Luxurious Queenstown
Luxurious Queenstown
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| Scenic
Matakauri |
This was the luxury journey to end all luxury trips: staying at
at four of the best resorts in New Zealand - three of them judged
among the best hideaway spots in the world.
The assignment: Six days and seven nights to enjoy Matakauri,
Blanket Bay, Eichardt's, and Millbrook, all located in and
around picturesque Queenstown.
My wife Chrissy and I land at the Adventure Capital of the world
at 5pm and threw ourselves at the mercy of the warm and sincere
staff at Matakauri Lodge, one of the top 101 hotels of the world
according to Tatler magazine.
General manager Grant Alley and his staff were first
rate. Our room had a stunning view - we were in heaven. We
even received a little Kiwi fluffy soft toy as a go-away
present.
Next day, we weny on a romantic cruise to Walter Peak on
the 96-year old ferry the Earnslaw, known as the "Lady of
the Lake". In the afternoon, we took a helicopter
ride around the glaciers and dazzling white mountaintops with
Heliworks. Our pilot, Steve Scott, was a fantastic guy. Heliworks
has been involved in filming Peter Jackson's movies, and another of
their pilots, Alfie Speight, is big in the Kiwi film
industry.
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| Beautiful Blanket
Bay |
We then sought sanctuary back at Matakauri, among the
tui, native frogs and lakeside setting. The next morning, we
trundled around the lake to Blanket Bay, twice rated by
Harper's as one of the two most romantic hideaways in the
world.
Blanket Bay is a place every couple who can save $1500 once in
their life should go to spend a night at. It is the grandest lodge
ever. I loved the heavily texture wood: Massive grey weathered
supports and fine furniture pieces with burnished rich patina.
Philip Jenkins was a brilliant general manager with a superb dry
wit. The local staff were excellent. Unlike some lodges, Philip
insisted there was no dress code.
Their games room was a blokesy den with a free bar. Before
tea, I did a 30 minute jog through the bush and then around the
shore edge of the lake back to the hotel. Like running in paradise.
My seared grouper meal and Amisfield pinot noir made me feel even
better.
Next day we drove back to Queenstown, where I spend the
night at Eichardt's
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| Gorgeous Suite #2
at Eichardt's |
- judged the best small hotel in the world three or four years
ago. My suite, room No 2, is possible the best appointed I have
ever stayed in. Victoria, Charlotte, Catherine, and all the
Eichardt's staff could not have been more caring and helpful. Their
service is second to none. They became like friends. The
massive possum-fur rug on my bed was an utterly romantic
touch.
I went out for dinner on the Steamer Wharf at the Wai,
which, according to Cafe magazine, is one of the best
restaurants in New Zealand. I can see why! I melted on the
line caught grouper - flown in especially for Wai from
Fiordland. And all washed down by a stunning glass of Mt
Difficulty riesling.
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| Picturesque
Millbrook |
The next day we headed to the expansive lodge and golf
resort of Millbrook. We loved the painting in my villa lounge
- because behind it is the secret flat-screen TV! My steam infusion
spa was so relaxing and invigorating, thanks to the wonderful
therapist Minaxie Daya. Sarah Stacey looked after me superbly, and
I so want to return to Millbrook. There is so much to see in
these parts with wineries, rides, bungy jumps, skiing. I'll
have to come back next year.
Kip Brook was New Zealand Press Association's London
Bureau Chief Correspondent until 2001. He has won three NZ
journalist of the year awards; runs national media company Word of
Mouth Media NZ - see www.wordofmouthnz.com
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Getting there: