Alpine vistas, warm fires and ski slopes have been captivating us this week – time to plan a holiday to a winter wonderland packed with outdoor adventures, where the chef champions local New Zealand produce. Step forward, Matakauri Lodge.
Style Alpine elegance
Setting Wild serenity
Why this week? The lodge has teamed up with French champagne house Moët & Chandon to host a night of culinary delights paired with current and rare vintages of the famous bubbly. This five-course evening, starring head chef Jonathon Rogers, takes place on 14 June, so don’t dilly dally. You’ll also get a free upgrade to a Deluxe Suite on arrival, thanks to Matakauri’s Mr & Mrs Smith offer. Each decadent suite at Matakauri Lodge sports a private porch, open fireplace and oversized bath tub with practically unavoidable jaw-dropping scenery. Interiors are light and airy, with sandy, ochre accents and plenty of space to settle down with a good book.
Our favourite bits… Just a short drive from the South Island’s adventure hotspot, Queenstown, Matakauri Lodge is ideally located to suit both intrepid adventurers and relaxed home-bodies. The menu at the lodge’s restaurant changes daily and focuses only on the freshest seasonal produce, all sourced locally. If you’re planning a hike, or simply want to sit by the flawless surface of Lake Wakatipu, choose one of the lodge’s picnic lunches to sustain you. After a strenuous day of skiing, relax with a signature Snowflake Massage at the secluded spa on the edge of a pine forest with uninterrupted views of looming Cecil Peak.
Mr & Mrs Smith say… ‘Our eyes can barely comprehend the brain-bending view: dense pines cuddle the sides of glassy Lake Wakatipu, the sun (yes, sun – southern New Zealand in January has a penchant for very late nightfall) illuminates the formidable Cecil and Walter Peaks, and shadows of soft, cartoon-shaped clouds glide across the Remarkables range.’ Read the full Mr & Mrs Smith review…
Plan your perfect New Zealand getaway with Mr & Mrs Smith, or browse all our exclusive hotel offers.
*Copy compiled by Katherine Williams
