Lime Tree Lodge, Wanaka

Location

An avenue of tilia cordata lime trees to the uninitiated – lead to this ten acres estate just outside Lake Wanaka. Gardens sprawl out to views of the Southern Alps, hinting at adventures to be had. There are scenic lake cruises, plentiful fishing and a wide range of skiing on offer along with plenty of opportunities to discover the glaciers and sounds with biking, hiking and climbing trips. Don’t forget to sample the local viticulture with Central Otago fast making a name for its pinot noir.

Accommodation

The lodge’s exterior, typical of Central Otago, is built from local schist stone and opens onto an equally stylish interior. Here, you’ll find four luxuriously appointed guest rooms and two private suites, each opening – via French windows – onto expansive verandahs and their alpine views. It’s the ideal spot to enjoy a leisurely home tea and home baked goodie or an evening glass of something red. In turn, fresh flowers, bathrobes and slippers, heated floors and king size beds with crisp cotton and designer linens make each room perfectly welcoming. Free WiFi is available throughout. Lastly, for something special, book into the open-plan suites.

Dining

Living on a remote high country station, subject to the vagaries of snow and weather, has meant that hosts Pauline and John have be come accustomed to maintaining a well-stocked pantry. And what a spread it is. Breakfasts feature home-bottled stone fruits, local honey, homemade muesli, gourmet sausages, free range eggs from the lodge’s hens, fresh fruits and plenty of chutneys and preserves. It’s all washed down with just-ground plunger or espresso coffee and an extensive range of Harney & Sons Fine Teas. You’ll also enjoy complimentary aperitifs of homemade pâtés, local river salmon and buff oysters – a prelude for lavish three course dinners, bookable in advance. Here, a personal chef will showcase the very best in the region’s cuisine.

Facilities

In terms of relaxation, guests are spoilt for choice. There’s a five-hole pitch-and-putt golf course, croquet lawn, petanque court, swimming pool and spa pool on site, while the lodge’s helipad can whisk you further afield to the region’s aforementioned adventure activities. For a slower pace, take a walk through the lodge’s gardens where sweeping lawns host over 50 varieties of rose along with orchards, vegetable gardens and three acres of paddocks for grazing sheep.