BEST OF NEW ZEALAND

Whether it is a twenty-minute stroll, an early morning jog or a two-hour walk, Cape Kidnappers delivers. Jog or walk along Trigg Road with its truly amazing views of Ocean Beach and Bare Island; head back to the Rough Block and down into an old creek bed to discover rejuvenating native bush; or capture inspirational images of the coastline by walking down and through the pines towards a historic Maori Pa site for views right out across the Pacific.

Enjoy this stunning setting while playing our top New Zealand golf course, designed by the legendary golf architect Tom Doak. The par 71 golf course measures 7,119 yards (6,510 meters) and will challenge golfers of all skill levels. Completed in 2004, Cape Kidnappers has been hailed as one of the great modern marvels in golf and is currently ranked the 38th best golf course in the world by Golf Magazine.

With an abundance of secluded and picturesque locations on property, you could spend a lifetime picnicking at Cape Kidnappers. So whether you wish to walk or be delivered, why not experience the station with one of our gourmet picnic hampers and a glass of Hawke’s Bay wine in tow?

Deep within rugged ravines, glance away from the horizon and bring your focus in for a spot of Clay Bird Shooting. Stand near the mighty cliff edge and fire at targets as they are launched over the Pacific Ocean. Firearms are provided for this experience, all you need to bring is your hand / eye coordination!

Horse riding is the best way to soak up the atmosphere of Cape Kidnappers Station

You will take the reins of a gentle, well-trained horse and head out across the vast 6,000 acre station.

See all that Cape Kidnappers has to offer with rolling hills, deep ravines and expansive views both across the Pacific Ocean and out over thousands of acres of working farmland.

Your guide will choose a horse and trail that best matches your size and ability before you head out to explore the countryside or pick your way through rejuvenating native bush. Take a picnic lunch and you will be sure to find a sublime spot where you can dismount and relax before continuing your cross-country trek.

Horseback is a wonderful way to visit the Cape Kidnappers Black Reef gannet colony, and see the life and workings of this rugged coastal sheep and beef station.

Largely inaccessible to regular vehicles, Cape Kidnappers is best explored by Can-Am. Discover this rugged terrain with a personal guide as you travel to the very edges of this vast coastal property. Breathe in the southward views towards Ocean Beach and Bare Island before turning back to unrivalled vistas across the entire farm towards Napier and the surrounding ranges; venture through an old creek bed, across expansive farmland and down to historic Rangaika Beach. Ideal for all age groups and fitness levels, this tour is an absolute highlight.

Hit the tracks and explore our 6,000 acre property by mountain bike. Cape Kidnappers has men’s, women’s and children’s bikes available for use.

An experience like no other and exclusive to guests of Cape Kidnappers, this is your chance to see the rare, endangered kiwi in its own, natural habitat. Venture into the pine forests surrounding the lodge with an experienced guide as they carry out essential monitoring of kiwi chicks.

Assist your guide as they check the kiwi’s radio transmitters, weigh and measure the birds to monitor their wellbeing. Proceeds from this experience go to the Cape Kidnappers’ Sanctuary to ensure the continuation of their work preserving our native species.

Limited to just two groups a day of no more than six guests, this is something many New Zealanders themselves will never have the chance to experience.

Season availability applies for this experience.

Join our shepherd for an introduction to life on a 6,000 acre working sheep and beef farm.

A farm by name and nature, Cape Kidnappers is a spectacularly rugged farmland. The sheer expanse of coastal Cape Kidnappers Station is awe-inspiring, and with rolling hills and river flats that serve as paddocks for sheep and cattle, the farm's Shepherding Experience is not to be missed.

A must-do for our younger guests, prepare to be amazed as you witness the farm dogs muster sheep. Highly-trained, these dogs are key members of the team at Cape Kidnappers Station and children and adults alike are fascinated by this mustering and shearing display.

Sanctuary Experience
Discover the Cape Sanctuary; how it operates, why we need it and its incredible success stories—the kakariki, kaka and tuatara.

New Zealand’s endangered kakariki and kaka are native New Zealand birds that have been reintroduced to the peninsula. Be there when these stunning birds are fed and witness how their wild population now flourishes here.

Meet the ancient tuatara; a “living fossil” that has remained unchanged since the time of the dinosaurs. One of the world’s oldest living species, the tuatara has been reintroduced in to the Cape Sanctuary, which is now one of the only places on the New Zealand mainland where breeding has occurred in the wild for over 200 years.

Our Sanctuary tuatara will come out of their burrow to be fed, allowing guests to see and assist with routine health checks.

Hanging Rock Gorge Walking Tour
One for the true nature lover, this bespoke experience gives you a deeper look at the natural beauty of the Sanctuary.

This bespoke tour begins with a visit to the aviary to see the ancient tuatara and endangered birdlife, before taking a 4WD drive into the heart of the Sanctuary and up a dry river bed for 30 minutes.

From here, continue on foot to the head of the river and a stunning, hidden gorge. During this 2km round trip, your guide will point out native plants, their role in this unique ecosystem, the geology of the area and how Maori people first used the forest.

As native bird call surrounds you, join your guide in bird call, reptile and invertebrate counts, all which play a crucial role in the Sanctuary’s monitoring programme. Enjoy native kawakawa tea refreshments before returning to the lodge.

Bird Tour
Guided by an experienced ornithologist, Cape Kidnappers and Ocean Beach Wildlife Preserve offer a fantastic opportunity to discover the curious and beautiful birdlife of New Zealand. See native pigeons, commonly known as keruru, tui, bellbirds, fantails and grey warblers in a coastal and native forest habitat. If you’re lucky you might also come across oystercatchers and the infamous Australasian gannets.

Cape Kidnappers is home to the largest, most accessible mainland colony of gannets in the world. A part of the Booby family, these birds have incredibly distinct markings and a fascinating migration pattern.

Visit the colony and see gannets nesting in rows, hatchlings learning to fly and adult gannets carrying out their daily routines. The birds are usually in residence from September until early May, when the adult birds depart and their newly hatched chicks take flight to Australia for two years before returning to Cape Kidnappers once more. The Can-Am Tour is a great way to see the colonies or if you are feeling adventurous, take a picnic and venture out toward the colony either on foot or mountain bike.

The Abel Tasman is our smallest national park yet it consistently ranks as one of the top 5 tourist attractions in New Zealand. Its golden beaches, turquoise waters, native bush and pristine marine reserves make this world-renowned Park a “must-do” experience.

Boating
There are several options for sightseeing the waterways and coastline of the Park, from small water taxis through to Wilsons stylish 140 passenger Catamaran. These boats run constantly in the warmer months allowing passengers the options of shorter or longer journeys. Disembark to enjoy swimming, hiking and relaxing then rejoin a boat later in the day.

The seal colony at Tonga Island Marine Reserve is extremely popular and most craft visit the Reserve. For those feeling more adventurous a seal swim can be arranged in advance.

For guests wanting a more personal and exclusive experience, Edenhouse can highly recommend private charter operators. Activities can be tailor-made – a visit to the seal colony, kayaking in a tranquil lagoon, snorkelling and swimming, gourmet lunch afloat or on a beach, bush walk options and fishing. Or just sit back with a glass of local wine and enjoy the sights and surroundings.

Kayaking
We have had guests from young to 81 enjoy kayaking in the Park. There is more than 50 kilometres of coastline to explore and time on the water can range from a couple of hours to a full day. Guides are provided and previous kayaking experience is not necessary. Paddling can include trips to the seal colony.

Hiking
Many guests choose a cruise and walk and are taken into the Park by boat and walk from a beach of their choice. Hiking time can vary from I hour to 6 hours, passing through native bush and by spectacular views of the coastline. A boat collects guests at their predetermined destination. Time can be allowed to enjoy lunch, a swim or to explore additional sights.

A mix of boating, kayaking and hiking can easily be arranged.

The Abel Tasman is our smallest national park yet it consistently ranks as one of the top 5 tourist attractions in New Zealand. Its golden beaches, turquoise waters, native bush and pristine marine reserves make this world-renowned Park a “must-do” experience.

See two of New Zealand’s National Park’s in one day. Spend the morning in the Abel Tasman National Park with Abel Tasman Charters, enjoy a gourmet lunch before meeting your private helicopter at Awaroa Bay.

Fly into the Kahurangi National Park for a landing high in the mountains and explore unique rock formations and alpine lakes. Enjoy spectacular views of Golden Bay on the journey to Edenhouse.

Looking westwards from Edenhouse’s gardens the view stretches to the mysterious mountains of the Kahurangi National Park, a vast wilderness area which holds its secrets close, the best known only to a select few. Land beside a pristine glacial mountain lake or perhaps on Mt Olympus- a fantastical mountain, decorated with other-worldly rock pinnacles. It became “south of Rivendell”, a place the heroic hobbits traversed in Peter Jackson’s multi-Oscar winning adaptation of the Lord of the Rings. Other landings can include a beach on the rugged West Coast or the spectacular Wharariki Beach, the northern-most tip of the South Island. Nearby is Farewell Spit, the longest natural sandbar in the world. Fly over Golden Bay and the Abel Tasman National Park and appreciate the diversity of this striking region.

This unforgettable adventure of around 5 hours includes 2 hours of flying time and 3 landings. It starts and finishes on the helipad in the Edenhouse gardens.

D’Urville Island is truly one of New Zealand’s best kept secrets. Discovered by French explorer Jules Dumont D’Urville, the island is located off the northern coast of the South Island with an area of approximately 150 square km making it the eighth-largest island of New Zealand.

Departing from Edenhouse, follow Tasman Bay’s eastern coast line to D’Urville Island for a spot of helicopter reef fishing. Fly with the catch to a sheltered bay to prepare the freshly caught fish accompanied by fresh local produce for a private dining experience like no other. With a cold craft beer or glass of local wine in hand, relax and enjoy the pristine beaches and native bush, you can even take a swim!

The return flight tracks via the Mt Richmond Forest Park with a mountain landing. If you love fresh produce and fine wines this is a special and unique Kiwi experience!

This isn’t just horse-riding; the stunning location and scenery make it an exceptional and unforgettable experience. We favour two rides, which can be combined. The Spectacular Old Man Range, with an ever-changing vista and views of all of Farewell Spit, has been classed as the most scenic horse trek in New Zealand. Then there is the world-renowned Wharariki Beach with its huge rock arches, sand dunes and long stretch of beach. The combined rides take about three hours. Guests can incorporate the horse trekking as part of a Heli-Adventure, or drive from Edenhouse to Cape Farewell.

Baton Run Adventures offers an experience well off the beaten track in a unique corner of the world. Farm tours or horse riding trips are small (five people or less) and personal, so you will be well looked after while still experiencing a sense of adventure.

Explore five unique valleys bordering the Kahurangi National Park on a farm vehicle or on beautiful well trained horses. Just 30 minutes from Edenhouse.

The Nelson/Tasman region includes three of the country’s 14 national parks – one a coastal paradise (the Abel Tasman); one an alpine retreat (Nelson Lakes); the third, Kahurangi, a vast swathe of virgin rainforest and awe-inspiring mountains stretching across more than 450,000 hectares, or almost the entire northwest corner of the South Island. All three parks are within easy reach of Edenhouse.

The Abel Tasman is well-known for the easy walking track that hugs the full 50-odd kilometres of foreshore. You can retreat into the mountain serenity of Nelson Lakes, or the remote and epic back-country of the giant Kahurangi National Park.

Slide down water polished chutes, jump into crystal clear pools, abseil through showering waterfalls, and zipline over rocks. That’s what canyoning is about. Join an exciting action packed trip with mind blowing scenery in the Abel Tasman National Park.

Wheelie Fantastic Cycle Tours is an owner-operated company with a passion for cycling. Ride sections of the Great Taste Trail of 175km enjoying the tranquillity of the countryside, hop gardens, vineyards, orchards, majestic rivers, and artisans studios.

For cyclists wanting a really relaxing time, take a 10 minute ferry ride (with your bike) to Rabbit Island, where you can cycle along forest trails and besides 8 kms of golden beaches.

Eat at an award winning restaurant on Mapua Wharf before finishing the day browsing around the vibrant mixture of shops, studios and galleries in Mapua.

Wheelie Fantastic provides bike hire for Edenhouse guests with cycles delivered to Edenhouse for a day or as long as the guests want. There is a large selection of quality hybrid ’Giant’ trail bikes and hard tail mountain bikes to suit all sizes.

The hire includes helmets, pannier bags, and route maps.

There are around 37 boutique wineries in the Nelson Tasman region and several, including Neudorf, Kahurangi and Rimu Grove, are within 25 minutes of Edenhouse. Some of New Zealand’s best and most sought after chardonnays and pinot noirs can be found here. The region has become especially renowned for its aromatic whites – seductively perfumed, deep flavoured, beautifully balanced riesling, pinot gris, gewürztraminer and sauvignon blanc from these parts is the stuff of wine legends.

Neudorf is “New Zealand’s greatest wine producer” according to Tom Stevenson’s UK publication “Wine Report”. Stevenson is the author of the prestigious Sotheby’s Wine Encyclopaedia.

Uppermost amongst the Edenhouse relationships is this remarkable woman and her vineyard.

Beth Eggers’ Himmelsfeld Vineyard is – even by the comparatively modest scale common of Nelson wineries – tiny, and hardly a widely known name. And yet across just 3 acres Beth coaxes complex, fascinating wines from the tough clay soil, ageing them for as much as a decade before offering them for sale in tiny quantities to the informed and the discerning.

There is rather more to a visit to Himmelsfeld than wine tasting though. Beth – who greets visitors personally – likes them to leave with a sense of belonging. Highly recommended for Edenhouse guests.

This is a creative and visual experience that is almost beyond description. Firmly established as an iconic ‘must see’ visitor attraction, the WOW® and Classic Cars Museum celebrates two distinctly different passions. Be amazed by the incredible garments that feature in the Wearable Art Gallery, marvel at the extraordinary inspiration of artists from around the globe who create these truly breathtaking works of art. A world class collection, in excess of one hundred cars, of some of the most sought after models in Classic motoring, beautifully displayed under theatrical lighting. This is a car gallery like no other.

Michael MacMillan is a renowned artist and sculptor working from his studio on Neudorf Road, 20 minutes from Edenhouse. Internationally known for his large outdoor sculptures and limited edition bronzes, Michael’s work is bold, reflective, textured, carved and kinetic. In addition to the sculptures and bronzes, here you’ll find all manner of original kitchen and homeware items made from French oak, recycled metals and vine prunings.

All materials are recycled and sourced locally. Michael’s sculptural eye is evident in the beautiful lines and meticulous craftsmanship of these works of art.

Nelson/Tasman is blessed with creative abundance and is home to over 350 working artists. The diverse art forms range from paintings to ceramics, sculpture, glass, jewellery and wearable art.

The region is conducive to creativity for many reasons. Its physical charms include turquoise lagoons and golden sand beaches, sun-kissed produce from groves and bays, and a rich light, courtesy of the highest sunshine hours in New Zealand.

One of the defining features of Nelson/Tasman’s arts scene is that so many artists continue to open their studios to visitors, welcoming passers-by who want to drop in, inspect the work and maybe talk to the artists themselves before heading away with a unique memory of local creativity.

Upper Moutere, a small village fifteen minutes from Edenhouse, is home to a bunch of creative and productive people. They make glorious wine, stunning sheep cheese and olive oils. They grow gourmet mushrooms and strawberries and make traditional cider from real cider apples. Local conserves are made and bottled in the village using plums, blackberries and boysenberries. It is home to leading ceramic artists, sculptors and wood workers. The Moutere Inn is the oldest pub in New Zealand and pours fourteen artisan beers.

A visit to Golden Bay is an adventure in itself. Two of its most famous attractions are Pupu Springs and Farewell Spit.

Pupu Springs are the largest cold-water springs in the Southern Hemisphere – only Antarctica has clearer waters. The springs discharge 14,000 litres of water per second which would be sufficient to supply a city the size of Boston, Massachusetts. The springs are a sacred place for Maori and an area of great beauty.

Farewell Spit is the longest natural sandbar in the world at 35 kilometres. The spit is home to over 90 species of birds and has been a sanctuary for over 70 years. Godwits fly the 12,000-kilometre journey from Alaska in around 8 days to join waders, turnstones, knots and oystercatchers. All-day eco guided tours access the spit in a comfortable purpose-built 4WD vehicle to a special place of international importance.

Edenhouse is 5 minutes from the nationally important Motueka River catchment with miles of bountiful riffles, runs and pools. Sight casting to spotted brown trout freely sipping dry flies and nymphs is an angling experience not to be missed. For anglers seeking even more adventure take a helicopter ride to the legendary Karamea river system for big wilderness brown trout in pristine waters, far from civilisation.

Ever-mindful of guests’ need to unwind as well as to indulge, massage and beauty therapist Jacqui Jenkins is part of the Edenhouse team. Jacqui was well-known as the therapist at nearby Paratiho Farms. Now, Edenhouse guests can receive expert therapeutic treatments from Jacqui, or one of her highly-qualified team, in the peace and privacy of their own suite – whether relaxation or deep tissue massage, acupressure, aromatherapy or reflexology.

Edenhouse is located in an area of outstanding natural beauty, even by New Zealand standards. Nestled in the stunning Orinoco Valley, its extensive gardens are the “creation” of Peter and Bobbie Martin. The lodge and gardens commenced life in 2003 when the Martin’s returned to Bobbie’s native New Zealand after living overseas for many years.

The bare land of 50 acres was perfect for Bobbie’s vision to create her own piece of paradise. Whilst living in London, she studied at The Inchbald School of Design, Belgravia, followed by The English Gardening School, situated at The Chelsea Physic Garden. She then established her own interior and garden design company, located in Knightsbridge and West Sussex, where she practiced for 15 years.

The effortless link between the lodge and gardens also incorporates the wider landscape. The grounds continue to evolve and have become a favourite habitat for native birds, as well as pheasant and quail.

No stay at Otahuna Lodge is complete without a tour of the estate's own century-old garden. The tour provides insight into the history of Otahuna, explaining why and how Victorians grew certain kinds of plants, as well as the many ways in which the current garden team restores and maintains Heaton Rhodes’ greatest legacy.

Originally settled by French immigrants, Akaroa is a picturesque seaside town that has retained many of its 19th century public buildings and cottages. The one-hour drive from Otahuna’s gates takes guests over the crater rim of an extinct volcano, with stunning views of the harbour and the patchwork of farms and forests below.

For the active guest, Akaroa offers the opportunity to swim with the world’s rarest and smallest dolphins, the Hector’s Dolphins. Other excursions might include forest and hillside walks, a two hour cruise on a classic 1940’s sailing yacht or an excursion to sea caves via kayak. Within the village guests can enjoy charming shops and restaurants as well as the "Giant’s Garden" – a horticultural and artistic statement bedecked in mosaic tiles and sculpture.

Culinary excellence is a cornerstone of the Otahuna experience. A hands-on cooking lesson with Executive Chef Jimmy McIntyre provides an enjoyable overview of the philosophies behind the Lodge’s celebrated food and wine programme as profiled in Bon Appetit, Conde Nast Traveller, and The Financial Times. Classes incorporate a harvesting visit to Otahuna’s organic working gardens, provide an introduction to planning menus and offer a special chance to learn first-hand cooking techniques.

One hour north of Otahuna Lodge lies the Waipara wine district, New Zealand’s hottest wine region and home to some excellent boutique vineyards. Waipara translates from the Maori language as "muddy water" due to the braided rivers that carry glacial silt from the mountains to the sea. Waipara vineyards are perhaps best known for excellent Pinot Noirs—often sought after for their rich notes of licorice caused by the high amount of limestone in the soil. Zingy Rieslings are also popular in Waipara, with many winning national awards. Cellar doors are open for tasting at Muddy Water, Waipara Springs, Fiddler’s Green, Torlesse and a range of others including Pegasus Bay which also boasts one of New Zealand’s finest winery restaurants. Visits to other boutique vineyards such as Pyramid Valley and Mountford are available by advance arrangement.

Canterbury’s rivers provide excellent chances for both the novice and expert fly-fisherman to test their skills. Guests benefit from the knowledge of a local guide who will choose a location to ensure the best chances of making a successful catch. Brown and rainbow trout can be caught in both the high country as well as lowland streams from October through April. It is also possible during these months to catch Chinook salmon. Guides provide licenses, tackle equipment, waders, instruction and transport in a 4-wheel drive vehicle. Access to remote mountain streams via helicopter provides an alternative option.

A scenic flight by helicopter is the ultimate way to see the natural beauty of New Zealand. The convenience of these tours is unsurpassed as helicopters depart and land directly from the Lodge’s Great Lawn.

If the warm breezes of a Canterbury summer occasionally feel enervating, a refreshing dip in the swimming pool is the right tonic for a weary constitution. After dark, from a position in the outdoor jacuzzi, the constellations of the Southern Hemisphere seem just beyond arms’ reach.

Energetic guests might strike up a match of tennis on the Lodge’s hard-surface court, with complimentary use of the Lodge’s racquets and balls.