A life less hectic

Leave the stresses of life far behind in the opulent luxury of New Zealand’s Helena Bay.

Renowned the world over for its luxury lodges, New Zealand has added two more to its star-studded line up. In Part 1 of a 2 part series, Audi Magazine ventures to Helena Bay on the North Island to investigate the art of relaxation.

10 May, 2017


Prepare for scenery overload as you enter Helena Bay retreat that’s nestled on the sandy shores of a small picturesque bay, north of Whangarei.

Whether it’s standing on top of the hills overlooking the estate or in front of your villa scanning the blue waters strewn with tiny islands – the views are simply outstanding.

It’s definitely a contender for the world’s best coastal scenery list with a choice of four secluded beaches on the 323-hectare property with a forest-framed pristine shoreline.

Six years to complete, Helena Bay has been influenced by the design of Pompallier House in Russell and the Treaty House in Waitangi and blends well with the landscape. Apart from its luxury décor and stylish detailing, it provides what many are looking for _ absolute privacy in a nature wonderland.

Five impressive villa suites overlook the South Pacific where dolphins play and fishing is excellent. Named after New Zealand birds, the spacious suites have mosaic-tiled bathrooms and indoor and outdoor lounge areas and are a short step from the grand three-winged main lodge with sprawling dining, spa and lounge areas and a 25 metre heated fresh water infinity pool set amid manicured gardens.

Eclectic artworks grace the walls and outdoor sculptures command attention whether sipping one of New Zealand’s best drops on the dining terrace or by the fire pit soaking up those views. Talented chef, Michele Martino who heads the team from Michelin-starred Italian restaurant Don Alfonso 1890, adapts signature dishes and offers an estate to plate menu featuring New Zealand specialities and contemporary Mediterranean cuisine.

A highlight is a farm tour with Michele who instructs us what to pick from the flourishing vegetable and herb gardens – all produce appears on our plate that night including the fish caught an hour or two earlier.

“We have the opportunity to grow quality ingredients here on the property that infuse our dishes with simple yet outstanding flavours,” he says.

Michele also shares his cooking secrets with us later as we prepare Spaghetti Alla Nerano – with freshly picked zucchini in the guest kitchen.

Guests can choose an eight course degustation menu or select from the a la carte options for dinner. Standouts are linguine with clams and zucchini three ways, slow-cooked Helena Bay lamb shoulder with eggplant and the Concerts and Symphony of Lemon desert, while the cellar reflects top international and New Zealand wines with more than 100 vintages.

A Maori cultural tour lead by local Maori leader enlightens us about the area’s rich cultural history and the many sacred landmarks seen from the hills. After a walk, bike ride or kayak, head to the spa for a massage or use the sauna, hamman, steam room and cold plunge pool. 

Of course you can just relax and do absolutely nothing at all if that’s what most appeals. There are few places as picturesque in which to relax and detox from the stresses of the outside world. Indeed, the most stressful thing you will do at Helena Bay is when you come to leave and go back to the rat race – but then you can sustain yourself with the thought that you can always come back and do it all again.