Luxury lodges emphasise food and wine for summer's gift

Not just the bach and the beach, but summer in New Zealand is now also about award-winning wines and exceptional cuisine marking memorable occasions that bring family and loved ones together.

Luxury Lodges of New Zealand – a premium collection of 26 of New Zealand’s most prestigious lodges in beautiful locations – is in tune with the trend, offering food-lovers delectable treats and divine fare to complement a range of excellent wines.

And with Christmas, year-end celebrations, weddings, Valentine’s Day or special celebrations high on the gift list for many, Luxury Lodges of New Zealand vouchers are proving increasingly popular as ‘the gift of choice’.

“There is a wonderful marriage between food, wine and luxury accommodation in New Zealand,” said spokesperson Colleen Ryan.

“A voucher gift presents the joy of choosing from any one of our lodges and the many experiences they offer, including cooking classes, wine tours, award-winning chefs, artisan producers and acclaimed degustation menus using the finest produce.”

“There are 376 wineries in New Zealand across ten areas producing award-winning wine that has been created as the perfect complement to New Zealand’s incredible Pacific Rim cuisine.

“Three of our lodges -- The Farm at Cape Kidnappers, Breckenridge Lodge and Timara Lodge -- are set amidst the vines of one of these regions, the renowned Hawke’s Bay.

“This is a wonderful destination for its attractive summer weather, incredible vineyards, coastal location and its proud community of chefs who demonstrate the region best with their local organic produce and exceptional menus delivered in an intimate atmosphere.”

At Breckenridge Lodge, owner and acclaimed chef Malcolm Redmond designs the menu around produce from the lodge’s organic garden, with food prepared fresh from the day’s pickings and served with prized aged Hawke's Bay wines from the cellar.

The Farm at Cape Kidnappers has spectacular views over the coast that can be soaked up over a luxury picnic in a hot air balloon or while relishing a gastronomic experience from the comfort of the Dining Room, Loggia, Snug, Wine Cellar or even the Library.

New Zealand is becoming world-renowned for its excellent Pinot Gris, such as the Spy Valley 2012 Pinot Gris from Hawke’s Bay which has just received the ‘Pure Gold’ award at the recent Air New Zealand Wine Awards making it the perfect complement to Timara Lodge chef Louis’s ‘Summer Recipe’ featuring chickpea curry and prawns.

Ms Ryan said the South Island provided a more dramatic backdrop where farm-to-table fare dominated cuisine and specific delicacies were highlights.

“Fiordland Lodge, for example, partners with local suppliers and farmers, cheesemakers and other talented artisans to create a dining experience that connects guests with the land and its history. “

Summer at Canterbury’s Otahuna Lodge is all about local organic specialties with more than 120 varieties and cultivars of fruits and vegetables grown -- including the now-famous ten varieties of pepper that appear in various appealing recipes on their menu.

“The porcini mushroom is also a crowd pleaser at Otahuna, even featuring in a private cooking class with Executive Chef Jimmy McIntyre,” said Ms Ryan.
“Chef McIntyre’s ‘potager to plate’ philosophy and recipes have won acclaim in numerous food publications, making these classes extremely popular and ones you certainly have to book in advance.”

Ms Ryan said the growing popularity of Luxury Lodges of New Zealand vouchers showed that more and more people preferred rewarding experiences to ‘dust collectors’.

“Honeymoon vouchers have been a popular registry idea for weddings but we’re seeing them used more and more for other celebratory occasions. The more organised are already buying vouchers for Valentine’s Day next year.

“People often have everything they need and often don’t treat themselves to something they want, such as a luxury cuisine getaway for example.

“That’s why our vouchers are a popular gift for the growing destination market, seeking luxury accommodation and matching cuisine experiences.”

Vouchers can be redeemed at any of the lodges and are not limited to a single destination. They can also be used entirely or in part for any tours and packages offered by lodges. Each voucher is specially designed with the recipient’s name and corporate vouchers can also be designed to incorporate a company logo.

“They fulfill the promise of experiencing the combination of outstanding New Zealand cuisine and wine with our fabulous landscapes and hospitality,” said Ms Ryan.

To purchase a Luxury Lodges of New Zealand gift voucher go to: http://www.lodgesofnz.co.nz/gift-vouchers