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Natural Wonders
Natural Wonders
From the famous Milford Sound to the bubbling thermal springs, New Zealand is still forming beneath our feet. Fossil safaris, mineral pools, live volcanoes, glaciers and outstanding landscapes from rolling hills to soaring mountains await lodge guests.
Let the Lodges get you up close and personal with these extraordinary features.
…. on the road less travelled
Experience New Zealand's Natural Wonders in Pure Luxury
Sited close to the Hope fault, guests have the opportunity to see nature at its rawest in The Lottery river, running along the bottom of our property. Red volcanic rock, soaring escarpments pushed up by past earth movements, limestone concretions, and marine fossils can all be found within a short walk of the lodge. Or if that’s all too energetic, soak in a thermal pool at Hanmer Springs – enjoy the best of both worlds!
Moeraki Boulders and Shag Point are just 20 minutes south along the coast from Oamaru. A number of unique spherical boulders and 5 minutes further along the coast a colony of NZ fur seals can be seen.
Explore the coastal sandy beaches and tranquil lagoons of Abel Tasman National Park, the beech forest, valleys and isolated glacial lakes of Nelson Lakes National Park, and the virgin forests, alpine flora and wild rivers of Kahurangi National Park all within an hours drive of the lodge. Fully guided and unguided walks available to our guests.
The Marlborough Sounds are one of the most beautiful and tranquil places in New Zealand. The stunning rugged mountains and native bush gives way to secluded beaches and crystal clear water. These sheltered waters, made up of the Queen Charlotte, Pelorous and Kenepuru Sounds, provide the perfect environment for sailing, fishing and walking.
Lying close to the centre of Lake Wanaka is Mou Waho Island Nature Reserve. Enjoy a leisurely cruise to the remote and magical island which also plays home to the Buff Weka (one of New Zealand’s most endangered native birds). Mou Waho Island is a unique glacial remnant of the last ice age; the island is also the historic site of early ship building and used to be a stopping place for the steamers and log rafts that once plied the lake.
A well-formed track takes you on a magical adventure climbing steadily through native bush toward Tyrwhitt Peak. Just before the top you will see Arethusa Pool, a small lake on the island with small islands in it - very unique! From the top you will have a 360-degree view of Lake Wanaka, its surrounding mountains and valleys, and below Arethusa Pool.
Milford Sound, short listed for the New 7 Wonders of the World, is just a short flight away by helicopter from the lodge grounds or by fixed wing aircraft.
Bubbling mud pools and spectacular geysers are proof of Rotorua’s volcanic background. This thermal activity makes itself known in every corner of the city, and further afield you are able to fly and land on the active Volcano “White Island” or escape by floatplane to a geothermal field “Orakei Korako”.
Claremont is where luxury harmonises with nature. A 2400-acre Estate and private Nature Reserve offering breathtaking scenery, amazing geology and unique natural rock sculptures. An acclaimed 4WD Safari to see 65 million year-old ‘God’s Marbles’, the stunning Waipara Gorge and the amazing Bishop’s Head natural rock sculpture.
Huka Lodge lies within the central plateau of New Zealand’s North Island. Geothermal activity abounds at its most beautiful and powerful with geysers, mud pools and a volcanic island available for sightseeing and exploration. Huka Falls lies just 300 metres downstream from Huka Lodge and with 220,000 litres of water per second flowing this truly is a natural wonder a short distance from the Lodge.
Visit the natural wonders of Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound, and the Te Anau Glowworm Caves. Excursions can be arranged throughout Fiordland, from Fiordland Lodge, including cruising and scenic flights.
Rob Roy Glacier Walk – one of the best one day walks in the region, follow the beautiful aquamarine stream up to glacier and enjoy one of our gourmet picnic lunches whilst watching thunderously large chunks of ice carve into the valley in beautiful streams of ice and snow.
Combine one of the most beautiful and unique beaches in the world with fresh grilled seafood or lamb and local produce partnered with fine New Zealand cheese and wine.
The region surrounding River Birches is packed with unique natural wonders. Geothermal activity is widespread, from the steaming craters, old lava flows and thermal lakes in Tongariro National Park – all reachable from the Tongariro Crossing walk - to the spectacular geysers and mud pools at Orakei Korako, a thermal park near Taupo. The shores of the Southern Hemisphere’s largest freshwater lake, Lake Taupo, are a couple of kilometres away. The lake offers a range of activities and an abundance of opportunities for exploring, recreation, or, quite simply, relaxation!
Otahuna Lodge sits at the base of the stunning Banks Peninsula. Millions of years ago 2 extinct volcanoes collapsed into the sea forming the stunning piece of land bedecked with convoluted bays, craggy peaks and native forests. The main town of Akaroa offers sea kayaking, hiking and the chance to swim with Hector’s Dolphins, the smallest and rarest in the world.
As the crow flies Blanket Bay is the closest lodge to Milford Sound. The ultimate way to see Milford Sound and Fiordland is by private helicopter which departs from the front lawn. Fiordland is spectacular! This 2 hour helicopter experience will show you the best of it, from the highest peak, Mt Tutoko, to the coastal fiords, from glaciers to waterfalls. You will be able to stand on mountain tops, touch the ancient ice of a glacier and chase the waves on an isolated West Coast beach.
Cape Kidnappers is the home of the largest, most accessible mainland colony of gannets in the world. The 20,000 gannets at the Cape are members of the Booby family with distinctive black eye markings and pale gold crowns. Gannets are sized midway between a sea gull and an albatross. Visitors to the colony will see adults, with their young, nesting in rows and carrying out their daily routines.
