A Lodge Affair

By Rod Eime

Envied for their premium cachet and set amid dramatic, blockbuster locations, New Zealand's ultra exclusive 'Super Lodges' continue to earn the praise of luxury travellers and hard-nosed critics alike. In this special report, Rod Eime explores 'the brand of the long white cloud'.

Kawaha Point Lodge Rotorua

Despite it's secluded, private location, Kawaha Point Lodge commands panoramic views of Lake Rotorua that extend from the township to glorious Mount Tarawera. Hosts Tony and Margaret Seavill have transformed this grand family home into the perfect convivial retreat, offering guests the choice of 8 superbly appointed suites. Each room is tastefully appointed and boasts king size beds, air conditioning and en suite bathrooms.

One of the key features of Kawaha Point Lodge is the superb dining experience made possible by Michelin-trained master chef, Silvio Sakrzewski. Their recent triumph at the New Zealand Tourism Industry Awards [Boutique Accommodation category] reinforces their claim to fame and sits perfectly with their Qualmark 5 Star rating.

Outside in the superb English-style rose gardens, guests can indulge themselves with a swim, sauna or even a game of petanque or croquet.

A Lake Front Suite inclusive of dinner, bed and breakfast is NZ$606.00 (twin share)

Huka Lodge Taupo

Widely considered the top lodge in New Zealand despite fierce competition, Huka continues to garner awards from the most prestigious judges including Travel + Leisure, Condé Naste, Andrew Harper and the Robb Report.

Ideally positioned in a private hideaway adjacent the sublime Waikato River and surrounded by virtual botanic gardens, Huka Lodge was originally a private fishing lodge in the 1920s, but its reputation for fine food and natural serenity spread far and wide.

Executive chef, John Allred, enjoys a substantial reputation thanks to his international schooling courtesy of lodge owner and multimillionaire banker and investor Alex van Heeren.

Instead of grandeur and opulence, the lodge is compact and snug and gives the impression of embracing its guests. Apart from the famed Owners Cottage, Huka Lodge provides 20 guest suites, all decorated in keeping with the main lodge.

Tariffs begin at NZ$695.00 per person, fully inclusive.

Maungatautari Lodge Lake Karapiro

Unlike many of its contemporaries throughout the country, Maungatautari Lodge is a relatively recent construction, built by its owner-hosts, Peter and Christine Scoular, to their own personal design. This same personal touch extends to their exemplary hospitality, which makes guests feel like old friends visiting for an extended dinner.

Set on 30ha of park-like gardens, there are stud horses and sheep just beyond the colourful expanses of lavender, organic vegetable gardens and citrus orchards. The property is also part of an ambitious wildlife conservation program that aims to preserve and protect the many threatened NZ species such as kiwi, kereru, tui, korimako (bellbirds), kokako, kaka, kakariki, hihi (stitchbirds), toutouwai (robins), skinks, geckos, giant weta and tuatara.

The lodge itself is roomy, bright and airy assisted by broad picture windows with views all the way to Lake Karapiro. Christine does most of the cooking and even occasionally invites guests into the kitchen to share in the culinary experience.

A double occupancy suite is NZ$970 and includes dinner, bed and breakfast.

Peppers on the Point Rotorua

Location, Location, Location. Thrusting imperiously out on the tip of Kawaha Point and into sublime Lake Rotorua, Peppers on the Point commands unparallelled views all the way to Mokoia Island. Built during the age of Jazz, this classic 1930s manor has just seven spacious suites and the ultra-exclusive Lake Villa.

A short 10 minute drive from downtown, Peppers on the Point offers a convenient mix of verdant seclusion and handy proximity to local attractions.

Dining, overseen by executive chef, Reg Hawthorne, is available in small, intimate groups, in your own suite or private, romantic tables for two in the ornate dining and reception rooms downstairs.

Suites are NZ$ 595.00 per person per night double occupancy and includes Accommodation, pre-dinner drinks with canapés, 4 course table d'hote dinner and full breakfast.

The author travelled to New Zealand in April 2006. Assistance was provided by Select Hotels, The Charming Hotels and Air New Zealand.