Originally Posted by
vuittonsofstyle
Most people don't just do one Lodge in NZ. It also depends upon whether you want North island or South Island.
On North Island, I would opt for Cape Kidnappers -
http://www.capekidnappers.com/ and on the South Island, Otahuna Lodge -
http://www.otahuna.co.nz/ - both with excellent service and food.
New Zealand is about touring indeed. If you have more than 2 weeks go for both islands and rent a car with a company which allows to take the ferry (the major like Avis don't).
Both quoted properties are indeed splendid Relais & Châteaux. I would also recommend Kauri Cliffs in the far north for the view and the location (with a huge golf course) and Huka Loidge for the tradition and the dining options on the North Island.
Waiting for the ferry in Wellignton Ohtel is a nice boutique option.
On the South Island there is charming Timara Lodge with a great chef in a lovely wine region (Cloudy Bay) and around Queenstown Matakauri Lodge and the more simpler Fjordland Lodge far south. In the glacier country there is no real luxury, but Westwood Lodge in Franz Josef will do the trick.
I have been at all these properties, the OP can PM me for assistance.
Why not try
http://www.lodgesofnz.co.nz/ and
http://www.gorentals.co.nz/.
And regarding the OP's remark regarding Aman: Sometimes it is better to be with local people and not with a big company which has increasingly management (and recently also ownership) problems - look at my profile.