Blanket Bay

Often adorned with flowers beneath a clear blue New Zealand sky, the rustic yet elegant stone lodge of Blanket Bay sits perched upon the shores of Lake Wakatipu. The establishment is found in an typical South Island alpine setting of vast valleys and great mountains.

There is a luxury element found throughout all the the 12 residences, from the separate chalet cottages to the spacious lodge rooms and suites, both enjoying incredible views and plenty of natural light. There is a charming antiquity to the spaces, beautiful timber beams reaching up along the ceiling and refined wooden furnishing adding to the already classic atmosphere.

When it comes to wining and dining, there is no letting up of world-class service. The menu is forever changing, making the utmost of the kitchen’s access to locally-sourced ingredients and produce. What you will find are modern, innovative takes on classical dishes incorporating fresh fish, lamb and venison and an array of fruits and vegetables grown in the region.

Forget about your troubles at the spa, embracing the unbridled pleasures of the sauna and Jacuzzi. Ease away those aches and pains with a massage by a professional therapist, ideally after a hard workout in the fitness centre or a few laps in the heated pool.

There are few other places on earth with so many activities and adventures on offer, from the numerous hiking trails meandering up mountain ranges, fly fishing hotspots in the pools, runs, rivers and smaller mountain lakes, heli-skiing in winter, jet boating and kayaking. Tackle 4WD tours and vineyard and art trails. Horse riding enthusiasts will not be disappointed with the available tracks while golfers of any calibre will surely revel in the splendour and beauty of championship-standard Jack’s Point Golf Course.