NZ's top digs make luxury list

By CHRIS DANIELS

Some of New Zealand's most exclusive tourist destinations have been ranked in the world's top 20 luxury holiday hideaways.

Andrew Harper's Hideaway Report has included four New Zealand properties in its list of top international accommodation, says Tourism New Zealand, with Blanket Bay near Queenstown, Huka Lodge at Taupo, Wharekauhau in the Wairarapa and Kauri Cliffs in the Bay of Islands all in the top 20.

Tourism New Zealand acting chief executive David Wilks said all four were part of the industry's new "qualmark exclusive" pilot rating programme.

"New Zealand's luxury accommodation has won many international awards over the last few years. It is proof that the quality of what we have to offer matches the best in the world,' Wilks said.

"Our international visitors are increasingly demanding high-quality experiences. Recognition in the Hideaway Report shows that what we have to offer can meet those expectations."

Tourism New Zealand said the Andrew Harper's Hideaway Report was considered "the ultimate travel guide", with the editor travelling incognito and publishing under the nom-de plume of Andrew Harper.

A South African safari lodge is top of the list.

* The five lodge rooms at Blanket Bay cost $1290 a night, plus GST, and the nightly rate for suites is $1990, plus GST.

* High season rates at Huka Lodge are $1940, plus GST, per person, per night.

* Wharekauhau Country Estate, which is on a 2000ha working sheep station in the Wairarapa, has 12 luxury cottage suites. Guests pay $795 per night, plus GST.

* Guests staying at Kauri Cliffs during this coming summer season will each be charged $840, plus GST, per night. Chris Daniels