Solitaire Lodge Travel
Traveling in New Zealand is all about the outdoors. Their summer is our winter so brave the 16 hour flight! It’s worth it. You have Auckland, Wellington and Queenstown for your city fix but you should travel beyond the cities. A 3 1/2 hr drive from Auckland is Solitaire Lodge (or helicopter in.) One of the first luxury lodges in NZ, Solitaire Lodge is a special 10 room hideaway situated on Lake Tarawera, offering trout fishing, pre-breakfast soaks in thermal pools (clothing optional), gourmet meals (David, the chef will cater to every dietary need.) Try trout fishing on their private boat, kayaking or just sitting on your private terrace. Soak up the view with a glass of Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc.
Why2Stay
Everything is included in your daily rate. Not inexpensive but included is a full breakfast, light lunch, evening cocktails, canapes, & a five course gourmet dinner. Splurge for their premium suite with 2 outdoor decks, 8 floor to ceiling windows, huge living room & the sexiest all white mirrored bathroom (rubber duck not included!)
What2Do
Whakarewarewa – To experience the indigenous culture of the Maori’s, visit the Living Maori Thermal Village where 23 families still live amidst a landscape of geothermal activity. All proceeds go to the village so be sure to buy their carved jade.
Waiotapu – visit these “sacred waters” where bubbling hot pools become the colors of the rainbow due to mineral salts in the water. Vivid turquoise, bright green, yellow and even champagne pools hiss, puff and sputter as you wander down paths that bring you up close (way too close) to this amazing site.
White Island
If you cannot afford planning a trip to outer space, taking a 3 hours helicopter ride from Helipro to White Island is the next best thing. Landing on the worlds most accessible volcano feels like landing on Mars. No vegetation, surrounded by hissing, steaming and bubbling pools you don face masks, hardhats, earphones & become a temporary astronaut. Wayne from Solitaire will arrange it. Ignore your fear of flying (plus that helicopter is such a cute shade of red!)
A special thanks to Wayne & Ingrid of Soliaire Lodge for their hospitality and consideration during my stay.
From land to sea we get around!
