A Lodge Affair

Envied for their premium cachet and set amid dramatic, blockbuster locations, New Zealand's ultra exclusive 'Super Lodges' continue to earn the praise of luxury travellers and hard-nosed critics alike. In this special report, HM explores 'the brand of the long white cloud'.

[Originally publshed in HM Magazine Aug 2006. See PDF600kb. Writer: Roderick Eime]

Kawaha Point Lodge Rotorua

Despite it's secluded, private location, Kawaha Point Lodge commands panoramic views of Lake Rotorua that extend from the township to glorious Mount Tarawera. Hosts Tony and Margaret Seavill have transformed this grand family home into the perfect convivial retreat, offering guests the choice of 8 superbly appointed suites. Each room is tastefully appointed and boasts king size beds, air conditioning and en suite bathrooms.

One of the key features of Kawaha Point Lodge is the superb dining experience made possible by Michelin-trained master chef, Silvio Sakrzewski. Their recent triumph at the New Zealand Tourism Industry Awards [Boutique Accommodation category] reinforces their claim to fame and sits perfectly with their Qualmark 5 Star rating.

Outside in the superb English-style rose gardens, guests can indulge themselves with a swim, sauna or even a game of petanque or croquet.

A Lake Front Suite inclusive of dinner, bed and breakfast is NZ$606.00 (twin share)
[related news: Silvio's Secret is Sweet]

Huka Lodge Taupo

Widely considered the top lodge in New Zealand despite fierce competition, Huka continues to garner awards from the most prestigious judges including Travel + Leisure, Condé Naste, Andrew Harper and the Robb Report.

Ideally positioned in a private hideaway adjacent the sublime Waikato River and surrounded by virtual botanic gardens, Huka Lodge was originally a private fishing lodge in the 1920s, but its reputation for fine food and natural serenity spread far and wide.

Executive chef, John Allred, enjoys a substantial reputation thanks to his international schooling courtesy of lodge owner and multimillionaire banker and investor Alex van Heeren.

Instead of grandeur and opulence, the lodge is compact and snug and gives the impression of embracing its guests. Apart from the famed Owners Cottage, Huka Lodge provides 20 guest suites, all decorated in keeping with the main lodge.

Tariffs begin at NZ$695.00 per person, fully inclusive. [related story: Up in the Statusphere]

Maungatautari Lodge Lake Karapiro

Unlike many of its contemporaries throughout the country, Maungatautari Lodge is a relatively recent construction, built by its owner-hosts, Peter and Christine Scoular, to their own personal design. This same personal touch extends to their exemplary hospitality, which makes guests feel like old friends visiting for an extended dinner.

Set on 30ha of park-like gardens, there are stud horses and sheep just beyond the colourful expanses of lavender, organic vegetable gardens and citrus orchards. The property is also part of an ambitious wildlife conservation program that aims to preserve and protect the many threatened NZ species such as kiwi, kereru, tui, korimako (bellbirds), kokako, kaka, kakariki, hihi (stitchbirds), toutouwai (robins), skinks, geckos, giant weta and tuatara.

The lodge itself is roomy, bright and airy assisted by broad picture windows with views all the way to Lake Karapiro. Christine does most of the cooking and even occasionally invites guests into the kitchen to share in the culinary experience.

A double occupancy suite is NZ$970 and includes dinner, bed and breakfast.
[related news: Pure Maungatautari]

Peppers on the Point Rotorua

Location, Location, Location. Thrusting imperiously out on the tip of Kawaha Point and into sublime Lake Rotorua, Peppers on the Point commands unparallelled views all the way to Mokoia Island. Built during the age of Jazz, this classic 1930s manor has just seven spacious suites and the ultra-exclusive Lake Villa.

A short 10 minute drive from downtown, Peppers on the Point offers a convenient mix of verdant seclusion and handy proximity to local attractions.

Dining, overseen by executive chef, Reg Hawthorne, is available in small, intimate groups, in your own suite or private, romantic tables for two in the ornate dining and reception rooms downstairs.

Suites are NZ$ 595.00 per person per night double occupancy and includes Accommodation, pre-dinner drinks with canapés, 4 course table d'hote dinner and full breakfast.

Grasmere Lodge Cass, South Island

Playing heavily on their dramatic location near Arthurs Pass, Grasmere Lodge will always command the attention of those looking for quiet and comfort in a nostalgic colonial style. Set amidst the spectacular Southern Alps, you'll be wondering which Hollywood epic you're in.

The original homestead harks back to 1858 and, with gradual and tasteful modernisation, now presents the perfect complement to the natural grandeur of its surroundings.

Every guest room at Grasmere Lodge has one king or two single beds, two armchairs and a coffee table, CD player, minibar, a work desk with a modem plug and chair. Each private patio or deck has two outdoor chairs for enjoying the views and fresh mountain air.

A Lake View Deluxe Room is $NZ 622.24 per person and includes pre-dinner cocktail hour, a five-course table d'hôte gourmet dinner, and full cooked or continental breakfast.

Blanket Bay Glenorchy

Close your eyes and recall the jaw-dropping mountain scapes chosen by acclaimed filmmaker Peter Jackson for his "Lord of the Rings" Trilogy and you're transported to Lake Wakatipu near NZ's adventure capital, Queenstown. At the northern end of the lake is picture-perfect Blanket Bay.

A two-time HM Award winner, Blanket Bay is managed by NZ tourism identity, Philip Jenkins, and is a far cry from the rough shearer settlement that spawned the name.

Guest accommodation is in five intimate Lodge Rooms, three generous Lodge Suites in the main lodge, and four superb Chalet Suites. Furnishing retain a rustic elegance showcasing predominantly natural materials.

Rates for Lodge Rooms are NZ $1290 per room, double occupancy with carte blanche use of sports equipment and facilities as well as breakfast, pre-dinner cocktails and dinner. The self-service bar in the game room is open at any time at no extra charge.

Greenhill The Lodge Hawkes Bay

Once a stately family home, and part of the sprawling Maraekakaho Station, current owners Neil Barber and Craig Hay converted this superb manor into a luxury lodge in 2001.

Located in the world famous wine making region of Hawkes Bay on NZ's North Island, Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother once chose the property for a two day rest stop during her Royal Tour of 1958. Greenhill The Lodge is a perfect location to showcase the renowned natural produce of New Zealand.

Guests can choose either of two King suites with a private sitting room, open fires and twin bathrooms or one of the three King rooms each with private ensuite.

Rates are $620 per person per night basis, double/twin or single occupancy and includes pre dinner drinks and canapés, a choice of continental, cooked or combined breakfast and complimentary Hastings Golf Club green fees

Maruia River Lodge Murchison

Glorious streams, rivers and beech forest typify this exclusive lodge, making it a perfect choice for nature lovers, walkers and those in search of authentic New Zealand cuisine thanks to master chef, Ruth Thompson.

Your hosts, Steve and Penny Bicknell, bought Maruia River Lodge in 2001. Steve's professional background is in advertising photography and his superb creations adorn the walls of the sitting room.

Accommodation is in seven luxurious detached cottages each with a super king bed, quality teak furniture, marble bathrooms with underfloor heating and covered verandah. Relax with a glass of wine as you overlook the banks of the serene Maruia River.

Rates for a one bedroom Deluxe Cottage is NZ$520.00 per person per night and includes pre-dinner aperitifs, a five course dinner, a full English breakfast and use of all facilities.

Lake Taupo Lodge Taupo

Even with the bounty of premium lodges throughout New Zealand it is difficult to imagine a more perfect setting for an exclusive retreat; right on the shores of beautiful Lake Taupo on the Central Plateau of New Zealand.

In 1996, Gary and Shirley Akers turned their already substantial home into a Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired architectural masterpiece and a base for nature lovers to enjoy both the serenity and excitement of local attractions including the many geothermal wonders and great trout fishing.

Situated amid lush native bush and immaculately landscaped gardens the lodge has been appreciated by such luminaries as Peter Jackson and Burt Reynolds, bith of whom extolled the twin virtues of impeccable hospitality and quality relaxation.

Rates for Deluxe Garden suites are NZ$595.00 are per person double occupancy per night and include a four course dinner, full chef breakfast and Taupo Airport transfers if required.

The author travelled to New Zealand in April 2006. Assistance was provided by Select Hotels, The Charming Hotels and Air New Zealand.

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