Tourism New Zealand recently released a luxury travel report that showed luxury lodge spend in New Zealand is up 42 percent, with American visitors generating half.
To accommodate smaller groups amping up their luxury meetings, New Zealand’s South Island debuted these four new properties and villas in 2017.
Blanket Bay Villa
Situated amidst the alpine surroundings of Lake Wakatipu, The Lodge at Blanket Bay added a new four-bedroom villa to the already-luxurious property that attracts groups for its fly-fishing, heli-skiing, hiking, horseback riding and jet boating, not to mention art trails and vineyards. The villa’s design matches the rest of the property, using natural materials such as stone, cedar and timber.
Piwakawaka Point Villa
Smaller groups of up to 14 can visit Piwakawaka Point Villa, nestled along Lake Wanaka. It, too, features a design inspired by the surrounding lake and mountain views. Situated on 330 acres, groups can hike, play Frisbee golf or simply head to the wine cellar to participate in a wine tasting.
Mahu Whenua
Also situated a mere 20 minutes from Wanaka, this eco-lodge is ideal for a group of 12 attendees. Its more than 200 square miles of green valleys, native bush, forests and rivers provide an ideal spot for groups seeking seclusion and privacy. About 90 percent of the land is protected, making it New Zealand’s largest conservation undertaking on private land. Four adjoining high-country sheep stations introduce groups to sustainable farming practices and a back-to-the-land mentality that attendees are craving.
The Olive House at Hapuku Lodge
The Olive House at Hapuku Lodge was once a free-standing building that housed the lodge’s olive press and was recently turned into a three-bedroom apartment, ideal for top execs. Other accommodations include rooms in the main lodge or any of its five tree houses that feature master bedrooms located above the trees. Located on the shores of Mangamaunu, the property attracts surfers and eco-marine tourists alike.
