Australasia
Sizzling Samoa Discovering the highlights of this far-flung destination, p42 Western Australia Roving Readers report back from a Gold Medal fam, p47 Product round-up Suppliers’ news from around the region, p48
In the lodge of luxury
LODGES OF NEW ZEALAND
This well-established marketing group currently embraces 22 lodges. Most are traditional in style, though notable exceptions include glass-sided alpine retreat Whare Kea Lodge. Expect open fires, verandas and fine dining, possibly with produce from organic gardens, olive groves, local farms and vineyards. Some properties have environmental designs – Earthsong Lodge on Great Barrier Island has hay bale insulation. Fishing, riding and adventure sports are highlighted by all properties, and gift vouchers are available. ■
lodgesofnz.co.nz
LODGES INCLUDE... THE LODGE AT KAURI CLIFFS This ocean-view lodge near the Bay of Islands is a top-seller for Travel 2 and Audley Travel. There are 22 suites across 11 cottages, plus a two-bed standalone property. Spa, heated
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outdoor pool, golf, boar hunting and clay pigeon shooting are offered on site. Travel 2 has suites from £664 per night half-board.
HUKA LODGE
The Queen is among Huka’s famous guests. Set beside the turquoise Waikato river, there are 18 rooms and two cottages, a library, wine cellar, fireplaces and private dining hideaways. Golf, fishing, riding and helicopter trips to volcanic sites can be arranged. From £855 per person per night half-board with Audley Travel.
BLANKET BAY LODGE On the shore of Lake Wakatipu and boasting mountain views, this 10,000-acre high country farm has just five guest rooms and three suites. Excursions include fishing and jet boating, helicopter trips to Milford Sound and winter heli-skiing. Travel 2 offers rooms from £425 per night half-board.
A new collection of luxury lodges was unveiled in Australia this summer to rival its neighbour’s more established retreats. Debbie Ward compares the products and looks at who they will appeal to
N
ew Zealand has become synonymous with luxury lodges offering high-end accommodation and dining in standout locations. This year its antipodean neighbour has joined the party, with marketing group Luxury Lodges of Australia launched in May to raise the profile of the country’s own rural retreats.
“Over the past five or six years, and probably the past two or three in particular, there’s been quite a drive in this high-end market,” says Ben Janeczko, Tourism Australia’s UK distribution development manager. “When Australia’s lodges were looking at what other destinations were doing, they thought that New Zealand’s idea to group products together as a brand (Lodges of New Zealand) was a good one.” Operators are also welcoming this move towards the high end. “Many visitors to New Zealand have enjoyed the quality of the luxury lodges,” says Esther Ward, Qantas Holidays’ market development manager. “The arrival of an Australian equivalent opens up a complementary new market for like-minded visitors.”
Alluring locations
The lodges in Australia and New Zealand’s key marketing collections are mostly independently owner-managed. Guests can expect special locations and high standards of cuisine, perhaps including home-grown produce or multi-course degustation menus with pre-dinner drinks and hors d’oeuvres. On site activities, excluding spa treatments, may also be included in the
Blanket Bay
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