Australasian travel continues to up its game, with tourism operators in New Zealand and across the Tasman adding to their offerings and finding points of difference.
Kangaroo Island’s luxurious new lodge
Located on the scenic south coast of Kangaroo Island, Southern Ocean Lodge is open for business after four years of construction which saw the building redesigned by its original architect, Max Pritchard, and enhanced for a new era (it boasts rainwater capture and solar power). With 23 elegant suites, a restaurant showcasing local produce (think seafood and Ligurian honey) with multi-course menus that change daily and breathtaking views of the ocean and remote coastline, the cinematic clifftop building couldn’t be better placed to showcase the natural beauty of the region, while also providing high-end comforts for its guests.
First-of-its-kind vessel to make waves on the Murray River
Currently being built on the banks of the historic waterway — in Mildura, to be precise — the Australian Star will not only be the first five-star river ship in the country, but will also have the distinction of being the largest paddle steamer in the Southern Hemisphere. The impressive 35m-long vessel will offer all-inclusive cruises — ranging from one night to seven days — year-round, and with a month set for the vessel’s inaugural voyage (April 2025), register your interest for the maiden voyage to help secure a spot when fares are released in February at murrayriverpaddlesteamers.com.au.
