Remarkable Lodges launches wilderness experience
In conjunction with Over the Top Helicopters, the intimate and luxurious Remarkables Lodge, nestling at the foot of the spectacular Remarkables mountain range in Queenstown, is offering an exclusive overnight wilderness walk. Guests are collected from the lodge grounds by helicopter and taken to Cascade hut (with hot water and solar power) in the 65,000 acre Walter Peak hill station. From here, there will be a scenic walk to the beautiful Lake Ned, accompanied by a qualified mountain guide. Dinner is prepared by the lodge’s hostess and the following day participants can choose to walk or horse ride along Cascade Creek and over Alton Saddle, before returning to the lodge by helicopter.
The price is from $NZ3,850 pp (£1,355 approx) based on two sharing for three nights’ accommodation (two at the lodge, one in the hut) and includes breakfast, lunch and dinner, helicopter transfers, private guide and cook at the hut, plus full use of all the lodge facilities. www.remarkables.co.nz
Luxury lodge recognises trend for indigenous cuisine with Maori cooking classes
The cooking school at the luxury Lodge at Paratiho Farms in Nelson – a Relais & Châteaux property – has expanded its popular hands-on guest programme with classes on Maori cooking. Head chef Angela Bone puts her best plate forward in Maori culinary arts, uplifting and educating palates. New Zealand home-grown foods are becoming increasingly accessible as contemporary restaurants use flavours, herbs, marinades and local ingredients favoured by the Maori for hundreds of years. Half-day classes cost $NZ95 pp (£34 approx). A night in a suite at the lodge on an all-inclusive basis costs from $NZ1,711 (£605 approx) per night per suite (two sharing). www.paratiho.co.nz
Discover the essence of Waiheke at waterfront haven
Essence of New Zealand has expanded its portfolio of luxury self-contained holiday homes to include the stylish Waiheke Landing. This breathtaking, design-led lodge is located on the Pacific coast, just 35 minutes from Auckland by ferry, and offers stunning vistas of shimmering waters, framed by majestic pohutukawa trees. Through the coastal foliage, guests can access a secluded cover or relax on the private landing at one with the sea. The services of a gourmet chef are available on request. Prices start at $NZ890 per night (£309 approx) for up to four people sharing. Additional guests cost $100 pp (£35 approx). The rates include exclusive use of the entire property and breakfast provisions. www.essencenz.com
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