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#6
WHAREKAUHAU
COUNTRY ESTATE,
WAIRARAPA
A stunning Edwardian-style lodge set amidst
lakeside lawns and forested hills, Wharekauhau
will take your breath away. The quality of dining
is superb, as is the personalisation from staff,
all led by Lodge Manager Richard Rooney. An
absolutely delightful person, Richard moves this
property to the top of our list all on his own.
#7
OVERNIGHT CRUISE,
DOUBTFUL SOUND
Quieter and much more intimate than
nearby Milford Sound, which is full of operators,
Doubtful Sound is the perfect spot to spend an
evening aboard a boutique cruise ship. The sound’s
ancient glacier-carved fjords, deep valleys, waterfalls
and craggy peaks are ideal for avid photographers,
and those keen on wildlife spotting can observe
dolphins, penguins, seals and sea birds.
#8
MINARET STATION, WANAKA
New Zealand’s first luxury tented lodge, Minaret Station is situated in
a glacial valley in the heart of the Southern Alps. Accessible only by
helicopter, the property will appeal to adventure seekers really looking for that wild
outdoors experience in classic
Lord of the Rings
territory. The lodge features wall-
to-wall sheepskin carpets, gigantic beds, and private decks with hot tubs. Hiking,
wildlife-treks, private helicopter tours, jet boating and fly fishing are all activities
accessible from the lodge, as well as cooking and art lessons.
#9
GRASMERE LODGE, CANTERBURY
A 90-minute drive from Christchurch, Grasmere Lodge is
historic and charming, with only 13 rooms that are huge and
rustic (Lightfoot’s style of choice!) with unrivalled alpine views. Dining is a
highlight with gourmet cuisine sourced locally from around the region, and
accompanied by New Zealand’s finest wines of course. But the activities
here really take centre stage, with horse riding, mountain biking, clay
pigeon shooting as well as tennis and croquet. Day trips to Fox Glacier and
driving tours into Arthur’s Pass National Park are also available.
#10
MATAKAURI LODGE, QUEENSTOWN
Because no trip to New Zealand is complete without a visit to
Queenstown, naturally one of its properties had to make it on to our
list. Matakauri is set against one of the most sublime backdrops in the world.
Right on the breathtaking Lake Wakatipu, views from each of its suites look out
to the Remarkable, Cecil and Walter Peak mountain ranges. We particularly love
the amazing outdoor infinity pool!
Lightfoot Travel specialises in family holidays, honeymoons, corporate travel
and private villas in countries spanning seven continents. For tailor-made
itineraries, contact them at 2815 0068 or visit
lightfoottravel.com.