WHAT'S NEW IN NEW ZEALAND

Cliff-hanging lodges, Victorian villas and the longest rail bike trail in the world are just some of the exciting new experiences launching in New Zealand.

Boasting some of the world’s most diverse and picturesque landscapes, there is no better way to absorb New Zealand than through these truly remarkable new luxury lodges and experiences.

NEW LUXURY OPENINGS

A BAR THAT APPEARS OUT OF THE GROUND AND A PIANO THAT PLAYS ITSELF – THE NEW ULTRA-LUXURY JAGGED EDGE LAUNCHES IN QUEENSTOWN 
Hanging from a cliff on the mountain-side, Queenstown has just launched the new jewel-like Jagged Edge, an ultra-luxury private villa accommodation. Jagged Edge, part of Luxe Houses is unrivalled in design, location and privacy. Anchored to the rock with steel cables drilled deep into the mountain, the bold, dart-shaped glass and steel prism appears to catapult from the rock face as if heading for the sky. The interior design of the three-bedroom, four-bathroom house is almost entirely open plan and the décor is deliberately understated - free from any impediment to the 270-degree panorama views of Queenstown’s trademark glacier-gouged Remarkables and Cecil and Walter Peaks, rising perpendicularly from Lake Wakatipu. Guests can tap into Luxe Houses’ concierge services and their network of professionals who specialise in ensuring every stay is flawless - charter jets, helicopter transfers, yachts, launches, jet-boats, drivers, bespoke spa treatments, personal trainers, experienced nannies, hiking guides and ski instructors. Luxe Houses can also arrange celebrity chefs, waiters and butlers for those who would rather dine at home than eat out at Queenstown's world-class restaurants. 
HOW: Prices start at £4,823 per night, sleeping six guests. For more information visit www.luxehouses.com.au/holiday-house/jagged-edge/

LUXURY OWNER'S LODGE LAUNCHES AT CRAGGY RANGE’S GIANTS WINERY 
The luxurious Owner’s Lodge has now opened its doors at Giants Winery in Hawke’s Bay. The new lodge offers four lavish king bedrooms with ensuites, raised cathedral ceilings, expansive hallways, living room views to Te Mata Peak and a swimming pool surrounded by lush green landscapes. Wine country breaks have never been better. Guests have access to an impressive wine selection that includes both large format and rare library wines. As part of the experience, a Craggy Range sommelier will take guests through a personalised wine tasting. They can enjoy a personal in-lodge chef, which includes a tour of the grounds where they can pick fresh from the Terriôr garden followed by dinner and a personalised wine tasting. As part of the Ultimate Two-Day Wine Tour, guests can take an aerial helicopter tour of Giants Winery and the Kidnappers Vineyard in Te Awanga. To finish the tour, they will indulge in a picnic and wine tasting in the Gimblett Gravels Vineyard with a Craggy Range Winemaker.
HOW: Prices start at £975 per night, sleeping eight guests. The lodge includes in-lodge private wine tasting and complimentary bottle of Prestige Collection wine on arrival. For more information visit www.craggyrange.com

THE LUXURY BOUTIQUE HULBERT HOUSE RE-LAUNCHES IN QUEENSTOWN THIS JUNE
Overlooking Lake Wakatipu, The Remarkables and the Skyline Hill, Hulbert House is a beautifully restored Victorian villa combining historic elegance with contemporary service, giving guests a distinctive stay. Dating back to 1888 and due to re-launch in June, this luxurious boutique accommodation offers six uniquely designed suites with large windows and stunning views. Located just one block from the heart of Queenstown, Hulbert House is the perfect place to stay for those wanting to explore the vibrant city, whether it’s visiting world-class cellar doors in the Central Otago region or soaking in a private spa nearby. Guests can enjoy complimentary breakfast, daily refreshments and pre-dinner drinks and canapés before taking a stroll to one of the many bars and restaurants downtown.
HOW: Prices start at £425 per night based on two people sharing. Wi-Fi and parking are included. For more information visit www.hulberthouse.co.nz

NEW FOOD AND DRINK EXPERIENCES

CHRISTCHURCH OPENS NEW KĀKANO CAFÉ OFFERING INDIGENOUS MĀORI DISHES
Kākano Café, a name derived from the Māori word for ‘seed’, has sprouted up in central Christchurch. This new café celebrates all that is good for our bodies and the environment offering a range of fresh, free range and organic produce packed with nutrients. Rows of fresh vegetables grow in the rustic urban garden leading up to the café. Kākano offers dishes and drinks crafted with ingredients used in traditional Māori dishes, putting indigenous food at the forefront of New Zealand cuisine. Visitors wanting a more hands on experience can book into one of Kākano’s cooking courses.
HOW: Kākano Café is open Tuesday – Saturday, 8am – 3pm. For more information visit www.kakanocafe.co.nz

WOULD YOU LIKE SOME CHEESE WITH THAT WINE? NEW ZEALAND LAUNCHES THE NATIONWIDE NEW ZEALAND CHEESE TRAIL
You know a country is serious about its wine when it has a wine trail dedicated to all things grape. Since you can’t have wine without cheese (or vice versa!), New Zealand has now launched a New Zealand Cheese Trail. Beyond the green pastures, New Zealand's best little cheesemakers will tempt visitors as they travel the highways and byways discovering how a new generation of artisan food producers are putting old ways back in fashion. Start your cheese journey in the far north at Mahoe Cheese near Kerikeri, which has won multiple prizes, including the Champion of Champions at the New Zealand Champions of Cheese Awards. The “Very Old Gouda” is their speciality and best served with a New Zealand Riesling. Next, head to Cwmglyn Farmhouse Cheese in Eketahuna and learn the top cheese making tips from owner, Biddy Fraser-Davies. Try their prize-winning hard cheese that is matured for up to seven months before heading to Wairarapa, part of the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail and known for their world-acclaimed Pinot Noir. The trail ends with a hop over to the South Island. Evansdale Cheese in Dunedin is a local favourite, which opened in the 1970s and is a regular at the Otago Farmers’ Market on the weekends. Try the Ruby Bay, a nutty cheese, perfectly paired with a Chardonnay from Central Otago, the world’s southernmost wine region.
HOW: For more information visit www.newzealand.com

NEW ZEALAND LAUNCHES THE CARDRONA DISTILLERY – ITS FIRST ARTISAN WHISKY DISTILLERY
New Zealand has launched its first purpose-built artisan whisky distillery near Wanaka in the South Island, The Cardrona Distillery. Using time-honoured traditional methods of hand-crafting spirits from scratch, the distillery’s spirits are all hand-made, starting with just malted barley, water, and yeast. Founded by local kiwi, Desiree Whitaker, it was always her dreams to bring something unique to her homeland and she now leads a team of women turning alpine water into craft vodka, orange liqueur, gin and salt-malt whisky. Desire’s love of whiskey kick started in the UK when she managed a bar in London’s Chelsea borough. The Cardrona Distillery is now one of the top attractions in the region. Visitors can enjoy the Classic Tour, taking in the distillery’s rose garden, distillery, grain storage area and tasting room where they see the process of mashing and making. For the ultimate experience try the Whisky Connoisseur’s Tour, led by Desiree herself and includes a tasting of special Single Malt Whiskies from the Cardrona Distillery’s private collection. Hold tight for the distillery’s signature whisky, The Cardrona, which will mature for another ten years but it’ll be worth the wait!
HOW: The Classic Tour starts at £12 per person (90 minutes). The Whisky Connoisseur’s Tour starts from £145 per person (2.5 hours). For more information visit www.cardronadistillery.com

NEW ADVENUTRE ACTIVITIES

CYCLE ALONG THE WORLD’S LONGEST RAIL BIKE TRAIL FOR AN ADVENTURE LIKE NO OTHER
Cycle in a side-by-side tandem bike along the world’s longest rail bike trail that follows ancient Maori pathways. Taumaruni’s Forgotten World Adventures is the ultimate way to explore rural New Zealand. The semi-guided day or multi-day tour crosses up to 142km of railway, through 24 tunnels and over 98 bridges, offering spectacular scenery through remote and untouched landscapes. Cyclists will pedal along the colonial bridle path, formed in the late 19th century, giving visitors a distinct way to explore New Zealand’s history. The unique bikes have independent pedaling systems, three gears, disc brakes and a large box to carry items for the day.
HOW: Day tours start at £68 per person; a two-day tour costs £234 including lunch and snacks; and a four-day tour costs £968 including lunch, snacks and one dinner. For more information visit www.forgottenworldadventures.co.nz

SPA NEWS

FEEL RENEWED WITH THE NEW TEA (THINK, EAT, ACT) WELLBEING RETREATS IN WAIRARAPA
Relax and rejuvenate in the beautiful wine village of Martinborough in Wairarapa with the launch of the new TEA (Think, Eat, Act) retreats. The one-day and two-day wellbeing retreats will help guests relax and restore their bodies and minds using a unique approach to health and wellbeing. Guests can relax and enjoy delicious healthy food and a cooking demonstration, while unwinding in stunning landscapes. Take part in a variety of activities, such as Pilates, yoga and scenic walks, and join proactive workshops that target nutrition, sleep, breathing and motivation. The two-night package includes accommodation at a luxurious Martinborough venue, wellbeing workshops, activities and all fresh and nutritious meals. Guests can choose between staying in the rustic coastal Cookhouse at Tora, the tranquil vineyards of Peppers Parehua, or the rural cottages at Brackenridge Country Retreat, which also offers a beauty spa and indoor pool.
HOW: The one-day TEA retreat costs £90 per person for groups of 12 or more. The two-day TEA retreat costs £156 per person for groups of 8 or more. For more information visit www.tea-retreats.co.nz