Not your ordinary Farm
HAWKE'S Bay now has a world-class resort to match its stunning wines. The long-anticipated The Farm at Cape Kidnappers is now in full swing, offering luxury accommodation, a spa and a golf course that has been named among the best in the world. Owned and developed by Americans Julian and Josie Robertson, The Farm at Cape Kidnappers is the sister property to their Northland property, Kauri Cliffs Lodge & Golf Course.
The two properties share stunning natural settings, with The Farm at Cape Kidnappers set on a 6000-acre sheep and cattle farm with breathtaking views over the Pacific. It offers 24 individually designed suites and rooms, plus a four-bedroom owner's cottage. The Ridge and Hilltop suites resemble earthy shearing sheds from the exterior, yet unveil themselves to reveal spacious boltholes.
A common interior design theme runs through the property, suggesting a traditional rural farm. The end result is a clever blend of rustic materials with modern amenities.
The suites all feature air-conditioning, flat-screen LCD TVs/DVDs, high-speed Internet connections, spacious bathrooms with heated towel racks, separate toilet and shower stall, oversized bathtub and twin vanities. Some have in-room fireplaces.
The Lodge is the a focal point of the property and offers two dining rooms featuring the cuisine of former Kauri Cliffs chef Dale Gartland. After the popular Lodge pre-dinner cocktails, guests can choose where they prefer to be served - perhaps in the loggia on a summer night, the dining room in front of an open fire, or maybe downstairs in the atmospheric wine cellar.
For leisure activities, the resort offers several options in addition to a golf course ranked in the top 30 in the world by Golf Magazine. Farm tours, coastal hikes, picnics, and gannet safaris (the property is home to the world's largest land-based gannet colony) are all available on site, as are the luxury day spa and outdoor 50m heated pool.
Area activities include fly fishing, wine tours, horseback riding and river kayaking.
As you'd expect, such luxury does not come cheap. Room rates start from $NZ675 per person per night but include pre-dinner drinks, dinner and breakfast, and use of all lodge activities, excluding golf. Phone (06) 875 1900 or visit <www.capekidnappers.com>.
Wine Trail getting busier
HAWKE'S Bay is a key component of the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail, which is proving increasingly popular with both domestic and international tourists. Started seven years ago as an idea to get visitors off the beaten track and into regional wineries, the trail, a marketing cooperative between Hawke's Bay, Tararua, Wairarapa, Wellington and Marlborough regions, promotes a package of wineries, hotels, and tourist destinations from Napier to Blenheim, crossing country that accounts for 70 per cent of New Zealand's wine production.
A $24,000 government grant paid for the signage along the 380km route. A 50-page booklet including detailed maps, things to do and places to see is available free. It helps visitors select accommodation, restaurants, attractions and wine tours to fit their needs. See <www.classwinetrail.co.nz>.
Church's second coming
THE OLD Church, one of the Hawke's Bay region's most loved icons, has undergone a remarkable transformation into a landmark restaurant. The original site of the Mission Estate Winery, the building was the first church built by French missionaries in the 1850s. Vines were planted to produce both sacramental and table wine.
Visitors can enjoy brunch, lunch, dinner, or cocktails in the beautiful building and gorgeous gardens. Chef Francky Godinho was named Hawke's Bay chef of the year for 2008 and currently holds the title of New Zealand chef of the year 2007, which he will defend at the Salon Culinaire national finals in Auckland in September.
Dinner options include dishes such as flash-fried baby prawns with a sweet chilli aioli ($12), vanilla and honey-glazed duck breast with Hawke's Bay potatoes, caramelised new season pear, bok choy, baby carrots and duck jus ($29) and roast venison steak with herb pomme mash, mixed vegetables and port wine jelly jus ($37), or guests can just enjoy a glass of wine or cocktail at Gabriel's Bar.
The Old Church is open from noon until late on Mondays and Wednesday-Friday and from 11am-late at weekends. A light afternoon menu is available between 3pm and 5.30pm. Phone (06) 878 8028 or see <www.theoldchurch.co.nz>.
Homestead's gracious rebirth
LOOKING for somewhere special to stay in the Hawke's Bay region? Check out the Mangapapa Petit Hotel, a gracious 1855 homestead that has been transformed into a luxurious boutique hotel offering an exceptional dining experience. Part of the exclusive Select group, the hotel is home to the Miyano restaurant, which seats just 12 guests.
Executive chef Kazutomo Miyano creates a daily changing menu of French-inspired cuisine. The five- and six-course degustation menus are matched by a wine list that showcases the region's finest labels. Dishes include the likes of pan-roasted scampi with citrus sauce and carrot cream, coriander and spring onion, or roasted duck breast with Asian spices, tropical fruit relish and parsnip mousseline.
Resident guests may choose from the exquisite Mangapapa Suite, executive suites or lodge rooms. Each guest room has been individually decorated and all feature LCD TV and broadband Internet access. A sun-filled conservatory, pool, spa and sauna provide opportunities for relaxation. When it comes time to explore, an experienced wine guide is on hand to take guests on a personal discovery tour of the region's best vineyards. Phone (06) 878 3234 or see <www.selecthotels.com/mangapapa>
Mecca for indulgence
INDULGE Hawke's Bay is Napier's newest and most centrally located wine tasting store. Situated in the Art Deco AMP Building, the one-stop tourism shop claims to offer "everything fabulously Hawke's Bay". Specialising in tailor-made wine tasting, wine training, wine and food tours, degustation dinners and cheese tasting, along with retailing everything from fine wines to gourmet foods, it is located at 12 Browning St. Phone (06) 835 7800.
Napier's new rendezvous
THE Nautilus Hotel is the latest landmark to open on Napier's waterfront - and a great base from which to explore the region's wineries. The hotel features Art Deco-inspired executive accommodation with uninterrupted sea views from all 41 self-contained apartments and suites. The licensed restaurant and bar overlooking the waterfront and out to the Pacific Ocean serves a contemporary menu with a combination of European and Pacific Rim cuisine using fresh seasonal produce and dishes matched with local wines. Phone (06) 974 6557 or see <www.nautilusnapier.co.nz>
Fresh places to stay
NAPIER has some new boutique accommodation at Colenso Cottage at Napier Hill, just a three-minute stroll from downtown. The historic cottage has recently been restored and features all modern comforts. Phone: 0800 552 777 or visit <www.colensocottage.co.nz>
Meanwhile, it's a case of all change at Napier's Crown Hotel, with new rooms, restaurant and bar. Due to open in November, the 12 new premium studio rooms will feature direct sea views and corner spa baths, with king split beds. On ground level, the restaurant and bar open onto streetside alfresco dining. Phone (06) 833 8300 or visit <www.thecrownnapier.co.nz>