New Zealand luxury lodges offer 'beauty, tranquility'

Thursday, 9 March 2017

The Helena Bay resort has only just opened but is attracting worldwide attention.

It's official: New Zealand's luxury lodges are in vogue.

Vogue magazine, to be precise.

Huka Lodge, next to the Waikato River near Taupo, is considered one of the top luxury lodges in the world.

The luxury fashion brand has run a profile of some of the country's most exclusive travel destinations.

It says, while billionaires are doomsday-prepping by buying swathes of land in New Zealand, those without the funds for a 'billion-dollar bolt hole' can get a taste for what the country can offer with a stay at one of the country's most prestigious accommodation venues.

Kauri Cliffs is another exclusive Northland getaway.

Northland, Taupo, Hawke's Bay and Palliser Bay get a mention.

The magazine said the five-star lodge at Northland's Helena Bay, near Whangarei, owned by Russian billionaire Alexander Ambramov, was worth visiting.

'Situated on 750 acres and including four private beaches, the brand-new resort accommodates just 10 guest in five villa suites and is already gathering buzz as being among the world's finest,' the magazine said.

'The child-free mandate only adds to the sense of tranquility and serenity on the property.'

It also features Kauri Cliffs golf course further north, where it said guests could stay in one of the cottage suites, each with fireplaces and ocean views, or rent the Owner's Cottage: a home with a private infinity pool and spa, and outdoor barbecue complete with lodge chef services.

Vogue also pointed to Huka Lodge, which it acknowledged as the first luxury lodge in the country, and The Farm at Cape Kidnappers.

Vogue said New Zealand's lodges were worth visiting, even if you do not have a James Cameron-size budget.

'The air is fresher, the pace is slower, the food is fresher (meats are often procured same-day on-property), and it's impossible not to fall in love with the beauty of the land itself.'