Happy Thursday Hidden Gem Travel community! As I look at the beautiful fall leaves outside of my office window, I can’t believe that I was in New Zealand peering at spring flowers and Cherry Blossom trees just last month. While owning and operating a small business isn’t easy, the travel perks are incredible even if most trips are business trip, not vacations. This benefits you, my clients, in terms of deep knowledge, local relationships, and first hand experience.
This newsletter is the third in a four part series covering my epic trip. Since it was a business trip, a main theme was experiencing the great lodges and touring the historic hotels of New Zealand – boy did they deliver! I could write a novella about each place. Like a castle stay in Ireland, a great lodge and/or a historic hotel stay is a must-do as part of any New Zealand trip. You’ll understand why as you continue to read for the scoop about where to have a special stay while in New Zealand.
Rosewood – Kauri Cliffs & Cape Kidnappers
First, it was VERY hard to select just a few photos out of the many I took while at these resorts! If you’re not familiar with Rosewood, it’s a 5-star, global hotel/resort brand with whom I have preferred partner privileges. This status which means my clients get perks and VIP treatment.
I stayed at two Rosewood properties in NZ: award-wining Kauri Cliffs and Cape Kidnappers which were quite different in style but equal in terms of quality and service. Both are ideal for golfers boasting excellent, scenic courses, but they also have a range of on-property experiences and top notch food.
Kauri Cliffs is on the northern end of the North Island of New Zealand on a stunning private, coastal property in the Bay of Islands. The championship golf course has views of the coast and is nestled around a native forest. If golf isn’t your game, you can take incredible ATV tours around the property, chill on any of the three private beaches (including a pink seashell beach), hike/bike/walk, and of course spa to unwind and relax. The suite was beautifully decorated and appointed but also very comfortable. The view from my deck was of one of the golf course holes with the coast beyond – stunning. I’d return literally anytime!
Cape Kidnappers is located on an expansive private property and working farm in the famous Hawk’s Bay wine region of the North Island. Vistas of the Pacific Ocean are seen on-property, including the award-winning golf course. The main building and suites have a luxe farm vibe with delectable farm-to-table dining. Exclusive activities for guests include the Can-Am (ATV) Exploration, Kiwi Discovery Walk, Cape Kidnappers Gannet Colony (seabirds) – all of which I did and can attest are incredibly memorable and special. My Hilltop Suite had gorgeous views and a bed so comfortable that it was hard to get up and seize the day!
💎Hidden Gem Tip: Rosewood Cape Kidnappers gets its name from an historic story which involves a conflict between the British explorers and native Maori people.
Wharekauhau Estate
After staying at the Rosewood resorts, you’d think that either was the ultimate place to stay. Not so fast! Next up was the amazing Relais & Chateaux property Wharekauhau Estate which is pronounced “ferry-ko-ho.” Owned by the Foley family, attention to detail is paramount in the accommodations, food, wine, and experiences. This country estate reflects the Edwarian era, and you feel like you’re staying in someone’s elegant home with your meals carefully prepared by an award -winning chef.
The estate is located close to Wellington, the capital of New Zealand, at the bottom of the North Island. As you drive up to the property, the gate opens allowing you access to the acres of private farm land, beaches and the elegant estate main building and it’s surrounding suites.
It’s impossible to be bored at Wharekauhau. If you want to explore you can opt for farm tours, ATV Quad Biking, clay target shooting, archery, and a wine trail. More relaxing activities are strolling through ancient forests among the elegant silver ferns, touring the organic farm and learning about growing the incredible vegetables you’ll eat at dinnertime, booking yourself into the spa, or just relaxing while gazing at the sheep and coast from your private patio or room (or even bath tub). You will feel VERY well taken care of at Wharekauhau!
Photo above – I was incredibly fortunate to fly to Wellington in a helicopter right from the estate grounds – bucket list check!
Flock Hill Station
Flock Hill Station, also a Relais & Chateaux property, is a brand new luxury lodge found in the high country of Craigieburn Valley on the South Island near Christchurch. This working sheep station of 36,000 acres made me feel like I was in a very special part of our planet which was heighted by my helicopter arrival showing the most majestic views of the Southern Alps. Truly it’s a WOW experience.
I was fortunate to stay in the main building which is a 4 bedroom exclusive-use lodge with multiple common rooms and kitchen – perfect for a family or small group. The views are unreal; I would look out on the valley and pinch myself. The decor is modern, elegant, and spacious. You can see more photos on my Instagram.
I went hiking among boulders (Narnia scenery), learned about life on a sheep station (including holding a sheep myself), took ATV rides along snaking rivers (fly fisherman paradise), and dined on amazing food while sipping New Zealand’s award-winning wines. Take me back now!
💎Hidden Gem Tip: If your itinerary brings you to Christchurch and you love history, a stay at the Victorian era Otahuna Lodge will be a delight. Also a Relais & Chateaux property – the current owners are from the US and have updated this historic property to perfection. I enjoyed a sumptuous lunch after a hotel tour while there. The property gardens are gorgeous!
Stay tuned for the next part of my New Zealand adventure!
Inspired? Reach out to me now to get your questions answered and begin the planning process. Now is the time to plan for 2025 trips (or even start the ball rolling for 2026).
Wishing you amazing travel adventures,
Susan
NEW Section: Travel News You Can Use
💎 Hidden Gem Tip: Passport Renewal Update
Did you hear eligible U.S. citizens who want routine service can now renew their passports online? Note that the Department of State has indicated that online renewal will not necessarily be faster. Routine service is currently 6-8 weeks.
Take this as a heads up to check your passport expiration date and make sure it’s current for your next international adventure!
For more information and details, visit: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/have-passport/renew-online.html
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