Guests of The Luxury Network New Zealand were treated with a weekend escape to Cardrona Terraces, a luxury lodge near Wanaka in the spectacular South Island.

Departing Friday morning, guests were picked up from the airport and whisked away to a long lunch at the stunning Amisfield Bistro where they ate fresh West Coast crayfish, South Island Paua, and a host of dishes specially arranged by head chef Vaughan Mabee while relaxing in the afternoon sun. We then loaded into a fleet of black SUVs and were delivered to the Cardrona Terraces, our luxury base for the weekend. The lodge is surrounded by stunning mountain views and is the perfect base for exploring the area, with large spacious ensuite rooms, a heated swimming pool, and tastefully decorated with hunting memorabilia.

Saturday was spent white water rafting on the Tuki Tuki river following by a delicious lunch cooked for us on an open campfire. Returning to the lodge for some R&R we were then treated to a wild meat dinner cooked by the talented in-house chef.

The group were to depart on Sunday for Mt Cook with helicopters landing on the lawns of Cardrona Terraces, however, the weather dictated some local shopping in Wanaka, a trip to The Cardrona Distillery for a tasting of local gin, vodka, and whiskey, and lunch at The Hills golf course surrounded by spectacular sculptures.