Otahuna Lodge, the historic Victorian homestead just 20 minutes' drive from Christchurch, wants to welcome you this winter with a handful of specials. The first includes accommodation for two in a suite (upgraded to a master suite if availability permits), pre-dinner drinks and canapes,a four-course set menu dinner with a bottle of wine, and a full breakfast the following day for $1198, available until September 30. Or, if you want the run of the place, become the Lord of the Manor, with exclusive use of Otahuna Lodge for a minimum of 10 people (in up to seven suites and master suites) for $6495 per night including pre-dinner drinks, five-course dinner with matched New Zealand wines, Wi-Fi, and full breakfast. This deal is available until October 31. The lodge will be closed from July 5 to August 4 for planned maintenance.
Follow in the footsteps of one of Queenstown's pioneers and leading explorers. Enjoy a two night stay at The Rees, with views of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables and receive a complimentary upgrade to an executive room/apartment (based on availability), breakfast each morning, a bottle of The Rees Surveyor Thomson pinot noir on arrival, complimentary undercover car parking and late checkout. During your stay, take to the skies on a scenic flight with Over the Top Helicopters to their private High Country Station, featuring a unique stone cottage built by pioneering gold miners in 1865. You will be treated to the full Kiwi experience, with locally sourced lamb chops on the barbecue, refreshments, and a "toss the horseshoe" game. Priced from $360pp per night (based on two people). You can add an alpine landing to your helicopter flight for an additional $385.
Get up close and personal with the best of the Marlborough Sounds on this 3-night escape to the wonderful Bay of Many Coves Resort. Transfer to the resort with E-Ko Tours and enjoy local aquaculture, resident dolphins, sample local wines, feast on award-winning cuisine and soak up the spectacular scenery from the comfort of your luxury retreat. This package includes three nights' accommodation in a luxury one-bedroom apartment, gourmet breakfast each morning, an elegant 3-course dinner on your first two evenings followed by a 7-course degustation with wine match on your third evening. Transfers to and from Picton are included. Package is priced at $2950 per couple.
Dining out at The Farm at Cape Kidnappers. Photo / Supplied
Out at the Farm, in Cape Kidnappers
Lap up the luxury at The Farm at Cape Kidnappers. In a deal exclusively for New Zealand residents visiting between August 1 and October 31, you can stay at The Farm for just $675 + GST per person, per night. The special includes daily breakfast, lunch, pre-dinner drinks and canapes, as well as your choice of either an a la carte dinner or five-course tasting menu, plus select wine and beverages and a complimentary in-suite, non-alcoholic minibar. For each night stayed, each guest can also choose between a 50-minute spa treatment or a day of unlimited green fees on the Cape Kidnappers golf course.
Gibbston Valley Lodge & Spa, just a stone's throw from Queenstown is making it easy to put your feet up. In a winter special valid until August 27, you'll have your own villa, overlooking the vineyards, and be greeted with a welcome drink, before jumping into daily wine-tasting sessions, with access to complimentary bike hire, a gym, sauna and hot tub. Priced from $330 per night for a minimum of three nights, or stay a single night from $395.
Nestled in 1000ha of private native forest, take some time out at Treetops Lodge and Estate. Explore the estate on horseback, unwind with a visit to the Wilderness Spa, or try archery, clay shooting or fly fishing. Until October 31, you can stay for a minimum of two nights, with early check-in and late departure, an automatic upgrade to a luxury villa with open stone fireplace and Jacuzzi bath .Then, savour a pre-dinner drink and canapes, and the famed Estate to Plate five-course degustation dinner, plus a full breakfast daily. Guests can choose two extras from a 4WD estate wildlife safari, a lesson at the Estate to Plate wild food cooking school, or a round of golf on their 18-hole Jack Nicklaus Golf Course, The Kinloch Club (card not included). Priced at $1195 per couple per night.
