30th November 2016

We take a look at whats new and noteworthy in the Queenstown Lakes region for travellers that enjoy the finer things in life.

Mahu Whenua – New Zealand’s newest luxury lodge 

We are delighted to introduce you to the Ridgeline Homestead, Cottages and Eco Sanctuary at Mahu Whenua. Located just 20 minutes out of Wanaka in New Zealand’s South Island, this luxury hosted experience is available on an exclusive-use basis for up to 12 guests.

Mahu Whenua consists of four adjoining high country sheep stations which are owned by renowned record producer Mutt Lange and stretch from Wanaka through to Queenstown over 55,000 hectares.

90% of the land was protected by covenants in 2015 making it the largest conservation undertaking on private land in New Zealand’s history. The name Mahu Whenua aptly means healing the land.

Guests will be able to enjoy an array of on-site guided activities including horse trekking, heli-skiing in winter, heli-biking, heli-hiking, overnight stays at shepherds’ cottages and 4WD adventures. Guests can see the working farm in action, feed the weka and learn about the eco-sanctuary, or just unwind with a picnic alongside the pristine alpine rivers. There are also various activities that make the most of the proximity to Milford Sound and Fiordland, including scenic flights, hunting and fishing.

To find out more please visit the Mahu Whenua website here.

Akarua Wines & Kitchen by Artisan – new cellar door for Akarua 

We absolutely love Akarua’s pinot noir and bubbles! Akarua winery has bought Lake Hayes’ Walnut Cottage which was originally built in 1870. The building will now serve as a café, function venue and cellar door for Akarua winery under the management of Artisan Catering.

We are expecting a delightful modernisation of the cottage in keeping with its history, as well as a delicious menu paired perfectly with Akarua’s special vintages. We cannot wait for Akarua Wines & Kitchen by Artisan to open this month!

The Grille by Eichardt’s – a testament to the enduring history of Eichardt’s

Having opened in November this year, The Grille by Eichardt’s is Queenstown’s premier dining destination with a prime location on the waterfront of Lake Wakatipu. With a vibrant, stylish and carefully designed setting reminiscent of New York bistros and French brasseries, you will find an incredible menu that captures both the flavour and spirit of Central Otago.

Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, there’s no excuses for missing this new iconic restaurant in the heart of Queenstown.

Glamping – glam camping comes to Queenstown!

Glamping – entirely glamorous camping – is now available to our guests for the first time ever in Queenstown. The Lotus Belle tents are so spacious and the queen size beds, luxury linens, fluffy comforters, sheep skin clad arm chairs and cashmere throws offer incredible comfort and style.

Our two glamping sites are located on a private working deer farm, which has 360 degree views of Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu and beyond, yet is only 20 minutes from Central Queenstown. You are free to wander around the tarns and stock tracks that surround your tent. You’re also on the doorstep of Queenstown’s fantastic activities and your MajorDomo concierge is on hand to arrange your day adventures for you – hiking, biking, jetboating, horse riding – the options are endless.

This is a very special option for couples with a sense of adventure and desire to experience a truly immersive experience. 

Jack’s Point Restaurant – new menu!

We were lucky enough to eat our way through the new menu at the Jack’s Point Restaurant this week! Bindy fell in love with the smoked kranksy hot dog in brioche bun. Fi raves about the duck liver pate and don’t get Grace and Lisa started on the manuka smoked salmon salad and butterfish tacos. We rolled on through to the dessert menu too and we can assure you, you will not be disappointed.

We paired our meals, which were ever so easy to share, with Amisfield’s pinot rose and pinot gris.

From 1.30pm to 5.30pm we sat in the cosy restaurant by the fire overlooking the lake and then moved out to the decking when the sun came out. The hours rolled by, as did our three courses, and we felt so comfortable in the ambient setting with fantastic service. We highly recommend trying the new menu at Jack’s Point Restaurant.