Interiors, by New Zealand’s acclaimed interior designer Virginia Fisher, are sumptuous and rich in colour.
DARK AND LIGHT TAMING KASHA WINDOWS
The dining room is stunning with its floor to ceiling windows and panoramic views over the lake to the mountain peaks, and this is where breakfast is also served each morning. Dinner is five courses, starting first with pre-dinner drinks and canapés. Assisting him in the kitchen are 10 chefs (for a maximum of only 32 guests!). He has a tiny garden onsite, but his focus is more on supporting local producers and farmers. Head chef Jonathan Rogers has been with the property since 2011, a year after the lodge’s opening, and his daily-changing menu showcases the very best local and seasonal produce, with everything being sourced from no more than two hours away. Everything can be tailored exactly to guests’ needs. On top of that, guests can choose where they would like to dine - from the Library, to the Dining Room, to the Remarkables Patio, the Courtyard or the Lounge (or perhaps even a private table for two at the end of the jetty!). There are no strict dress codes, staff know you by name, and dining times are all very flexible. The feeling here is definitely one of causal, cosy luxury. General Manager Emanuel Grosch is a warm and impressive host, his kind and relaxed welcome setting the tone for a heavenly stay. Julian’s aim was for Matakauri to feel more like a home than a hotel, and it is safe to say this is definitely the sense one gets on arrival. With a passion for art, you will find some of Julian’s personal art collection throughout the lodge – ranging from original Picassos, to an original Sir Mountford Tosswill Woollaston as well. At 86 years old, Julian is still heavily involved in the daily running of each of his hotels. Julian, who also owns Cape Kidnappers and Kauri Cliffs, fell in love with New Zealand on a holiday back in 1978, and has since built these three outstanding luxury properties across the country. Matakauri Lodge was founded by New Yorker Julian Robertson (originally from North Carolina), and opened back in 2010. The oversized bathtub, with its views over the lake, and windows that opened up to let the cold mountain air in, was definitely the highlight for us. We were lucky enough to be staying in one of the Deluxe Suites, one of Matakauri’s most luxurious options, large in size, with a bedroom set apart on a mezzanine floor and a spectacular mountain outlook. With just twelve luxury suites, this is an intimate and private lodging experience. Sitting on the edge of Lake Wakatipu, on 9 acres of pristine land, Relais&Chateaux’s Matakauri Lodge offers panoramic views over the lake and mountains (namely, Cecil Peak, Walter Peak, and The Remarkables). We hit the road, stopping in Queenstown for a quick bite (make sure you try a burger at famed “Fergburger”) before making the short 10 minute journey around the lake to Matakauri Lodge. We wanted something robust and were given a Toyota Prado GX from their selection of Premium 4WDs. Located just 5 minutes from Queenstown Airport, it was a super easy process. On arrival into Queenstown (after a spectacular flight through the snowy-covered alps), we went straight to Hertz New Zealand to pick up our rental car. Queenstown is undeniably one of the most spectacular places in the world - a majestic, serene beauty, sitting perfectly on the edge of the stunning Lake Wakatipu, backed by dramatic alpine mountains. Here, we share with you some of the highlights of our journey, including time spent with some of the most down-to-earth locals you could ever meet. And this is exactly what we tried to do, with grace and gratitude, as it really is the greatest privilege to spend time in this incredible country. “Tiaki" means to care for people and place in Maori, and the Tiaki Promise is an invitation to visitors to care for New Zealand by treading lightly on the environment, travelling safely and considerately, and respecting culture. On arrival into New Zealand we learnt about a beautiful initiative whereby travellers are being asked to take the Tiaki Promise, essentially vowing to act as a guardian of New Zealand. The main purpose for our trip was to check out two of Relais&Chateaux’s most highly regarded properties in the Pacific - Matakauri Lodge in Queenstown, and Otahuna Lodge in Canterbury - and brand new luxury lodge, The Lindis.
Home to some of the most pure and diverse landscapes you will ever encounter, the South Island of New Zealand truly is an unrivalled natural environment.
We spent a week driving around the South Island. A week around the South Island of New Zealand.īack in May we went on the most phenomenal roadtrip around the “Land of the Long White Cloud”, New Zealand, or Aotearoa, as it is called in Maori.
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