QUEENSTOWN, NEW ZEALAND, SEPTEMBER 4, 2011- A pair of New Zealand's most spectacular and unique luxury lodges, Matakauri Lodge and Minaret Station have joined together to offer the ultimate year-round South Island adventure- four amazing days and nights filled with inspired and contrasting experiences across two stunning settings, each offering their own richly rewarding exploration and sense of place.
First stop on the Alpine & High Country Adventure is Minaret Station – a luxury "tented" lodge in the remote New Zealand wilderness, set in a spectacularly picturesque glacial valley beneath the jagged peaks of New Zealand's Southern Alps and accessible only by helicopter!
Set in classic "Lord of the Rings" territory at an elevation of some 915 metres, the vistas experienced at Minaret Station are simply breathtaking and make for a quintessential New Zealand High Country experience.
Undoubtedly one of the world's unique opportunities, a stay on this private 20,000 hectare working sheep, cattle and deer property offers a level of comfort and style not usually associated with a remote country landscape. Think " tented luxury " as plush and spacious tented suites come exquisitely furnished with comfy king beds with fine linens, soft sheepskin flooring, full en-suites with double vanity, endless hot showers in fresh mountain water and private decks with hot tubs. Suffice to say no creature comforts are sacrificed.
The active options at both lodges operate on a "choose your own adventure" style, with a range of options suited to each location and season.
In winter, Minaret Station guests might choose to enjoy exhilarating heli-skiing in this pristine and breathtaking "high country" setting, while in warmer months, fabulous hikes in spectacular country might be the order of the day, stopping for gourmet picnics and taking in the mesmerising views, or "heli-biking" with guests being flown into a valley for an adventurous trail ride into lush farmland below.
On day three a mid-morning helicopter transfer sees the setting shift to fabulous South Island playground of Queenstown and the ultimate "alpine" hideaway – Matakauri Lodge – home base for yet two more richly rewarding days.
Nestled in one of the world's most serenely beautiful landscape settings, the multi award-winning Matakauri Lodge is located just 7 minutes from the heart of Queenstown and all its attractions, yet its private setting renders it seemingly a world away, positioned as it is on the edge of Lake Wakatipu with gob-smacking views of the Remarkables.
Since opening in late 2010 Matakauri Lodge has garnered a string of international awards including being named on the Conde Nast Traveler Magazine 2011 HOT LIST, and one of the "101 Best Hotels in the World" by Tatler Magazine. Travel + Leisure Magazine listed it on its prestigious GOLD LIST 2011.
With luxury accommodation in gorgeous suites with private terraces gazing at the lake and mountain vistas, Matakauri Lodge offers guests complete relaxation paired with days spent enjoying New Zealand's adventure capital.
From tasting wine at Mount Edward Winery in the Gibbston Valley, enjoying the vast range of outdoor offerings, or simply enjoying the shopping and dining options in Queenstown, Alpine & High Country guests will experience adventure, exploration, food, wine, and fun alongside luxurious suite accommodation and the exclusivity of staying at one of the world's top hideaways.
Just eleven luxurious suites all designed by the acclaimed interior designer Virginia Fisher, plus a super stylish and spacious main lodge with plenty of dining and living areas for relaxing in make MATAKAURI LODGE an enchanting alpine getaway. Fabulous food from Chef Dale Gartland and a luxury spa are all part of the mix at New Zealand's newest luxury lodge– MATAKAURI LODGE.
Four special nights at two stunning lodge locations – Minaret Station + Matakauri Lodge – this truly is the best of both worlds, and the ultimate unique South Island experience!
The Alpine & High Country Package is priced according to season and starts from NZ$6,420.00* per person/double occupancy (excluding GST) in Winter and from NZ$6,840.00* per person/double occupancy (excluding GST) in Summer, inclusions in the package are listed below. A range of extra activities, varying according to season and priced separately, may be added. See website for full listing and details.
The package includes:
Two nights staying at Minaret Station in a Tented Suite with return scenic helicopter transfers from Queenstown airport, full breakfast, lunch (lodge or picnic), pre dinner drinks with canapés, gourmet dinner, all beverages (excepting items from the reserve cellar list which bear an additional charge), services of a guide for private touring of the high country station and secure storage of surplus personal luggage for duration of your stay at the tented lodge.
Two nights staying at Matakauri Lodge in a Deluxe Suite with return private ground transfers from Queenstown Airport, an exclusive tour of Mount Edward Winery in Gibbston Valley including lunch with the winemaker and return ground transfers, daily pre dinner drinks and canapés, gourmet dinner, full breakfast and complimentary non alcoholic mini-bar.
*Rates quoted in NZ dollars, per person and exclusive of the applicable 15% Govt. Goods & Services Tax. A holiday season surcharge also applies over Christmas period – see website for full details and booking conditions.
To book the Alpine & High Country Package contact Matakauri Lodge phone +64 3 441 1008, emailreservations@matakaurilodge.com or visit www.matakaurilodge.com or www.minaretstation.com.
