LUXURY LODGES OF NEW ZEALAND

BEST FOR ADVENTURE…

'ANNANDALE’ – SPECTACULAR COASTAL LUXURY VILLAS IN PIGEON BAY – OPENED DECEMBER 2013

Just launched amid a rugged landscape of hills and bays on the Banks Peninsula, only an hour’s drive from the city of Christchurch, Annandale is rural New Zealand at its best. The 4,000-acre sheep and cattle farm in Pigeon Bay lies in one of the world’s most spectacular coastal locations offering exclusive use of four distinctive luxury villas. The historic farm features a restored five-bedroom homestead with magnificent gardens and state-of-the-art facilities, including infinity pool, spa pool and tennis court. The three other private and secluded villas each have their own distinct character: the romance and contemporary architecture of Seascape in its own bay, the historic hilltop charm of Shepherd’s Cottage, and the stunning seaside location of Scrubby Bay, a large cedar-clad beach house for gatherings of up to 14 people with award-winning private chefs, home-grown produce and farm to table cooking lessons on tap. For adventurers, everything from 4WDfarm tours, mountain biking and hiking, to guided kayaking, paddle boarding, sailing and fishing charters are available. The turquoise waters of the peninsula are also home to the famed Hectors dolphins, the smallest dolphin in the world.
 www.annandale.com

OWNER’S COTTAGE AT MATAKAURI LODGE, QUEENSTOWN – OPENED FEBRUARY
2014
The beautiful alpine retreat of Matakauri Lodge just launched a new US$5 million four bedroom Owner’s Cottage on the shores of Queenstown’s Lake Wakatipu. The new 465 square metre, four-suite cottage sleeps up to eight guests and offers uninterrupted views of the Remarkable Mountains at every turn – from the central living room, en-suite balconies, outdoor Jacuzzi and balconies. Interiors by New Zealand interior designer Virginia Fischer include materials that are locally sourced:  custom-made appliances, furniture and New Zealand wool carpets created by Lord of the Rings costume designers. A state-of-the-art kitchen is available for guests to rustle up their own feasts or a private chef is on hand to create gourmet dinners and barbeques. The sister property of the acclaimed Cape Kidnappers and Kauri Cliffs, Matakauri Lodge is an idyllic year-round base with an Alpine themed spa, infinity pool and private lake dock.
www.matakauri.co.nz/owners-cottage

THE LODGE AT WALTER PEAK STATION – OPENED NOVEMBER 2013

Part of the historic sheep station founded in 1860, the newly launched Lodge at Walter Peak Station provides an authentic high country experience in style on the tranquil south shore of Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown. The fully appointed chalet offers remote and uncomplicated living for up to 10 guests with endless tailor-made experiences - from farm tours, mountain biking, hiking and fishing to hunting, clay bird shooting and heli-skiing.
www.touchofspice.co.nz

BEST FOR ARRIVING IN STYLE…
 

NEW: PRIVATE JET TERMINAL FOR QUEENSTOWN – OPENING EARLY 2014

Queenstown in New Zealand’s South Island is home to a wealth of luxury lodges, from the classic Blanket Bay on the shores of Lake Wakatipu that was Ian McKellen’s retreat during the filming of Lord of the Rings, to the beautiful alpine lakeside retreat of Matakauri Lodge, which will launch a new four bedroom Owners Cottage in early 2014. Guests into the region will have the option to arrive into one of the world’s most beautiful airports in renewed style, with the launch of a new corporate jet terminal at Queenstown Airport in the South Island in New Zealand’s Spring 2014. Providing discreet, high-end service, the new service will complete a nationwide network of terminals, allowing passengers to fly on corporate jets between New Zealand’s main airports with onward heli transfers available to complete the journey in style.
www.blanketbay.com www.matakauri.co.nz www.queenstownairport.co.nz

BEST FOR GOLFERS...
 

NEW: THE LODGE AT THE HILLS, QUEENSTOWN – OPENING MARCH 2014

The Lodge at the Hills will open March 2014 as part of the internationally acclaimed Hills Golf Course. The six-room architect designed exclusive use lodge has an unparalleled setting amidst 500 acres and surrounded by glacial valleys and snow capped mountains. With Sir Michael Hill's own private St Andrews inspired golf course on the doorstep, the lodge will offer unlimited golf as well as a private green exclusively for guests. The Hills also has one of the largest private collections of early New Zealand Maori and contemporary Asian and New Zealand art and sculptures. Packages will include meals made by a Michelin trained chef, New Zealand wines and French Champagne, helicopter transfer from Queenstown airport with extreme golf en route, use of the Lodge’s Range Rover Sport, a guided tour of the Sculpture Park and use of the Hill’s clubhouse and gym.
www.thehills.co.nz

NEW: LUXURY LODGE AND VILLAS AT THE KINLOCH CLUB, TAUPO – OPENING NOVEMBER 2014

Set in over 600 acres on the shores of Lake Taupo, The Kinloch Club is expanding with the launch of a 5-star luxury lodge and 26 luxury villas due to open in late 2014 around the internationally acclaimed par 72 championship Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course. Operated in conjunction with the nearby award-winning Treetops Lodge and Estate, the Andrew Patterson contemporary designed lodge will have panoramic views over Lake Taupo and the course and feature a heated infinity pool, spa, tennis courts, gourmet restaurant and bar. Kinloch’s lakefront provides almost 3km of sandy beach, perfect for boating, windsurfing and swimming. The area also provides a wealth of adrenalin activities, some of the best fishing in the world and the geothermal and Maori cultural heartland of Rotorua just an hour away.
www.thekinlochclub.com

TAKE A TIGER TOUR OF NEW ZEALAND: KAURI CLIFFS, CAPE KIDNAPPERS AND MATAKAURI LODGE BY PRIVATE JET – MARCH 2014

The ultimate nine-night tour of three of New Zealand’s best luxury lodges will run from 5th-14th March 2014, travelling by private jet and helicopter between the Lodge at Kauri Cliffs in the Bay of Islands – recently voted number one in the world in the Conde Nast Traveler US Reader Awards; The Farm at Cape Kidnappers at Hawke's Bay and the 11-suite Matakauri Lodge, just 7km from Queenstown. Limited to a small number of guests, the tour promises the ultimate way to experience New Zealand at three of the world's most awarded and scenic 18-hole golf courses and an array of one-of-a-kind experiences – from Kiwi spotting to jet boating and luxury sailing.
www.kauricliffs.com www.capekidnappers.com www.matakauri.co.nz

MILLBROOK GOLF RESORT & SPA GEARS UP TO CO-HOST NEW ZEALAND OPEN 2014

Voted New Zealand’s Best Golf Resort for the third time running at this year’s World Travel Awards, the multi award-winning Millbrook Golf and Spa Resort, set on 500 acres of grounds in Arrowtown, near Queenstown, is gearing up to co-host the New Zealand Open in February 2014 with The Hills. Offering 175 rooms and suites, ranging from studios to cottages and villas, the beautifully located resort is an idyllic venue, whether for golfers, spa seekers or gourmet travellers, with some of the region’s best restaurants and an award-winning luxury day spa on site.
www.millbrook.co.nz
 

BEST FOR DESIGN…
 

EAGLES NEST, BAY OF ISLANDS – CUTTING EDGE CLIFFTOP DESIGN

Set amidst 75 acres of lush estate on the cliff-tops of the historic Russell in the Bay of Islands, privacy and tranquility is key at this multi-award winning design haven. Spot whales and dolphins from your terrace, wake up to the call of the Tui and get up close and personal with a Kiwi bird at dusk thanks to the resort’s own Kiwi breeding programme. Made up of just five private villas, Eagles Nest is a favourite amongst A-Listers, with personal chef, personal trainer, massage therapist and chauffeur as well as a helipad on hand for those arriving by air. Four have a heated swimming pool, and all villas are furnished with a Jacuzzi, original art, the latest hi-tech gadgets and a fully equipped gourmet kitchen.  At Rahimoana, the pinnacle of all the villas, guests enjoy 320-degree views of the Bay of Islands from its hill top perch with the super contemporary design built in glass, steel and granite, as well as access to a Porsche Cayenne for exploring the local island.
www.eaglesnest.co.nz

HAPUKU LODGE AND TREEHOUSES, KAIKOURA – A HEAD FOR HEIGHTS

The name Kaikoura translates in Maori to ‘meal of crayfish’ and no visit to this traditional coastal township in the South Island is complete without tasting the world-famous seafood. It's one of the best global locations for wildlife lovers with the giant sperm whale, migrating whales and dolphins all converging in the surrounding ocean and little blue penguin colonies on the beaches. For the best views in Kaikoura, you need to head high, and the five Treehouses at Hapuku Lodge set 10 metres above the ground in the canopy of a native Manuka grove, each deliver with spectacular views of Kaikoura's dramatic mountains and the Pacific coastline. Designed to blend into the environment, their exteriors are clad in native woods and copper shingles with large windows offering a sense that the tree canopy reaches right into the bedroom. The elevated position provides the perfect location for stargazing for the Southern Cross under the crystal clear night skies.
www.hapukulodge.com

SOLITAIRE LODGE, ROTORUA – LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION

One of New Zealand’s first luxury lodges, the 10 suite Solitaire Lodge also has one of the best locations, with stunning views over Lake Tarawera from every suite. Secluded hot water beaches, natural thermal hot springs, cycle trails and hikes through some of the most unique geothermal sites in the world are on the doorstep, whilst the Lodge itself comes with its own dinghies and kayaks for exploring the lake, as well as the finest in New Zealand cuisine and local wines. Take off from the lodge’s helipad for an unforgettable journey to New Zealand’s most prominent volcanic islands – the steaming sulphurous crater lakes of White Island and Mount Tarawera.
www.solitairelodge.co.nz

BEST FOR SPA LOVERS…
 

NEW: ARO HA – FIRST OF ITS KIND WELLNESS RETREAT OPENING JANUARY 2014

A purpose built, self-sufficient, luxury Wellness Centre ‘Aro Ha’ is set to open in spectacular surroundings near Queenstown, New Zealand in January 2014, offering innovative all-inclusive Wellness Adventures overlooking the stunning Lake Wakatipu. Incorporating Vinyasa Yoga, sub-alpine hiking, functional strength training, meditation, therapeutic massage, and detoxifying vegetarian cuisine, the centre will offer guests a complete off-grid experience with sustainable self-sufficient energy production, eco-architecture and food from on site permaculture gardens. Eight private suites will each come complete with natural, stylish interiors, whilst retreats will range from a ‘Wild Wise Women’ course to a ‘Dynamic Balance’ outdoor fitness focus.
www.aro-ha.com

TREETOPS LODGE AND ESTATE LAUNCHES NEW WELLNESS PACKAGES

Set in Rotorua’s unique thermal wonderland amidst the serenity of native forests and valleys, Treetops Lodge and Estate offers an array of lodges, villas and cottages. Newly launched two, five and seven-night wellness packages offer guests the opportunity to try traditional Maori wellness rituals with the benefits of the thermal waters and volcanic mud, alongside hiking, horse riding and Yoga sessions combined with locally sourced organic, clean cuisine.
www.treetops.co.nz

BEST FOR ADVENTURE…

MINARET STATION – NEW ZEALAND’S FIRST LUXURY TENTED LODGE

Minaret Station is New Zealand's first luxury tented lodge accessible only by helicopter in the surrounds of Lake Wanaka in the South Island. Kiwi owned and run, it's wilderness with every creature comfort on tap. Each of the four tented suites feature their own hot tubs and hot water showers powered by the waterfall, whilst sheepskin carpets produced from the headwater sheep on the station and possum fur throws create a cosy haven in every bedroom. Gourmet cuisine is local, fresh and seasonal – think crayfish caught by the owner on a helicopter mission and venison teamed with Otago Valley Pinot Noir. Owned by the Wallis’ - a long-standing local farming family - the 5000 acre sheep farming station in the surrounds of Mount Aspiring National Park provides the real luxury – the chance to explore your very own piece of wilderness with knowledgable local hosts. Whether hiking, fly-fishing, learning to paint, photography, twitching or taking a heli to surrounding ridge tops for sunset Champagne –you are safe in the knowledge you’ll be returning to all the comforts of five-star comfort under canvas and in one of the world’s most incredible locations.
www.minaretstation.com

WAIRARAPA VALLEY – THE EPITOME OF WILD, GREEN NEW ZEALAND

Set on a 5000-acre working farm, with dramatic views over rugged Palliser Bay, rolling hills and native woodland, Wharekauhau is a peaceful, private estate, 15 minutes by helicopter or a scenic drive over the Rimutaka Ranges from Wellington. 13 cottage suites are dotted around the estate with the grand Main Lodge at the heart serving up ‘locovarian’ gourmet cuisine in the dining room or local Pinot Noir on the terrace. Experiences are key with nature on the doorstep and the opportunity to channel your inner adventurer with horse riding through the waves, quad biking around the farm or hiking all on offer. The neighbouring Wairarapa Valley has a growing reputation for its wine and gourmet food, from chocolate to cheese and olive oil to Pinot Noir, and a day exploring the vineyards here is a must for any food and wine enthusiast. The Foley Family Wines Holdings company is also based at the lodge, with owner billionaire Bill Foley one of New Zealand’s top players in the wine industry. His recent quarter stake purchase of the Nourish restaurant business run by celebrity chef Simon Gault should see his wines gracing the tables of New Zealand’s top restaurants.
www.wharekauhau.co.nz
 

BEST FOR OLD SCHOOL GLAMOUR…
 

HUKA LODGE – PAUL FROGGAT TAKES THE HELM IN THE KITCHEN

Having started life as a simple fishing camp in the 1920’s, the multi-award winning Huka Lodge is famed for its idyllic location upstream from the mighty Huka Falls with all guest suites and exclusive cottages overlooking the deep turquoise green waters of the Waikato River. Beloved of everyone from the Royals to Bill Gates and Pink Floyd, Huka Lodge is a VIP magnet, attracting guests to its peaceful retreat with just 25 private rooms across 17 acres. Home to some of the finest trout fishing in the world, Huka Lodge has created a superb series of lifestyle packages to showcase the best of the region – from heli tours to the active volcano White Island to private fly-fishing tuition. New for the summer season, British Chef Paul Froggatt has taken the helm in the acclaimed kitchens, bringing his Michelin training from the likes of Gidleigh Park in Devon.
www.hukalodge.co.nz

OTAHUNA LODGE, CANTERBURY – VICTORIANA KIWI STYLE

Built in 1895 for Sir Heaton Rhodes, a high-profile pioneer of Canterbury, and his wife Jessie, “Otahuna” is considered one of the best examples of Queen Anne architecture in Australasia and is now protected by the New Zealand Historic Places Trust. Set between the rocky outcrops of the Banks Peninsula, providing commanding views of the gardens and across the plains to the Southern Alps, Otahuna comprises of just seven classic suites, including two master suites – one complete with a 14 metre private verandah overlooking the Canterbury plains. From rambling woodlands to manicured lawns, the lodge is a haven for nature lovers with one of New Zealand’s best displays of daffodils filling the lawns in a blanket of yellow. A grand dining room is the setting for five-course degustation menus, whilst the old game house has been converted into a wine cellar. Or for private dining with a twist, head to the drawing room turret.
www.otahuna.co.nz

EICHARDT’S PRIVATE HOTEL – VOTED WORLD’S BEST LUXURY SKI HOTEL

Queenstown, the jewel in the crown of New Zealand’s South Island, is renowned as one of the world’s best ski resorts and for a winter warmer stay in a buzzing lakeside location, Eichardt’s Private Hotel is considered the best. Recently voted the ‘World’s Best Luxury Ski Hotel’ in the World Luxury Hotel Awards, each of the five suites comes complete with a roaring fireplace. The Eichardt’s bar is the place for cosy après-ski in style with stunning views of Lake Wakatipu. Born as a result of the gold rush, which brought prospectors to the region, Eichardt’s Private Hotel has been on the site since the 1800’s – starting life as a woolshed and becoming Eichardt’s in 1869.
www.eichardts.com

BEST FOR THE NEW BOUTIQUE…
 

OYSTER INN AND THE BOATSHED, WAIHEKE ISLAND – SMALL IS BEAUTIFUL

Waiheke Island, just 40 minutes by boat from downtown Auckland, is at the forefront of the trend for ultra-small boutique accommodation, with the three-room The Oyster Inn, which opened last year, and the seven room The Boatshed, leading the way. Founded by designer Jonathan Rutherfurd Best and former fashion PR for Louis Vuitton and Topshop Andrew Glenn, The Oyster Inn features just three rooms, with a seafood restaurant, bar, private room, beach shop and take-away all rolled into one. Equipped with a vintage VW taxicab bus on hand for excursions and to collect the guests from the ferry terminal, other unique features include oysters and Champagne given to guests upon arrival, limited-edition yellow-and-white Havaianas and a Tom Binns jewellery store. At The Boatshed, the Kiwi Beach House tradition is given a twist, with a collection of five suites and two bungalows staying true to the essence of the Kiwi ‘Bach’. Owners David Scott, designer, and Jonathan Scott, manager, have a well-respected reputation for creativity and have introduced Art and Architecture Trail packages to take in some of the best galleries, sculpture and design of the unique island.
www.theoysterinn.co.nz www.boatshed.co.nz