The Kinloch Club, Lake Taupo

Location

Set in 254 hectares of tranquil grounds on the shores of Lake Taupo, this is New Zealand’s premiere golf resort. It’s home to a spectacular 18-hole Jack Nicklaus course, voted the country’s best by a selected team of PGA New Zealand representatives. Expect gently undulating holes framed by views over what is the country’s largest lake and its accompanying farmland. Whether or not its par 72 rating is your thing, it’s a thing of real beauty. Outside the fairways’ lure, there’s superb fishing to be had along with the chance to explore the region’s geothermal hotspots, realised in everything from geysers and waterfalls to hot springs and emerald lakes.

Accommodation

Designed by multi-award wining Andrew Patterson of Patterson Architects – arguably the country’s best regarded firm – The Kinloch Club works to an ambitious brief. Locally sourced schist stone exteriors recall the lodge’s namesake Scottish castle while siting it firmly in the 21st century, marrying historic form with contemporary chic. It’s all backdropped by stunning golf course views. Inside the villas themselves, calm interiors host carbon neutral fireplaces, oak floors and sumptuous handmade rugs. The luxuries extend to the en suites for stand-alone tubs; it’s true apartment living complete with kitchen and living area. The smaller Junior Suites are equally welcoming.

Dining

The lodge’s baronial sensibilities extend to the Dining Room where seating is provided by banquettes and plush sofas. All of the cuisine uses produce sourced from the owners’ private 2,000 hectares farm with organic ingredients used wherever possible. Think venison loin served on a bed of beans, mushrooms and turnips or chicken breast dressed in apple relish. The sweets are just as enticing with foraged blackberry parfait accompanied by an almond crumble deconstruction among the highlights. Dining is also available as a private experience in your lodge suite.

Facilities

In keeping with the lodge’s commitment to history there’s even a gangway entrance that leads to a verdant central courtyard, complete with outdoor fireplace and reflecting pool. From here, you can reach the Great Room’s decadence, the Bar’s intensely masculine mix of rock surfaces and burnt wood flooring and the Den’s regal intimacy, predicated upon accents and silver and gold. Other than the superlative golf course, there are spa treatments and a full range of activities on offer. Whether it’s bungee jumping, jet boating, skydiving or scenic flights, there’s plenty to keep you occupied. You can even enjoy world class fishing on Lake Taupo or a full ‘wilderness experience’ that includes wild cooking and foraging.