Journey through New Zealand in Luxury
New non-stop flights from the US to Auckland make exploring New Zealand easier.
Discover the best of New Zealand with the launch of three non-stop flights per week from Chicago to Auckland, New Zealand starting November 30th, 2018. Flying time is just over 16 hours.
Beginning in April 2019, United extends service between its West Coast hub in San Francisco and Auckland to year-round with three-times-weekly service. In partnership with Air New Zealand, United’s flight arriving in Auckland will offer passengers more than 20 connections across the region. Since United and Air New Zealand began their alliance in 2016, the joint venture has opened up more travel options for U.S. and New Zealand travelers than ever before.
Travelers can explore this diverse and beautiful country, rich in nature, adventure, food and wine, culture and more. Just a quick 90-minute flight from Auckland, explore the country’s largest wine-growing region – Marlborough and the beauty of the Marlborough Sounds and more.
Staying at the Lodge
Located at the top of the South Island, the boutique luxury 10-suite, The Marlborough Lodge, is the perfect base camp to explore this incredible region. The lodge is currently underway renovating a small chapel on the property for a guest entertainment area. This will provide even more space for guests to relax and enjoy the property’s expansive gardens with comfortable seating. The area flows out through large bi-fold doors on to a deck continuing onto the lawn with the large outdoor fireplace. This area will be a prime spot for pre-dinner drinks and can be used at any time of the day.
With over 300 trees and 800 shrubs, the lodge is located on 16 acres of parkland gardens. Guests can enjoy a spring fed creek, small lake, heated swimming pool, petanque court, and more. The chapel renovation will also include a spa/massage/treatment room at the back of the building. This will be unique as it encompasses the old altar area of the chapel.
Wine and Dine
At the front of the property, The Marlborough Lodge recently added a wine shack. This small wooden cabin has a deck that overlooks the creek and vineyards. The lodge hosts regular wine tastings in the afternoons with local winemakers. Providing opportunities to meet the personalities of the industry, guests will learn about their latest vintages.
The team showcases some of New Zealand’s best produce in their a la carte restaurant. The wine list supports this with an evolving selection of local Marlborough, New Zealand and international wines. The lodge highlights some very small vineyards that produce exceptional wines.
Elsewhere on the property, a new berry enclosure recently built includes raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, and gooseberries. In addition, the expanded vegetable gardens provide produce for the Harvest Restaurant located in the lodge. Chefs take guests on tours letting them pick and taste as they tour and talk.
