In this latest edition of this popular 3-day small group culinary pilgrimage, we’ve changed things up a little. As well as featuring exclusive lunches at stunning luxury lodges, we include a very different lunch experience on Lake Rotoiti and a special dinner at one of New Zealand’s finest boutique restaurants. Here’s a summary;
Day 1: Today we journey north and, after a lakeside morning tea in Taupō, arrive at the super-exclusive Treetops Lodge, nestled in its 2,500 acre estate near Rotorua. Here we’ll enjoy an exquisite lunch prepared for us by Head Chef Felipe Ponce whose cuisine has thrilled us over a number of visits over the years. Later in the afternoon we travel through to stay at the Novotel Lakeside Hotel in Rotorua overnight.
Day 2: Our first destination today is sparkling Lake Rotoiti and a one-of-a-kind lunch cruise on this beautiful lake that will surprise and delight you. In the afternoon there’s the chance to enjoy a gentle walk at the stunning Hamurana Springs Nature Park at the northern end of Lake Rotorua. Later we head back to Taupō and the luxurious Hilton Hotel where we stay tonight. Dinner this evening is at the boutique restaurant Embra. Recipients of ‘Two Hats’ (NZ equivalent of Michelin Stars) in the Cuisine Good Food Guide, owners Phill and Nora deliver a degustation-style dining experience second to none. Seating less than 30 diners, the space is intimate which adds to the sense of special occasion.
Day 3: A relaxed start to our day with a late check-out from the Hilton and we journey around Lake Taupō to Kinloch and the luxurious surroundings of Kinloch Manor, part of a world-class golf and hospitality complex. Following a tour of the astounding lodge itself, we sit down to an incredible lunch in the contemporary design dining room with soaring views across the golf course to the lake beyond. What a memorable treat for all the senses.
The intimate nature of the surroundings of a number of our destinations means this tour will always be limited to a small group. Don’t miss your chance to experience the breadth of variety of dining environments offered, but with one common thread – luxury.
