We love a micro food trend. When a mouth-watering morsel starts popping up in various guises all over town, it becomes a delicious challenge to try all the different interpretations. Case in point, jam and cream doughnuts. The nostalgic treat has been brought to the fore by some of Auckland’s best bakeries, and you bet we’ll be sampling the selection. Here’s where to find some of the best jam and cream doughnuts in town.
Bacio We wouldn’t expect anything less from this Jervois Road cafe where nostalgic delights are the name of the game. Among Southland cheese rolls, handmade pies and Neenish tarts, Bacio’s decadent cream doughnuts are hand-stuffed with a generous helping of cream and berry coulis. 212 Jervois Road, Herne Bay
Amano.
Amano Auckland’s favourite bakery, as voted by Denizen’s Everyday Heroes, has put its hand to the old school classic, sticking to the cheery long doughnut shape. Available only on Fridays, you’d best be quick to secure your share.
Daily Bread If you were feeling particularly sedentary, and are based centrally, you could even get Daily Bread’s decadent doughnuts delivered. The bustling bakery’s cream-filled bomboloni is a gently-fried, sugar-dusted, cream-filled oasis — the flavours change seasonally to include a fruit compote or a dulce de leche. We’ll have one of each, thanks.
Mustard Kitchen.
Mustard Kitchen Located in Morningside, Mustard Kitchen does a roaring trade in tasty sweets and savouries. Its jam and cream doughnuts are available in round or long iterations, but each tastes just as delicious as the other. 5 Morningside Drive, Sandringham
Baker’s Cottage Humble yet heavenly, the traditional cream doughnuts from Kingsland’s Baker’s Cottage come as both round and long buns, with the obligatory dollop of joyful jam on top. You can’t beat a classic. 2 New Bond Street, Kingsland
Little & Friday.
Little & Friday A sure crowd-pleaser, Little & Friday’s round jam and cream doughnuts are generously sized with an equally generous dusting of icing sugar on the outside. While not the tidiest to eat, that’s half the fun.
This humble slice from Liv Glazebrook of Kitchen of Treats is proof that cooking needn’t be complex to be absolutely delicious. All you need is a handful of ingredients like dried apricots, old-school super wine biscuits and heavenly Whittaker’s Hazelnut Chocolate to create a crowd-pleasing sweet treat. The best part? There’s no oven involved, simply pop it in the fridge.
Hazelnut chocolate and apricot slice recipe
Ingredients 1 packet of superwine biscuits (or plain vanilla biscuits) ½ tin condensed milk 2 tbsp golden syrup 100g butter ½ cup chopped dried apricots 1x block Whittaker’s 250g Hazelnut Chocolate
Method 1. Crush biscuits in a food processor (if you don’t have a food processor crush them by placing them in a plastic bag and bash them with a rolling pin.)
2. Melt together in a large saucepan condensed milk, golden syrup and butter.
3. Add biscuits and dried apricots to melted mixture, mix well and press into large sponge roll tin.
4. Melt in the microwave Whittaker’s hazelnut chocolate (heat in increments to avoid burning. Spread evenly over the biscuit base.
As the warmer season gets in full swing, it’s high time you arm yourself with a plethora of products suited to the seasonal change — out with the old and in with the new, we say. From face masks and hydrating hair oils to beauty powders and body scrubs, these products are sure to have you looking and feeling your best.
Detox the skin
During warmer months, the skin requires treatments that soak up excess oil and unclog pores. Codage’s Purifying Mask, available from Spring Store, is the ideal rescue remedy. Combining a green and white clay emulsion with anti-blemish zinc and clarifying copper, this mask is designed to leave your skin deeply cleansed, shine-free and gently exfoliated.
Dull hair repair Have your locks looking their shiny, silky best this sunny season with an all-in-one oil that offers real results and easy styling. Olaplex No.7 Bonding Oil is a first-of-its-kind hair oil, highly-concentrated and designed to repair and strengthen all types of hair. It also promises to dramatically increase shine, softness, and colour vibrancy, as well as providing UV/heat protection of up to 450°F/232°C.
Switch it up
Replace winter’s full coverage foundation with a softer, lighter tinted cream; it will allow the skin to breathe while still offering sheer coverage and a natural, dewy glow. Bare Minerals’ Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream offers just that, with a three-pronged approach of hydration, natural-looking coverage and broad-spectrum SPF. Plus, it’s available in 20 shades.
Stay sun smart
In between the wintery weather and weeks locked down indoors, it’s easy for daily sunscreen application to have slipped off your radar. Reset your routine and reacquaint yourself with the most essential skincare product in your kit. We recommend Emma Lewisham’s Skin Shield Daily Face Antioxidant, which provides broad-spectrum SPF 30 protection. It goes easily under makeup for everyday lightweight, non-greasy coverage that also replenishes and restores moisture levels.
Exfoliate
Spring marks the return of bare legs and to get those pins primed and ready a rejuvenating, exfoliating body scrub is key. Sothys’ Lemon & Petitgrain Escape Invigorating Body Scrub leaves skin feeling soft and invigorated, with pieces of lemon peel adding a refreshing, exfoliating citrus burst.
Healthy insides As the saying goes, beauty starts from the inside out. Adding a primo beauty powder to your daily routine now will ensure that an enviable glow is simply effortless come summertime. Try The Beauty Chef’s cult Glow Inner Beauty Powder, available from Inès Store. This vegan-friendly powder promotes radiant skin and good gut health, with 18 certified organic ingredients including collagen-promoting vitamin C, zinc and bio-fermented maqui berries.
Iconic New Zealand winery, Villa Maria, has lent its golden touch to a new release of its range of Single Vineyard wines. Spanning the finest vineyards across four of New Zealand’s key wine-growing regions – from Marlborough to Hawke’s Bay, Gisborne to Auckland, these sensationally sippable wines embody the distinctive qualities and characteristics unique to each terroir.
Terroir, in wine, is a vital aspect of individuality — referring to the climates, soils and terrains that are captured from vine to glass, it is what allows us to enjoy a wholly unique set of flavours, full of nuance and distinction. And this range has that in spades.
Villa Maria Marlborough Cellar Door.
From the berry-rich, savoury Villa Maria Single Vineyard Taylors Pass Pinot Noir 2019, hand-harvested from the Awatere Valley in Marlborough, to the seamlessly textured Villa Maria Single Vineyard McDiarmid Hill Chardonnay produced from the 2020 vintage in Gisbourne, this exquisite selection of twelve wines showcases the best of New Zealand’s most highly regarded vineyard sites, taking wine lovers on a journey exploring the individual nuances and the impact of season that shines through in these elegant wines. This combination contributes to their inimitable nature, and with such small quantities produced, they are perfect for marking a special occasion, or as the ideal gift.
Villa Maria The Attorney Rosé 2020.
A particularly radiant wine from the range is the Villa Maria Single Vineyard Attorney Rosé, harvested in 2020 during a near-perfect growing season. Having received its first BioGro certification in 2012, The Attorney Vineyard is situated in the Southern Valleys sub-region of Marlborough, on a northern-facing block on the dry foothills of the Wairau Valley. This organic Pinot Noir Rosé has aromas of bright red cherries intermingled with delicate rose petals and fresh culinary herbs, and a palate that bursts with ripe strawberries and a creamy texture on the finish.
Another sensational sip as we move steadily towards summer is the Villa Maria Single Vineyard Taylors Pass Sauvignon Blanc — also a 2020 vintage. The perfect accompaniment for warmer weather with vibrant aromatics of fresh garden peas and blackcurrants, a palate of jalapeño and lemongrass adds a fragrant punchiness alongside lime zest and a hint of gunflint. It’s an incredibly dynamic and interesting wine.
Whether you prefer rich and textural or precise and restrained, there really is a flavour profile to suit every proclivity within Villa Maria’s Single Vineyard range, a testament to this beloved winery’s commitment to quality from grape to glass.
The beauty of a well-written non-fiction book is you not only become engrossed in a narrative, but you often learn something along the way about a subject you may not have been overly familiar with. Peruse this varied selection, covering a trailblazing female architect and designer, the controversial rise of the vape industry, the lasting legacy of the circus business — and more.
No Compromise: The Work of Florence Knollby Ana Araujo Architect, interior designer and entrepreneur Florence Knoll nearly single-handedly reinvented the postwar American workplace, instilling several design principles that are still prevalent today. As Co-founder of the Knoll furniture company, her commissions went on to become design icons, including Harry Bertoia’s Diamond Chair, the Barcelona Chair by Mies van der Rohe, and the Platner Collection by Warren Platner, and she invented the renowned ‘Knoll look’. This is, incredibly, the first monograph of her work, written by Araujo who is, herself, an architect and academic. No Compromise looks closely at Knoll’s extraordinary career, charting the inspiring journey of a seminal figure in modern design and how she gained such respect in her field.
Big Vape: The Incendiary Rise of Juulby Jamie Ducharme Written as a non-fiction thriller with razor-sharp commentary from Time magazine reporter Ducharme, Big Vape delves into the controversial rise of James Monsees and Adam Bowen, founders of Juul Labs and creators of the world’s most well-known vape.
Battle for the Big Topby Les Standiford This account of the dawn of the American circus industry is both engrossing and entertaining. Richly researched, Standiford takes us behind the curtain to the colourful story of three powerful businessmen vying for control of what would become an enormously profitable and influential industry.
On Freedom: Four Songs of Care and Constraint by Maggie Nelson The tenth book from one of today’s brightest literary stars delves into the often fraught subject of freedom, asking what it even means in modern life. Nelson draws on a huge swathe of references for these expansive essays, including critical theory, pop culture and the minutiae of daily existence.
The Confidence Menby Margalit Fox The astonishing true story of one of the most unlikely prison breaks, this non-fiction thriller proves reality can be just as gripping as fiction. Harry Jones and Cedric Hill, two British officers, were languishing in a Turkish prisoner of war camp during WWI, before cooking up an ingenious con (involving a homemade Ouija board, elaborate fake séances and rumoured treasure) that ultimately led to their freedom.
Sure, you could always kick off your weekend with a dirty old fry up of bacon and eggs. But why would you, when you have the opportunity to whip up this delicious tower of tastiness courtesy of our friend Polly Markus of Miss Pollys Kitchen.
Ingredients Serves 4
200g High Country Salmon Gravlax Salmon 4 cups grated zucchini 1 cup of peas, defrosted (run them under hot water) 1/3 cup spring onions, green part only 5 eggs 1/2 a red chilli, diced 3/4 cup of flour Zest of one lemon 2 large handfuls of basil 1/2 cup Italian parsley 1/3 cup mint Salt and pepper
Method: 1. Squeeze the liquid out of the grated zucchini using a few paper towels. 2. In a large mixing bowl add the zucchini, peas, spring onion, chilli, lemon zest, parsley, mint and basil. 3. Grate the parmesan then add this to the bowl along with the flour & eggs. Season and mix well. 4. Spoon 1/3 cup of mixture into the pan on a low heat cook for 5 – 6 minutes per side. 5. Serve with avocado, a dollop of crème fraiche and some gravlax salmon. 6. Eat immediately whilst they are nice and crispy.
While the bright and optimistic days of summer still feel a little out of reach, Yu Mei has managed to beam them straight towards us with the launch of its Spring/Summer 2021/22 collection, Under The Same Sun.
In embracing saturated hues of blue and yellow, as well as elegant tones like rich cocoa and khaki, the luxury leather goods label speaks to an elemental yet uplifting palette that is perfectly timed to see us into the new season. Signature shapes return, refreshed, such as the compact Suki Clutch and the generous Braidy Bag. The popular Georgie Bag has been reduced to a resolutely minimal form, more refined than ever.
For the launch of Under The Same Sun, Yu Mei presented a live-streamed digital runway presentation via its website homepage. Utilising new live-streaming technology (the first of the industry’s kind), the show was instantly shoppable with links embedded into each frame. Viewers could not only see each bag clearly and up-close, but could also purchase the product as it walked the runway in real-time.
With the alert level restrictions applying country-wide, plans of filming the presentation on the Desert Road were nimbly switched for a production on Wellington’s windswept Breaker Bay. Filmed by a team from creative agency Wrestler, the 10 models were styled and directed virtually from Auckland by Sebastian Hunt in a wardrobe of exclusively secondhand clothing — an approach that is in keeping with Yu Mei’s practice of regenerative materials, such as the deer Nappa leather used in its bags that is a byproduct of the venison industry.
Coinciding with its ingenious shoppable runway, Yu Mei is now available direct-to-consumer for Australian customers, giving our Antipodean neighbours the chance to easily access its accessories. And, in another hugely exciting milestone for the brand, its new global partnership with e-commerce behemoth Farfetch has launched, bringing Yu Mei’s ranges to 3-million active users.
With its timeless and versatile ethos of practical, understated luxury, Yu Mei clearly has no shortage of international appeal. And, on home turf, its latest collection is getting us ready for what we very much hope will be a carefree summer season ahead.
To celebrate Yu Mei’s exciting new launches, we are delighted to have an incredible collection of bags and accessories to give away, worth a total of $4069.
It encompasses Yu Mei’s Art of Packing range — a collection of small leather goods comprising the Bolton Laptop Folder ($590), the Adrian Envelope document holder ($275), The Matt Glasses Case ($196), the Emily Pouch ($360) and the Key Fob ($69), that all fit together perfectly within the brand’s larger styles. Additionally, the winner will receive a Claudia Tote ($1495), a Suki Clutch ($619), and a Sebastian Wallet ($465). Colour choice dependent on availability.
Fan of falafel? How about hummus? Luckily for us, Auckland is home to an array of excellent Middle Eastern eateries that not only nail the standard staples, but take our tastebuds beyond the familiar to tasty new territories. From authentic to contemporary, these Middle Eastern restaurants are serving up some of the best food in town — and all have it currently available to take away during level 3.
Left to right: Gemmayze Street; Shefco Baklawa Cafe.
Gemmayze Street — Karangahape Road St Kevins Arcade’s beloved Lebanese eatery is back for level 3, offering mezze boxes (with a variety of dips, sauces, homemade bread and the aforementioned hummus) and make-your-own wrap kits (including lamb shoulder or falafel) during the week, alongside a new weekend menu of lachmajun (Middle Eastern pizza) and kebab shop-style wraps. An at-home version of its jeeb menu includes three irresistible courses with mezze, mains and dessert. For something sweet, the dark chocolate and halva (tahini nougat) brownie and white chocolate, ricotta and passionfruit knefe (filo tart) are not to be missed. Available for pick-up only, Tuesday – Sunday. Order online here.
Shefco Baklawa Cafe — Mt Roskill Tucked away in an industrial area, Shefco’s Baklawa Cafe is the place to go for those in the know. Located on Stoddard Road, Baklawa Cafe is an offshoot of Lebanese grocer Shefco, which specialises in imported Middle Eastern goods and bread, sweets and pastries. A simple yet irresistible menu sees the likes of mana’ish (flatbread smothered with the likes of lamb and cheese or pleasingly green za’atar) fattah (crispy bread topped with yoghurt, chickpeas, tahini and nuts) and an array of authentic dips. Don’t leave without trying the fresh baklava, a housemade speciality. During level 3, Shefco Baklawa Cafe is open daily for takeaways from 9am to 3pm daily. Call 09 553 6333 to place your order.
Paasha Turkish Kitchen.
Paasha Turkish Kitchen — Mt Eden After outposts in Glenfield and Pukekohe, Paasha Turkish Kitchen has finally set up shop in central Auckland with a relatively new space on Dominion Road. A slowly rotating doner machine provides tender, perfectly spiced chicken and lamb doner for wraps and pita pockets, while traditional shish kebab and iskender are chargrilled over an open flame. The mixed grill is a must-try, with lamb, chicken and kofta shish served with rice, tabbouli, hummus and salad, as are the zucchini and feta fritters for vegetarians. Paasha’s owners pride themselves on the utmost freshness of their ingredients and making everything from scratch onsite — right down to the sauces. Order in person for impromptu takeaways, for pick-up via Order Meal or delivery via Deliver Easy.
Des Traditions — Mt Roskill If authenticity is what you seek, make a beeline immediately for Mt Roskill’s Des Traditions. This humble eatery on Stoddard Road serves a range of Middle Eastern favourites alongside a tasty array of curries, naan bread, daal and tandoori roti. Its signature dish is the arayes, which sees pita bread stuffed with spiced lamb mince, grilled and served alongside tender lamb cutlets and hummus. The charcoal-grilled meats and kebabs are also excellent, with all meat halal. During level 3, Des Traditions is open for takeaways and online orders from 12pm – 9pm, Monday to Sunday. Order online here.
Left to right: Petra Shwarma; Fatima’s.
Petra Shwarma — Kingsland For a taste of Jordanian cuisine, look no further than Kingsland’s Petra Shwarma. Take your pick from dishes such as Jordanian mandi (spiced rice with grilled meat, raisins and cashew nuts), a cheesy Jordanian-style fajita and Jordanian shawarma with pickles. With a dedicated vegetarian menu, there’s plenty of vege-friendly options to choose from. Try the mixed platter with salad, haloumi stuffed pita pockets, falafel and hummus. Order here during level 3 for contactless pick-up and delivery.
Ima Cuisine — CBD Fort Street’s Ima Cuisine is a stalwart on Auckland’s Middle Eastern food scene, and during level 3 the eatery has all your bases deliciously covered. Order heat and eat mains to take home including vegetarian mussaka or stuffed whole free-range chicken; slow-braised lamb shoulder and even oven-baked vegan kofta with tahini crust. Each main comes with four sides — and Ima is also doing weekend roast packs. These are popular and tend to sell out, so keep an eye on Ima’s social media for top-ups. Order all Ima’s food online here.
Fatima’s — Ponsonby, Takapuna, CBD Fatima’s is a faithful takeaway favourite, serving up pita and shawarma to hungry Aucklanders since 1995. The flagship Ponsonby store has been around for what feels like forever, with an additional Takapuna location and a new space at Commercial Bay’s Harbour Eats recently being added to its ranks. For those in need of their Fatimas feed, both online and phone ordering is available for contactless takeaways from its Ponsonby and Takapuna stores. Fatimas full, fresh menu is ready-to-go, as well as Make Me Chawarma Kits and gift vouchers. Order and shop online here.
The landscape and quality of luxury lodges in New Zealand is almost entirely unrivalled. Boasting an impressive selection of retreats that capitalise on our country’s natural beauty while offering a number of unique cultural and culinary experiences, New Zealand is constantly proving why it’s so revered as an international destination.
While, in Auckland, we can’t yet travel to any of these spectacular, world-class properties, there’s no reason why we can’t optimistically dream (or, even better, book ahead) for when we can once more. After all, we’ll take any opportunity to make the most of our own exquisite backyard.
Eagles Nest, Bay of Islands From its vantage point on a private ridgeline overlooking the Bay of Islands, Eagles Nest offers a whole new level of luxury. The property comprises five world- class villas, boasting their own heated infinity and spa pools, the use of a private chef (if so desired) and extensive wine cellars. Sacred Space and First Light Temple are nestled into the property’s magnificent landscape, taking full advantage of the beauty of nature to enhance their sense of seclusion.
Eagles Nest is unique for the way it both stands apart from and melds into its natural environment. Rather than being ostentatious, this luxury accommodation exudes subtle elegance, and offers unprecedented peace and quiet. For that reason, it’s long been a popular spot for visiting rock stars, celebrities and global tech company founders, looking for a true escape into nature (without having to compromise on a few ‘essential’ amenities).
The jewel in the Eagles Nest crown, Rahimoana, takes in 300-degree views. This iconic, one-of-a-kind masterpiece also features a 25-metre infinity pool overlooking its own private beach, a helipad, acres of pristine native bush and floor-to-ceiling windows that offer panoramic views across sprawling, island-dotted waters. Sunsets viewed from here promises to be unlike anything you’ve experienced before.
The location offers guests the chance to explore the property’s private beaches, or discover the surrounding areas including the historic town of Russell and the culturally significant Waitangi.
The Lindis
The Lindis, Ahuriri Valley Nestled in the gently rolling landscape of Ahuriri Valley, The Lindis is an architectural masterpiece. Carefully designed by Wellington’s Architecture Workshop so that it virtually disappears into its surrounds, this luxurious, Central Otago escape is set on the Ben Avon Station — a 2428-hectare piece of breathtakingly beautiful land surrounded by conservation parks.
Floor-to-ceiling windows bring the magnificent outdoors into the lodge’s interiors, where the distinction between nature and design is further blurred. In the main building, three master suites offer cocoons of comfort with deep bathtubs positioned to allow guests to soak in the views. While, in the grounds, sit three pods by architect Noel Martin that offer guests ultimate privacy, and unparalleled immersion in nature.
With impressive facilities that include a sweeping dining room, an almost complete massage room and state-of-the-art gym, The Lindis expertly tempers material luxury with natural beauty. And if all of that wasn’t enticing enough, the lodge is currently offering a number of appealing packages to attract local tourism, as more and more New Zealanders start realising the boundless potential for discovery in their own backyards.
Keep an eye out for The Lindis Group’s upcoming project — a luxurious villa set on an expansive station on the shores of Lake Hawea — set to be open this December.
Helena Bay
Helena Bay, North Island If you feel like a taste of next level luxury, steer your helicopter towards Helena Bay. This exquisite property is set on three kilometres of private coastline and offers guests the opportunity to explore their sprawling surrounds, sporting various coves and picnic spots. The beauty of the site is matched only by the opulence of the main house, an impressively designed mansion staffed with a team of 60 ready to spring into action.
Tempting guests out of their rooms (private villas with sweeping vistas across Helena Bay) is a library, a gym, a sauna, a heated swimming pool and two dining rooms, one formal, one informal. This full suite of facilities is further cemented by the work of Italian head chef Michele Martino — who honed his craft at Michelin- starred Ristorante Don Alfonso 1890 — ensuring guests are taken on a journey of gastronomic delight.
Kinloch Manor & Villas
Kinloch Manor & Villas, Taupō Designed by multi-award-winning Patterson Architects and furnished by acclaimed interior designer Virginia Fisher, Kinloch Manor & Villas, on the shores of Lake Taupō, combines cutting-edge design with uber- lodge comforts.
The design brief was to update a Scottish castle, with a prerequisite Jack Nicklaus signature golf course standard. Comprising ten luxury villas, each with its own marble bathroom and magnificent fireplace, the overall effect is one of antipodean aristocracy — only enhanced by the dramatic views afforded to guests. In the main building, the dining room offers exquisite ‘estate-to-plate’ menus while the Solar Spa provides weary bones a place to indulge in relaxing facials and body treatments.
If hitting little white balls into tiny holes fails to entice, Kinloch Manor can facilitate a number of adventurous activities to get pulses racing, or direct guests to nature trails where they can discover the wonders of the surrounding landscape. And when its time to relax, guests can simply retreat to their villa’s bathtub and soak in the vista.
Cape Kidnappers
Cape Kidnappers,Hawke’s Bay Don’t let The Farm’s simple name fool you. The only thing you will be reaping during your stay at Cape Kidnappers is the benefits of its chic surroundings and rustic flair. Set on a sprawling 6000-acre sheep and cattle farm, this luxe escape offers 180-degree views of the ocean. Although, you might find it difficult to take your eyes off the internationally-recognised, par 71, Tom Doak-designed golf course that runs adjacent to the property.
The main lodge features two dining rooms, a library and smaller sitting rooms perfect for hosting much-needed moments of peace and quiet. Away from the main lodge, 24 cosy cottages with private balconies are nestled into the landscape, each perfectly positioned to capitalise on the property’s spectacular view. And when the sun goes down, dinner is an elegant affair (that means jackets, gentlemen) with a five-course tasting menu and a series of delectable wines to match.
Poronui Lodge
Poronui Lodge, Taharua Valley Effortlessly combining tradition and comfort, Poronui Lodge sits in the Taharua Valley on an extraordinary 16,000 acres of farmland and virgin beech forest. This luxury sporting retreat was designed to give access to some of the most extraordinary wilderness experiences in the country — whether that be fly fishing along a pristine stretch of river, horse riding through an untouched landscape or hiking into nature and glamping under the stars. After your exertions, make the most of the expert hospitality on offer with a deliciously-fresh and hearty meal at The Lodge or a dining experience of finer proportions at The Cellar where around 10,000 bottles of wine line the walls, almost daring you to make a dent in the collection.
Wharekauhau
Wharekauhau, Wairarapa When the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were travelling New Zealand, Wharekauhau in the Wairarapa was one of the places they chose to stay, likely feeling at home among the Edwardian grandeur of the main house and its sweeping grounds. Only 90 minutes drive from Wellington, this spectacular lodge has seen its fair share of notable names over the years (Jack Black, Orlando Bloom and Miranda Kerr included), and it’s easy to see the appeal. Perched high above the breakers of Palliser Bay, Relais & Chateaux-listed Wharekauhau Country Estate offers a beautiful base from which to explore the wider Martinborough region — its award-winning wineries, native forests and landmarks like the Cape Palliser Lighthouse.
The Estate itself is made up of 13 cottage suites, filled with walk-in wardrobes, cloud-soft beds and gas fires to warm you from the refreshing breezes that sweep in from the Bay. On-site amenities include a tennis court, a gym complex, a heated swimming pool, croquet fields, petanque lawns, a games room and a library. Elsewhere on the Estate, activities like quad biking, clay bird shooting and archery are available for guests who want to engage in something a little more robust. For a more gentle, immersive experience, they can also embark on a guided farm tour — Wharekauhau is still, after all, a working sheep station.
When all is said and done for the day, an evening can be spent in the Lodge’s lounge and dining room, where a philosophy of simplicity drives the menu and sustainable, farm-to-table produce is showcased. Guests are even able to sip on Lighthouse Gin, cultivated using spring water drawn from the land on which Wharekauhau stands.
The Landing
The Landing, Bay of Islands Set on 1000-acres on the tip of the Purerua Peninsula, The Landing offers the ultimate luxury getaway. Described by Barack Obama as “magical” in its guest book, the property comprises six private beaches, an award-winning vineyard, lush wetlands and four boutique houses — each with its own character and charm. From the Cooper Residence — a modern, five-bedroom ode to the traditional New Zealand farmhouse, perfect for those looking to host and available with an on-site private chef — to The Boathouse — a striking, contemporary structure located close to the water’s edge, with room to entertain around 20 guests — the idea behind The Landing is to make its visitors feel instantly at home.
Once that’s happened, guests are able to choose from a number of activities designed to see them make the most of the land. Guided evening walks, for example, will see visitors invited to spot one of New Zealand’s native birds. Sightseeing cruises around the bay will ensure guests don’t miss out on the all-encompassing beauty of the area. While gyms, tennis and basketball courts, and off-the-jetty fishing are just a few minutes from each of The Landing’s homes.
One experience to not pass up is a visit to The Landing’s newly-opened boutique winery, located onsite. A particularly good thing to do in winter (when sunbathing and water sports are not as appealing), the winery focuses on innovation and sustainability, producing 4,000 cases per year, and a tour of its grounds will see guests weave through the established vines before enjoying a tasting experience of The Landing’s critically-acclaimed wines.
With special accommodation on offer over the winter months, including an enticing three-nights-for-two weekender and a Residences By Room option (where guests can book one of the houses only by the number of rooms they need), a mid-year vacation in Northland has never been a more appealing prospect.
Blanket Bay
Blanket Bay, Glenorchy For 20 years, lovers of luxury have been making the 45-minute drive from Queenstown to restore their spirits at the hands of Blanket Bay’s renowned hospitality. The fine balance this legendary lodge has achieved between professional service and welcoming comfort has earned the destination countless accolades, and has seen it repeatedly placed in the Top 10 of International Traveller magazine’s top international hideaways. Really, it’s easy to see why.
Located at the northern end of Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by unforgettable views of the Southern Alps, Blanket Bay offers a tempting array of accommodation options including Lodge Suites, Lodge Rooms, Chalet Suites and the luxurious fully-serviced Villa.
In-house facilities, enticing guests to indulge, include an intimate den, a games room, a spa, a gym, a jacuzzi, steam rooms and a therapy suite. But if they can drag themselves away from the comforts of inside, an impressive number of activities await those wanting to venture further afield. From guided fly-fishing and helicopter sightseeing to jet boating, high-country horse riding and local heli-skiing, the sheer scope of options will ensure guests of any proclivity are able to find something they love at Blanket Bay.
Aside from all of its amenities and adventures, Blanket Bay’s exquisite cuisine is one thing not to be passed up. At its restaurant, guests can indulge in a delicious, five-course degustation menu that changes seasonally and showcases the very best local produce, accompanied, of course, by some of the finest wines from around the region and beyond.
Mt Isthmus.
Mt Isthmus, Wānaka Situated between two of the world’s most astounding mountain lakes — Lake Wānaka and Lake Hāwea — Mt Isthmus is a spectacular meeting place for friends and family. On a high-country station, the newest premium addition to The Lindis Group’s stable may feel isolated but it’s equipped with life’s modern luxuries, including a state-of-the-art kitchen (which comes with a personal chef service) and several entertaining areas. Immerse yourself in untouched nature, with all the comforts of home — the four bedrooms with incredible views feature super king-size beds and private ensuites. Relax, or enjoy the leisure pursuits of the wider Wānaka region, including hiking, mountain biking, jet boating and fly-fishing.
Kauri Cliffs.
Kauri Cliffs, Bay of Islands Having opened to international acclaim in 2001, Kauri Cliffs has long set the standard for the jet-set landing on our shores, and for New Zealanders who want to feel like they’re really getting away from it all. With stunning interiors by friend of the Denizen Virginia Fisher, the Lodge and accommodation quarters will immediately make you feel at elegant ease. In particular, we recommend the Owner’s Cottage and Residences for a breathtaking home away from home. With an exceptional Golf Course and private waterfall track and beaches on location, there’s no shortage of both manicured and natural wonders to admire. After a day of exploring, book in for a treatment at the tropical spa or prepare yourself for a personal picnic at the beach, with all of Kauri Cliff’s little luxuries brought to you by the sea.
When combined with premium tonic water, the floral, refreshing aroma of a good quality gin becomes the ultimate salutation to summer. But what if we told you we had found a number of creative ways to take the classic gin and tonic to bold new heights? Try your hand (and tastebuds) at these alternatives.
Zesty notes To make a sensational summer swig, simply take a glass filled with ice, add 45mL of gin and top with your favourite tonic water. Add a pinch of chopped chilli, some coriander leaves and finish with a squeeze of lime juice.
Fun & fruity Enhance the notes of juniper in your favourite gin by putting berries in your ice tray before using the cubes to create a sweet and sour G&T. As the fruit pops slowly melt the nectar will shine through the beverage.
Festive spice Lending a festive spin, cinnamon quills are a delicious way to accentuate gin’s botanical aroma. The flavour lingers on the palate while adding some festive spice into your life.
Looking for a new gin to try? Here are our top picks for the warmer months ahead.
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