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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
The helicopter lands right before your eyes on Whare Kea’s front lawn. Collect your gourmet lunch and don’t forget your camera - the day’s adventures have begun! Traverse the Southern Alps to the outstanding West Coast and into spectacular Milford sound. Experience breathtaking views, waterfalls and wildlife. Enjoy a number of wilderness landings along the way.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
An air safari will whisk you to the landscapes that made NZ world-famous including the region’s famed volcanoes and wild ‘Lord of the Rings’ scenery. A special ‘extra’, is the float plane that lands on Lake Rotorua to collect you directly from the lodge’s private jetty and take you to the actively volcanic White Island.
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.
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.
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.