas pet-friendly?
Whilst most of our properties are not pet-friendly, some accommodations may accommodate pets. We recommend specifying your pet requirements when contacting our team, and we’ll identify whether there is a suitable villa for your needs.
What’s the difference between your villas and luxury lodges?
Luxury villas are typically larger, self-catering properties that are perfect for families or groups looking for privacy, space, and the freedom to enjoy their stay at their own pace. Our luxury lodges, by contrast, offer a more service-led experience, with onsite management, shared facilities, and other guests staying on the property. They’re ideal for travellers who value personalised service alongside a social atmosphere. Both options are carefully curated and offer exceptional 5-star standards. In fact, many guests initially enquire about a luxury lodge before discovering that a private villa better suits their group size, travel style, or desire for exclusivity. We also offer a collection of hosted villas, which combine the privacy of an exclusive-use villa with the personalised service of a luxury lodge. These stays can include private chefs, dedicated hosts, housekeeping, and other bespoke services for a truly effortless experience.
Luxury Accommodation
What is considered a luxury villa in New Zealand?
A luxury villa provides an exclusive, private retreat with exceptional design, generous living spaces, high-end amenities, and personalised service. Many luxury villas feature amenities such as outdoor entertaining spaces, hot tubs or pools, and spectacular views. At MajorDomo, every villa is personally selected to meet our quality standards, ensuring guests enjoy an exceptional stay in some of New Zealand’s most sought-after destinations, including Queenstown, Wanaka, Waiheke Island, and the Bay of Islands.
Why choose a luxury holiday home instead of a hotel?
Luxury holiday homes offer privacy, space, and flexibility that most hotels simply can’t match. Rather than booking multiple hotel rooms, your group can stay together under one roof while enjoying spacious living areas, gourmet kitchens, private outdoor spaces, and exclusive amenities. Villas are ideal for families, groups of friends, corporate retreats, and special celebrations, providing a more personalised and relaxed experience with optional services such as private chefs, concierge assistance, and housekeeping.
Who are luxury villas best suited for?
Luxury villas are ideal for families, multi-generational holidays, groups of friends, corporate retreats, ski holidays, golf trips, destination weddings, and special celebrations. They offer the space and flexibility to spend quality time together while still enjoying privacy and comfort. Many guests also appreciate the ability to customise their stay with concierge services, private chefs, activity planning, and exclusive local experiences.
Can I book an entire villa exclusively?
Yes, all of our properties are booked on an exclusive-use basis, meaning the entire property is reserved for your group. You’ll enjoy complete privacy throughout your stay without sharing the home with other guests. For travellers seeking a more service-led experience, we also offer hosted villas and luxury lodges.
Do I need a rental car when staying in a luxury villa?
It depends on the destination and your travel plans. Many guests choose to hire a vehicle for flexibility, particularly when exploring regions such as Queenstown and Wanaka. Others prefer private drivers, airport transfers, or chauffeur services, which our concierge team can arrange before your arrival.
Pricing & Value
Are MajorDomo villas typically more expensive than standard rental sites?
Our pricing reflects the premium quality, expert curation, and personalised services included. You’re paying for verified luxury properties, professional concierge support, local expertise, and peace of mind that your accommodation meets exacting standards—not just another listing. Many of our luxury homes sleep 6+ people, which makes them a great option for families and friends travelling together. Luxury properties usually offer several bathrooms, meaning each guest can enjoy all the amenities they would get from a private hotel room, with far more indoor and outdoor space to enjoy.
Do you offer accommodation for corporate stays?
Yes, we offer accommodation for corporate retreats, executive stays, and group accommodation for businesses. Whether you’re planning a leadership retreat, team offsite, or incentive trip, our team can recommend the most suitable properties and create a tailored proposal to match your requirements. Simply get in touch with your preferred dates, group size, and any specific requirements, and we’ll prepare a customised quote.
Are there any hidden fees or additional charges?
Transparent pricing is important to us. Our quoted rates include the nightly rate and listed fees. Some services (chef, additional concierge, activities) may incur extra costs, which we’ll clarify upfront. Our personal planning service is free and included with your booking.
Do you have off-season deals or last-minute discounts?
We regularly feature special offers during shoulder seasons. Check our website special offers page, or contact our team to learn about current promotions.
New Zealand Location & Regions
Where are the best places to stay in New Zealand for a luxury holiday?
New Zealand offers a diverse range of luxury destinations. Queenstown is renowned for adventure, skiing, fine dining, and alpine scenery, while Wanaka offers a more relaxed lakeside escape. Waiheke Island combines boutique wineries with coastal luxury, and the Bay of Islands is perfect for beach holidays and boating. Auckland provides a sophisticated city experience, whilst Fiordland is known for its remote nature and incredible landscapes. The best destination depends on the type of holiday you’re looking for, and our team can help you choose the perfect location.
Which New Zealand destination is best for families?
Queenstown and Wanaka are among New Zealand’s most popular destinations for families, offering year-round activities including skiing, hiking, boating, cycling, wildlife experiences, and excellent dining. Families also love Waiheke Island and the Bay of Islands for beach holidays and outdoor adventures. Our larger properties provide the space, privacy, and amenities that make travelling with children both comfortable and enjoyable.
Why choose Queenstown for luxury accommodation?
Queenstown is New Zealand’s popular adventure destination with world-class skiing, stunning lake and mountain scenery, excellent restaurants and a vast range of activities to keep you entertained. Our curated collection of retreats offer the perfect base for exploring the region while enjoying luxury and comfort.
Where should I stay in Queenstown?
The best place to stay in Queenstown depends on the type of holiday you’re planning. If you want to be within walking distance of restaurants, bars, and attractions, Central Queenstown is ideal. For spectacular lake views and easy access to town, Queenstown Hill and Fernhill are popular choices. Skiers often prefer Arthur’s Point for its proximity to Coronet Peak, while Jacks Point is perfect for golfers, families, and skiers and snowboarders heading to The Remarkables. If you’re looking for a quieter escape with easy access to both Queenstown and Arrowtown, consider Lower Shotover or Kelvin Heights. As Queenstown locals, we’ve created a comprehensive guide to each neighbourhood, including who it’s best suited for, the pros and cons of each area, and our recommended luxury residences. Before booking, we recommend reading our Where to Stay in Queenstown guide to help you choose the location that’s the perfect fit for your holiday.
What makes Wanaka different from Queenstown?
Wanaka offers a quieter, more relaxed alternative to Queenstown while providing equally stunning mountain scenery, lake activities, and access to Cardrona ski fields. It’s ideal for those seeking luxury without a busier, more lively atmosphere.
Which New Zealand destination is best for skiing and snowboarding?
Queenstown and Wanaka are New Zealand’s most popular ski destinations. Queenstown provides easy access to Coronet Peak and The Remarkables, while Wanaka is the gateway to Cardrona and Treble Cone. Staying in a luxury villa offers the flexibility to relax after a day on the slopes, with spacious living areas, fireplaces, hot tubs, and optional in-villa services.
When is the best time to visit New Zealand?
There’s no single “best” time to visit New Zealand, it depends on the experience you’re looking for. Summer (December to February) is ideal for beach holidays, hiking, and long days outdoors. Autumn (March to May) is popular for its vibrant colours, crisp weather, and food and wine experiences. Winter (June to August) is perfect for skiing and cosy alpine escapes, while spring (September to November) offers mild temperatures, blooming landscapes, and fewer crowds. Whatever the season, New Zealand offers exceptional luxury accommodation and unforgettable experiences year-round.
What can I do during different seasons in New Zealand?
Each season offers its own unique experiences. In summer, enjoy hiking, boating, swimming, golf, and wine tasting. Autumn is ideal for scenic drives, vineyard visits, cycling, and photography as the landscapes turn golden. Winter brings world-class skiing, snowboarding, heli-skiing, hot pools, and fireside dining. During spring, visitors can explore gardens, waterfalls, walking trails, wildlife encounters, and outdoor adventures before the peak summer crowds arrive.
MajorDomo Service & Support
What kind of concierge support do you provide?
Our concierge team assists personally with activity bookings, in-villa services, transportation arrangements, local recommendations, and special requests.
How can I contact your team before and during my stay?
You’ll receive direct contact details upon booking. We’re available via phone and email during business hours, and you will also have access to a property manager for all villa-related enquiries.
Can you arrange activities and experiences during my stay?
Yes, we specialise in curating personalised itineraries and arranging experiences like wine tours, adventure activities, chef services, and local experiences tailored to your interests. Our expert knowledge means we can plan something completely customised to your requirements. This can include special celebrations for birthdays and anniversaries.
Do you offer transportation or airport transfer services?
While we don’t operate our own transport service, we partner with a selection of reliable providers and can arrange pre-booked transfers to and from most airports.
Can you help plan my entire New Zealand itinerary?
Absolutely. Our team can assist guests with planning complete luxury holidays, including accommodation across multiple destinations, private transfers, helicopter flights, winery visits, private chefs, activity bookings, yacht charters, spa treatments, and personalised concierge services. Whether you’re visiting for a week or a month, we can help create a seamless itinerary tailored to your interests.
Property Management & Long-Term Rentals
If I own a luxury property in New Zealand, can I list it with MajorDomo?
Yes, we work directly with premium property owners in Queenstown and beyond. We offer professional property management, marketing, and booking services for luxury villas in located Queenstown, and provide website listing services for properties outside of Queenstown. Contact our property management team to discuss your property.
What management services do you offer for property owners?
We provide guest screening, booking management, housekeeping coordination, maintenance oversight, guest communication, and revenue optimisation for luxury properties.
What are the benefits of using MajorDomo to manage my property vs. doing it myself?
We take care of every aspect of the booking process, from marketing and guest acquisition to screening, reservations, guest communication, and customer service, allowing you to enjoy passive income with complete peace of mind. With over 10 years of experience marketing and managing luxury villas, holiday homes, and lodges, we combine industry expertise with data-driven decision-making to maximise your property’s performance. Our carefully curated portfolio attracts high-quality guests who respect and value exceptional accommodation. Unlike many operators, we don’t rely solely on platforms like Airbnb. We promote your property through a diverse mix of sales channels, including our extensive direct customer database, trusted travel trade relationships, luxury events, tourism partnerships, and multiple online booking platforms. Our dedicated sales team also provides a personalised booking experience for high-value guests, helping to maximise enquiries and conversions. Supported by leading reservation technology, we ensure your property reaches the right guests while optimising occupancy, revenue, and the overall guest experience.
Can villas be rented on a long-term basis?
Yes, a selection of our luxury properties offer longer-term stays. Please enquire directly with our sales & reservations team for more information.
Travel Planning
What’s the best way to plan a New Zealand luxury holiday?
Start by identifying which regions interest you (mountains, beaches, wine country, adventure, scenery). Decide your approximate travel dates and group size. Then contact our team with your preferences, and we’ll jump into action to recommend suitable accommodation and activities.
How long should I stay to experience New Zealand properly?
A 7-10 day stay allows time to explore one to two regions thoroughly. Two weeks lets you experience contrasting regions (e.g., a city stay plus mountain regions) without rushing.
Can you help plan a honeymoon or special celebration?
Absolutely. We specialise in creating memorable experiences for our guests which includes honeymooners, anniversaries, and celebrations. Our concierge can arrange romantic additions like a private chef, spa services, or surprise experiences.
MajorDomo Policies & Information
Is my booking information secure?
Your privacy and security are paramount. We do not pass on your information unless it is required in making concierge and activity bookings for you. You can access our full privacy policy here.
What if I need to modify my booking after confirming?
Contact our team as soon as possible. We’ll work to accommodate changes depending on the availability and cancellation policies for the specific property you have booked. Our full terms & conditions are detailed here.
Do you provide travel insurance recommendations?
We recommend you protect your holiday with comprehensive travel insurance that covers cancellations, medical expenses and other unforeseen circumstances. This includes (but is not limited to) situations beyond anyone’s control, such as illness, travel delays, or inability to access the property due to weather events. If your travel plans are disrupted, we’re here to help. Our team can provide you with all the necessary booking documentation to support an insurance claim when required.
