Million Air Winter 2022

145 etr li at ve eler WINTER 2022/23

TONGARIRO A deeply knowledgeable and respectful duo, husband and wife Jason and Rebeca Bleibtreu, own and operate River Birches Lodge (riverbirches.co.nz) , a luxury hideaway within walking distance of the Waipakihi River. Bleibtreu can arrange and out fi t guests for guided fl y fi shing afternoons as well as private excursions to the Tongariro Crossing, a one-day trek across the volcanic landscape of Mount Tongariro. Walkers pass ancient and recent lava fl ows that originated from nearby Mount Ngauruhoe before climbing up to the South

Crater, a mountainous realm marked by eroded volcanic terrain. A further ascent lands hikers at the rim of the Red Crater, with glorious panoramic views of the Tongariro National Park. After a day on the mountain, begin dinner with the house marinated olives at Hare & Copper (hareandcopper.co.nz) , served warm with fried oregano from the garden. Green-lipped New Zealand mussels come in a Malaysian curry sauce that balances spice and heat masterfully. It’s di ffi cult to decline the roast bone marrow with bacon marmalade and toasted bread.

Above Emerald Lakes at Tongariro National Park Right Gannet bird colony at Cape Kidnappers

River Birches Lodge in Tongariro

Te Mata Peak at Hawkes Bay

CAPE KIDNAPPERS Since you must pass directly through Taup ō town en route to Cape Kidnappers, grab a co ff ee and take a stroll. The Woolshed (thewoolshed.co.nz) curates a collection of artisan New Zealand wool clothing and housewares. Replete Café & Store (replete.co.nz ) is equal parts shopping, cafe and dining, with a focus on sustainable design and light fare. Two-and-a-half hours east is The Farm at Cape Kidnappers (robertsonlodges.com) . Check into the Owner’s Cottage, a four-bedroom, four-bathroom cottage set atop 6,000 acres of stunning pastureland in Hawke’s Bay. Slip into a bubble and salt bath and overlook the rugged coastline, or opt for a Can-Am tour. Inhale the mineral sweetness of ocean air and the views towards Ocean Beach and Bare Island. Traverse the farm and explore around the village of Napier and the surrounding ranges, including but not limited to an old creek bed, across expansive farmland and down to Rangaika Beach. Book a vineyard tour and tasting dinner at Craggy Range (craggyrange.com) , a family-owned winery sitting in the shadow of Te Mata Peak. Served with gooey Camembert butter, honey and salt thanks to head chef Casey McDonald (who comes from a Michelin background), the potato focaccia pairs beautifully with the 2020 Te Muna Sauvignon Blanc (Martinborough), an aromatic white.

The Farm at Cape Kidnappers