Description
Set amongst 600 acres of stunning gardens and vineyards, Lake Timara Lodge is an idyllic, private, luxury retreat in Marlborough's winelands. Here over 50 wineries compete on the national and international stage to produce award-winning wines. The Wairau River also provides plenty of outdoor activities including trout fishing and kayaking, and the valleys it feeds provide abundant opportunities for trekking and enjoying the natural beauty of the Mount Richmond Forest Park.
Lake Timara Lodge promises a haven of peace, tranquillity and relaxation and the four quiet, comfortable rooms are complimented by a warm and unobtrusive service. Each offers outstanding views of the nearby mountains, beautiful gardens or stunning lake. You can relax in one of the lodge's lounges which are filled with fine art, enjoy the cosy library or veranda overlooking the meticulously maintained gardens.
The lodge's host and chef is renowned for his exquisite European influenced cuisine, having worked in some of the World's top restaurants. Lobster, scallops, oysters, mussels and fresh fish from the Marlborough Sounds are plentiful as are the finest cuts of New Zealand lamb, beef and game. The lodge's garden provides much of the produce ensuring that each dish tastes flavoursome and fresh. The lodge's wine cellar is well stocked with the very best locally produced vintages and specialises in the Spy Valley wine range.
Spend your days touring some of the many wineries in this region, most of which also have award-winning restaurants attached to them - ideal for a delicious lunch en-route. Return to Timara Lodge where you can relax by the private pool, wander around the wonderful gardens or for those feeling a little more energetic you can play tennis.
Accommodation
Lake Timara Lodge's four rooms all vary in layout but share the same quality modern furnishings, fine art antiques and luxurious touches. The Balcony Room is sunny and bright with expansive views of the swimming pool, tennis court and gardens. The Mountain Room has its own private entrance hall, a stunning two person spa bath and a bay window with window seat overlooking the parkland. The Garden Suite has panoramic views from its large bay window and has a small seating area and the Lake Suite, which overlooks the lodge's manmade lake is the lodge's largest room, designed in English 'country house' style with antique furniture and an elegant sitting area.
Childcare
Due to the size of the lodge and the configuration of its bedrooms, Lake Timara Lodge are unable to accept guests under the age of 15. None of the rooms are adjoining and there is no capacity for roll away beds so any older children would have to be independently staying in their own room. There is also a considerable amount of unsupervised water on the grounds including the swimming pool, stream and lake that parents need to be aware of.
Facilities
Lake Timara Lodge's cuisine is one of its highlights and the renowned chef prepares modern European cuisine with the best of the area's abundant seafood, lamb, beef and game. Freshly harvested produce and herbs from the lodge's own garden ensure the freshest flavours complement all dishes. There is also an extensively stocked wine cellar. Lake Timara Lodge has a 5 acre lake ideal for rowing, a swimming pool, grass tennis court, state of the art winery for tastings and a peaceful library.
Activities
On site Lake Timara Lodge's extensive 20 acre gardens and 5 acre lake provide plenty of activities to enjoy with a leisurely picnic. Nearby there is also fishing, golf, kayaking, vineyard tours, eco tours, hunting, bird watching, horse trekking, cycling, walking and olive groves.
When to travel
The climate in New Zealand is incredibly pleasant, with warm and balmy summers and cold crisp winter months with wonderful clear, blue skies. The warmer high-season months of November to April are perfect for outdoor exploration. The colder months of June to August are the best time to ski.
Both North and South Islands are drier on the east coast, rather than on the west, where mountain ranges act as a trap for the moisture-rich winds from the Tasman Sea. It is also worth remembering that it is usually a few degrees cooler on the South Island than the North Island and as New Zealand has a maritime climate, the weather can change rapidly.
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Location and directions
Blenheim, South Island, New Zealand
Timara Lodge is located on Dog Point Road in Blenheim, within the wine region of Marlborough. It is only a short 10-minute drive from Blenheim town centre on the South Island, New Zealand.
How to get there
Blenheim is the nearest airport and is served by flights from Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington and Paraparaumu. Timara Lodge is 6.7km from Blenheim Airport about a 10-minute drive. Alternatively, Christchurch is approximately a 4-hour drive.
