Gourmet Retreats in New Zealand

Two luxury Relais & Châteaux golf & spa lodges on the North Island of New Zealand are hosting a gastronomic season of world-class 'Winter Food & Wine' events from July-October 2010.

The sister retreats - The Farm at Cape Kidnappers in Hawke’s Bay and The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs in Matauri Bay - are among the most prestigious in the Relais & Châteaux global collection of some of the world’s finest luxury and independent small properties and gourmet restaurants.

The stellar line-up of guest chefs, winemakers and wine authorities kicks off on 24 July at The Farm at Cape Kidnappers with celebrity Melbourne chef Josh Emett teaming up with Felton Road Wines’ Blair Walter for an indulgent dinner matched with prestige wines.

Josh Emett is renowned for heading Gordon Ramsay’s eponymous New York restaurant, and more recently Maze in Melbourne. Blair Walter built Felton Road into one of the world’s most sought after wine labels.

On 14 August, one of Australia’s foremost wine authorities, James Halliday and his New Zealand counterpart Bob Campbell M.W., return to Cape Kidnappers for their fabulous Great Pinot Noir Challenge, conducting a ‘taste-off’ in a friendly celebration showcasing the finest of Australian and New Zealand Pinot Noir.

On 11 September 2010, Peter Gilmore, Executive Chef at Quay in Sydney, showcases his award-winning cuisine at Kauri Cliffs with wines matched by Duncan Forsyth from boutique Central Otago winery, Mount Edward.

On top of its prestigious ranking among the world’s best restaurants, which this year made its debut among the ‘World’s 50 Best Restaurants’, Quay was this year also named ‘Restaurant Of The Year’ by both The Sydney Morning Herald and Australian Gourmet Traveller for the second year running.

The finale to the gourmet season takes place on 23 October 2010 and is a must for champagne lovers – with Ludovic De Lageard of Champagne Laurent-Perrier presenting a dinner at The Farm – Cape Kidnappers, matched with champagnes from this famed house.

Founded in 1812, Laurent-Perrier is one of France’s great champagne houses, synonymous with style and celebration. Ludovic will also conduct a tutored champagne tasting on Saturday afternoon.

All weekends allow ample free time for guests to enjoy the many leisure options available at these two luxury properties, including world class golf, spa pampering, scenic walks, fishing and winery visits.

Kauri Cliffs and Cape Kidnappers Managing Director, Jay Robertson, said, “It’s a fantastic line-up of talent. Combined with golf, spa or just relaxing, these are really the ultimate New Zealand weekends!”

Prices are NZ$800++ per person (based on double occupancy) and include luxury overnight accommodation, degustation dinner with matched wines, tutored wine tasting, full breakfast and choice of a round of golf or a 50 minute massage in the Day Spa.

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