New Zealand Is Open For Business This Summer. Heres Where To Eat, Stay And Play.

The "Kingdom of Hermits" became a haven of luxury.

This will be the first summer that non-residents will be able to enter New Zealand from 2020 and a lot has changed. Returning travelers might expect their favorite establishments to be closed, but domestic tourism has boomed in the past three years as borders closed and some of the country's most iconic destinations (known for hosting epic-dreading rock stars, royalty and tech billionaires ) has expanded. Now, several exciting new and newly renovated hotels, restaurants and malls are finally welcoming foreigners.

Also last fall, Air New Zealand launched a 17-hour nonstop flight from New York to Auckland on the comfortable Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. It is the fourth longest flight in the world that crosses the Pacific Ocean and descends to Earth in long white clouds. No national tours, no dreaded L.A. stops — just go at night and arrive at dawn, just in time for eggs benedict and cappuccino.

Ready to dive into the realm of unparalleled natural beauty? Here are the best new (and old) places to stay, eat and play in Kiwi country.

will do

"Work north to south" to experience the culture, advises James Kavanagh, director of luxury portfolio sales at Robertson Lodges. It's the best way to learn about the country's history, centered around the Bay of Islands, where pristine beaches meet Maori heritage.

After landing in Auckland, it's time to deal with the inevitable jet lag. Spend at least four days smoking and shopping, drinking and eating at Commercial Bay and Britomart. In recent years, big brands like Dior, Tiffany & Co., Prada and Chanel have washed up on New Zealand shores And in nearby Parnell CBD, the new Faraday's luxury department store features a roster of international brands including Celine, Givenchy and Loewe, as well as a chic champagne bar and florist.

At the other end of town is Ponsonby, where hip boutiques sit alongside bustling bars, restaurants and cafes serving the finest velvety white wines. Be sure to check out Muse and famous local designers like Karen Walker and Kate Sylvester. And if you're an art lover, check out the city's version of the Auckland Art Gallery, the Met, which hosts local and international exhibitions.

Now that you're settled, fly or head north to explore Russell's culturally important sites and the surrounding islands of the subtropical peninsula. Also to the north is Matakana, a thriving wine region surrounded by sparkling white sand beaches, Sculptureum and Brick Bay, artisan farmers' markets, colorful galleries and sculpture parks.

Surfers flock to nearby Taharanui and Te Arai, but on the west coast more impressive sights can be found at the black sand beach of Piha.

From here you can only go in one direction: south.

The South Island of Queenstown is an essential stop on any New Zealand itinerary, and while it's a luxury getaway, it's also an adventure capital known for jet-skiing, skydiving, bungee jumping and, of course, bungee jumping during the months. winter months .

The best (and fearless) way to see it is from above; Book a helicopter tour with Over the Top to see the majestic Southern Alps up close.

where to stay

Downtown Auckland, which has survived the pandemic, has a number of exciting new hotels that Sofitel has until recently held onto in terms of luxury living.

Overlooking the bustling Viaduct Harbour, the shiny new Park Hyatt was launched in mid-2020 and has been praised for its sophisticated aesthetic and stunning views. Rooms cost around $526. Britomart boutique hotel's luxury Landing Suites (Landing's sister hotel, which Barack Obama called "magic") also opened in 2020, sadly, few people were able to check-in. Prices start at around $442. Also across the bridge is QT, the city's answer to Criterion, which opens in 2021 with a lively rooftop bar and funky, modern interiors (prices start at around $442,331 per night).

The Intercontinental is currently under construction and will be the city's first cruise ship.

But there are more exclusive accommodation options in the country's other worldly countryside.

Kauri Cliffs set the standard for luxury accommodation when it opened in 2001 (followed by Matakauri Lodge and Cape Kidnappers). Then, in late 2019, just before Borders closed, he opened three spectacular four-bedroom residences starting at $11,000 a night.

Each offers unparalleled privacy and a 25-foot saltwater pool that overlooks the award-winning golf course and Pacific Ocean.

Similar luxury rooms with interiors by the same prominent designers can be found on the other side of the country, albeit in a slightly more remote location, in the heart of the Queenstown metropolitan area, above the Louis Vuitton boutique.

At $10,000 per night, the aptly named penthouse is the crown jewel of Eichard's newly expanded private hotel, the best woman in town. It enjoys a prime location on Lake Wakatipu, with spacious accommodation and luxury amenities including a personal butler and chef.

Not far away is the Carlin Hotel, which was recently named the World's Best New Hotel in the 2022 Boutique Hotel Awards. With room rates starting at $1,638, this ultra-luxury hotel is respected for its six-star quality. The suite has an auto-playing piano and you get access to private jets and luxury cars.

But perhaps the South Island's most exciting new discovery is Flock Hill Estate, a short helicopter flight from Christchurch. Opened last September, the one-book resort filled with modern design that screams "quiet now" starts at $7,300 per night with a two-night minimum stay.

place to eat

Many of New Zealand's best new restaurants and bars have opened in the vibrant Auckland district: lively Vivaco serves casual Italian cuisine at Viaduct Bistro; Britomart's Kingi, which specializes in seafood, where chefs experiment with local ingredients; and Ahi at Commercial Bay where you can dine offering impressive modern Kiwi cuisine.

In Wellington, residents of the capital book months in advance to dine at the cozy Rita restaurant, with a seasonal three-course menu that changes daily. And in Queenstown, one of the best restaurants to visit is Rata, run by celebrity chef Josh Emmett.

But it's not repetitive enough, it's worth exploring outside the city.

On Waiheke Island (Auckland's version of the Hamptons), Ki Maha is more like a New Zealand beach club than a sophisticated club like Jardin Tropezina in St. Louis. Tropez.

Further inland is the Manor of Tantalus, which is not to be missed. Enjoy wine tasting at the cellar door and al fresco dining in the manicured garden.

Of course, there's always fish and chups.

Agriculture Tangent Saysho Podcast