Discovering the many faces of New Zealand, here are our personal favourites
EAGLES NEST, RUSSELL
Perched on the ridgeline of its own peninsula and nestled amongst native manuka trees, Eagles Nest is like something out of a Bond movie. The 75-acre estate is home to five villas (from intimate escape for two to luxurious four-bedroom indulgence), each with infinity pools, Jacuzzis, and views that will take your breath away.
We stayed in The Eyrie, immediately falling in love with the outdoor space, and evening birdsong chorus. The full kitchen and fridge are stocked daily with all manner of delicious localities but they also offer a private chef service, tailored to your tastes and needs. Divine.
www.eaglesnest.co.nz
DON’T MISS
A stroll around the historic town of Russell, complete with the oldest church in New Zealand and a leisurely lunch at The Duke of Marlborough.
A guided walk with Russell Nature Walks, meeting the elusive kiwi and weka.
TREETOPS LODGE, ROTORUA
Embraced by 2,500 acres of private native forest, Treetops is a rustic, luxurious lodge with welcoming rooms and villas hidden in the lush grounds of the estate.
The hub is the main lodge with a number of rooms to explore and escape into, including the restaurant. With an estate-to-plate ethos, this is not to miss. And there is plenty to get the appetite up, from hiking trails to horse-back safaris and an amazing Maori indigenous food trail. We stayed in a Forest villa, with uninterrupted views of the valley and stars.
Note to all the ladies out there: If you are thinking of donning your heels, make sure your partner’s at hand to steady you across the lawns from the villa to the lodge.
www.treetops.co.nz
DON’T MISS
Bridal Veil Falls Trail takes you through valleys and forests, encountering the estate livestock on the way, to a perfectly placed table and chairs at the foot of the falls.
A visit to Te Puia, with the Maori Arts & Crafts Institute, bubbling hot springs, Kiwi Conservation Centre, and option to learn the haka (have the video at the ready!)
HAPUKU LODGE, KAIKOURA
Run by ex-banker and diplomat Chris and his wife and Masterchef runner-up Fi heading up the kitchen, the lodge is warm, quirky, and a true family affair. It’s all about comfort.
Our treehouse, Kereru (each is named after a native bird) offered views of the ocean and the mountains and it was difficult to tear ourselves away for dinner…
With local food heroes introduced on the daily menu, the dishes on offer are about what’s good right now. The local rock lobster (crayfish), after which Kaikoura was named is a must. The Lodge employs its own fisherman so it is fresh each day. Simply served with lime butter, it has to be eaten the New Zealand way – making a mess.
www.hapukulodge.com
DON’T MISS
Albatross Encounter. With wingspans more than two metres these birds are an amazing sight to see. And watch out for Wandering Albatross 73E.
Take a drive to Oahu, where you will find a waterfall that is known to be a crèche for the baby seals before they take to the ocean. Think brown labrador puppies and you’ve got an idea.
BAY OF MANY COVES, MARLBOROUGH
Heading to your hotel by water is quite a unique way to travel but so is Bay of Many Coves. As you round the headland and into the bay, a cluster of little boxes on the hillside peek out at you from the greenery. And the warm welcome is just as special as the setting.
There’s a number of one to three-bedroom apartments to choose from, all with views across the bay, but if self-catering isn’t your thing (and you’ll find you’re a 35minute water taxi journey from the nearest store) there’s an onsite cafe and restaurant to cater to your every bibacious need.
Be sure to try the degustation menu, a real standard-bearer of local fine dining.
DON’T MISS
Motuara Island Nature Reserve, the spot for Captain Cook’s flag of claim, and home to Blue Penguins, and South Island Robin.
Day cruise around the islands to far flung bays and Queen Charlotte Sound.
BLANKET BAY, QUEENSTOWN
A wood and stone haven of tranquility on the banks of Lake Wakatipu, Blanket Bay is vast yet cosy. With floor to ceiling windows and dripping with artworks, it oozes effortless style. We stayed in one of the rooms in the Main Lodge with views across the lake and to the Humbolt mountains.
The staff are friendly and always seemed to appear when we needed something. Pre-dinner cocktails are a must, as is the Black Robin gin. And dinner is presented perfectly yet relaxed in front of roaring fires or on the stunning terrace.
www.blanketbay.com
DON’T MISS
Wildlight Safaris. Run by photographer and conservationist Dean Fitzpatrick, this is the perfect way to explore the area, from Routeburn Track to collecting Kophi seeds for the local primary school.
The Ivan Clarke gallery in Queenstown, home to The Lonely Dog and his entourage.
FIORDLAND LODGE, TE ANAU
Fiordland Lodge sits in the grasslands on the banks of Lake Te Anau and the drive to reach it is as remarkable as the view from your room. A beautiful wooden fishing and walking lodge with no heirs and graces, it could have been built just to frame the view from any window you choose.
With the lake in front and the mountains of the Sounds to the sides, it is magical, even as the storm clouds rolled in one evening. There’s lots to do and the team has a passion for sharing facts as well as catering to your every need.
www.fiordland.co.nz
DON’T MISS
A trip to the glow worm caves in Te Anau, for a glittering light show.
Heli-hiking with Trips & Tramps. There is no better way to begin a hike than taking off in a helicopter from the lawn, over Mount Luxmore and then walking The Kepler Track back.
We traveled to New Zealand with New Zealand In Depth. Our 13-day itinerary cost £4,860 per person, international flights not included.
www.newzealand-indepth.co.uk
