Lap of Luxury

We explore three of New Zealand's finest lodges. The first one is situated in Blanket Bay in Glenorchy, a small community just outside of Queenstown in South Island. The second one is Wharekauhau, which began life as a sheep station in the 1840's and remains a working sheep station to this day. The third one is Kauri Cliffs Lodge, which blends luxury with golf.

We head to New Zealand's high country and visit three luxury lodges. The Lindis is an architectural triumph deep in the Ahuriri Valley that pays homage to the landscape around it. The Farm at Cape Kidnappers is a palatial retreat and award-winning golf course set among the pristine Cape Sanctuary. The Landing is a collection of four luxury residences, which also reflect the history and culture of the area.

We visit Minaret Station, New Zealand's first and finest luxurious alpine lodge so remote that it's accessed exclusively by helicopter. The second lodge is Longitude 131, a luxury wilderness camp in Australia's Red Centre, in sight of the iconic Uluru. Then we travel to Paroa Bay Winery, where the land and the people come together to create the ultimate in relaxation.

We visit four New Zealand luxury lodges. First, it's barefoot luxury on a historic farm on the stunning Bank's Peninsula. The second is in the heart of the Marlborough Sounds, a luxury lodge so secluded that it is inaccessible by road. The third one exudes hilltop elegance just outside of Nelson, while the last one offers wilderness adventures in the forest of Rotorua.

History meets gastronomy in Oamaru, a Victorian mansion where old world elegance meets modern luxury; wilderness adventures in the back country of Taupo, an expansive back country lodge where the Taharua and Mohaka rivers are your playground; and an architectural dream in Tasmania, a majestic lodge where luxury interiors are matched by the extraordinary natural environment.

Old world charm set among a floral legacy. The beauty of Otahuna lies not only its grand homestead but its century old gardens and grounds; on the shores of Lake Wakatipu is Chalet New Zermatt, an elegant villa sitting in tranquil alpine surroundings; in the sun-drenched Whitsundays, is Qualia, an ultra-luxury resort where relaxation and indulgence go hand in hand.

We'll visit the tranquil Edenhouse sitting between two national parks in the Orinoco Valley near Nelson where serenity and calm will be found; Mt Isthmus, a newly built villa with unparalleled views and extreme luxury nestled in a rugged mountain range; and Mount Mulligan Lodge where adventure meets indulgence in Australia's outback.

We're to visit Split Apple Retreat in New Zealand's Abel Tasman, a luxury lodge where wellness and inner peace are the guiding forces; the Hapuku Lodge and Tree Houses in South Island's Kaikoura, an eco-lodge inspired by the local landscape; Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley, a luxury lodge where rich history is matched by natural beauty.

We're to visit the Marlborough Lodge, a tranquil retreat in the heart of sunny Marlborough where history and luxury unite; the iconic Cloudy Bay Vineyard, where luxury accommodation and wine are interwoven to create a perfectly tailored experience; and The Hotel Britomart, experiencing high elegance in the middle of the bustling city of Auckland.

We're to visit The Boatshed, where casual luxury takes its inspiration from the classic Kiwi bach on Auckland's Waiheke Island; Sequoia, a luxury lodge where history and nature create a sanctuary in Australia's Adelaide hills; and Eichardt's a historic hotel where refinement and adventure are on offer on the shores of Lake Wakatipu in New Zealand's premier hot spot, Queenstown.