Looking for luxe? Look what’s new in New Zealand luxury travel

Visitors to New Zealand can enjoy some stunning a collection of new New Zealand luxury travel experiences. New ultra-luxury accommodation options from the beachside Boatshed’s new private villa on Waiheke Island, beautiful Helena Bay in the north of the country to Blanket Bay’s superb new four-bedroom luxury villa surrounded by the dramatic alpine peaks of the Remarkable Range and spectacular Mahu Whenua.

What’s new in New Zealand luxury travel?

For nearly two decades Blanket Bay has wowed visitors from around the globe with lakeside luxury, spectacular scenery, endless adventures, fabulous food, fine local wines and expectation exceeding service standards. Now this most highly awarded Otago property, just 40 minutes from Queenstown on the shores of Lake Wakatipu is preparing to take New Zealand luxury travel to new heights with the addition of a new four bedroom UltraLuxe private villa.

Located a short stroll from the Main Lodge with uninterrupted views across the lake to the Humboldt Mountains, the Villa will offer the ultimate in privacy with a spacious ‘State Room’ living and dining area, accommodation for up to 8 people with additional accommodation available for security staff or nannies, and an onsite kitchen for the private chef to prepare meals tailored to clients’ preferences. Making the most of the long summer evenings the Villa has its own outdoor fireplace and two private Jacuzzis to further relax and soak up the spectacular alpine vistas. The Villa at Blanket Bay is child friendly so a perfect option for families seeking the ultimate in privacy and luxury.

Blanket Bay is the perfect base from which to enjoy all kinds of alpine adventures everything from horseriding to heli-skiing, hiking, mountain biking, fly fishing and four-wheel driving.  Art lovers, foodies and wine connoisseurs are equally well catered for with some of New Zealand’s most creative art studios and the finest Otago wines on the doorstep.

 

Not so very far from here, Mahu Whenua Ridgeline Homestead and Eco Sanctuary, New Zealand’s newest luxury lodge shares 550 square kilometres with the stunning and secluded high country sheep stations that surround it. Stretching from Wanaka to Queenstown, this property is also the largest conservation undertaking on private land in New Zealand’s history. The owner, globally recognised record producer Robert “Mutt” Lange’s vision is to regenerate the land after years of high country farming. Mahu Whenua means “healing the land’.  In addition to introducing sustainable farming practices, Mahu Whenua has begun a program of native plantings and bird breeding which visitors are invited to observe and engage in.

Epitomising New Zealand luxury travel, Mahu Whenua provides luxury accommodation in four Ridgeline Suites – two within the main homestead and two nearby cottages. A further fifth suite has two bunk beds accommodating up to four children. Each of the four Ridgeline Suites provide King ensuite accommodation with sublime mountain, lake or river views.

These dramatic alpine landscapes lend themselves to an enticing and exciting range of adventures from hiking to horse riding and heli-skiing, as well as mountain biking, 4WD touring and a range of wellness activities. For those who like to sketch or paint the vistas must be considered some of the best anywhere

Located on the fringe of both the world heritage Fiordland and Mt Aspiring National Parks, with its own heli-pad, Mahu Whenua provides easy access to Milford Sound, the Southern Alps, Lake Wanaka and the remote beaches of the West Coast; with activities such as hunting, fishing, kayaking and jetboating easily available.

Onsite facilities include an outdoor heated swimming pool, jacuzzi, media and games room with a pool table and library as well as a large open living area, dining room and a fully equipped farmhouse kitchen where the on-site chef prepares meals tailored to clients individual wishes including offering a range of cooking classes.

All meals (including morning / afternoon tea, pre-dinner canapes and picnics) are included in the tariff.

 

At the other end of the country, overlooking a sun-drenched bay on the island of Waiheke, The Boatshed is preparing to unveil a new private villa-style accommodation option (from December 2017) to complement the current offering of 7 stylish and romantic beachside ‘bachs’ (New Zealand term for ‘weekender’ or a ‘a cosy coastal cottage’).

In addition to a luxuriously appointed en-suite bedroom, the spacious new villa will offer everything from a grand piano to a private heated swimming pool and a stunning outdoor living area – the perfect spot to enjoy the intimate bay views and chef-prepared meals from the full gourmet kitchen. Whilst perfect for a couple the new villa can accommodate up to 5 people by combining accommodation in the pool side cabana.

From the Boatshed stroll into the village of Oneroa to browse the local galleries and boutiques, jump into one of the property’s ‘picnic truck’ jeeps to explore the beautiful beaches, secluded coves and local vineyards; or go nowhere at all and just enjoy the property’s tranquil coastal elegance, soothing spa treatments and organic produce from the kitchen garden.

Whilst Waiheke may be only 35 minutes by ferry (or a very scenic 10 minutes by helicopter) from downtown Auckland. The Boatshed offers a relaxing New Zealand luxury travel experience that feels a million miles from the cares of the rest of the world.

 

Further north again (yet still only 45 minutes by helicopter from Auckland), Helena Bay Lodge (opened in November 2016) accommodates just 10 indulged guests in five luxury villas who enjoy four private beaches set among 3 kilometres of pristine coastline in New Zealand’s picturesque Northland. Seclusion and sophistication define Helena Bay Lodge which offers a five to one staff to guest ration and gourmet estate-to-plate dining under the direction of Michele Martino, former head-chef of Michelin starred Don Alfonso 1890 in Southern Italy.

Three luxurious Junior Suites have their own waterfront balconies and ocean views, whilst the two oversized Villa Suites also offer their own separate living area with a cosy fireplace.  No expense has been spared in the fit-out and finishing of these rooms, right down to the Leica binoculars provided to view the prolific local birdlife and visiting whales and dolphins out to sea.

The Main House, decorated with artworks and treasures collected by the owners during their travels across the globe is equally luxurious and houses the day spa facilities (including sauna and steam rooms), a gym, library, multiple lounge areas, as well informal and formal dining areas wrapped around the 25 metre heated outdoor swimming pool.

In addition there is a tennis court, an outdoor fire pit with sunken lounge area and multiple bushland and coastal trails for hiking and biking. The friendly and unobtrusive staff are always on hand to launch a paddle board, set up the fishing equipment or provide a delicious picnic hamper to be enjoyed in a quiet corner of the property.

Breakfast, dinner and pre-dinner drinks are included in the tariff at Helena Bay Lodge which is also available for exclusive use.

Follow the link for further inspiration about personalised New Zealand luxury travel experiences and accommodation; or contact us to start planning your customised New Zealand travel adventures today.