Six-Night “G’astronomy” Package

May 2, 2022

We are excited to announce a partnership with two exceptional nearby properties to offer a six-night package that is sure to excite any gourmet who wants to experience some of the best food, stargazing, scenery, wildlife and hospitality that New Zealand has to offer! This itinerary can be undertaken in any order you like, since each of our three locations is within a two-hour drive of the others, and they form a natural loop that can be accessed from four South Island airports–Christchurch, Timaru, Queenstown or Dunedin.

Experience three of the South Island’s most spectacular regions–the Mackenzie high country, with its famed star-gazing, glaciers, lakes and majestic landscapes; the Waitaki, with its evocative “valley of the whales”, wineries and historic and artsy town of Oamaru; and the mountains, rivers, forests and beaches of coastal South Canterbury based in the charming country village of Geraldine, with its cafés, art galleries, boutiques, day spas, museums and walkways.

The package includes two-night stays at three stunning properties, each offering complimentary and contrasting experiences so you get to sample the best of each of their three regions. You’ll be treated to canapés, drinks and three four-course dinners prepared by resident chefs that highlight the specialities of their terroir, along with a cooking demonstration, and an opportunity for tastings of regional delicacies en route at such famed producers as Aoraki Salmon; Barkers of Geraldine Foodstore & Eatery; Geraldine Cheese Co.; Humdinger Gin; River-T Estate Winery; Whitestone Cheese, and more.

The package includes all the following to ensure you enjoy a relaxing and memorable time in this beautiful part of the country:

Pen-y-bryn Lodge Inclusions:

Two nights in a super-king suite in the Oamaru Stone Annex (Park, Garden or Nest Room)
Full cooked breakfast each morning
Pre-dinner canapés and welcome drink each evening
Four-course dinner on your arrival night with matched Waitaki wines
Tickets for two premium seats at the Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony’s evening viewing
Tickets for two to Steampunk HQ
Star-gazing through our 10-inch reflecting telescope on the patio (weather permitting)

Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat Inclusions:

Two nights in a one-bedroom Moraine Luxury Villa (Villa Matariki or Villa Tautoru)
Cooking demonstration for two with retreat chefs including lunch on your arrival day
Fresh breakfast provisions each morning of your stay
Wine cellar star-gazing experience in the on-site Pukaki Observatory (weather permitting)
Four-course meal with nibbles for two and a bottle of NZ wine matched to the meal each evening
A gourmet picnic lunch basket for two to enjoy on-site or on your departure day

The Vicarage Inclusions:

Two nights in a super-king ensuite room in the elegantly restored Vicarage Geraldine, located in the centre of the town
Breakfast for two each morning at Barker’s Foodstore and Eatery
Voucher for a jar of Barker’s Preserves
Bottle of wine in your room fridge, and Port in the sitting room decanters
Half-day “self-drive” tour with a local country guide, including a visit to an historic sheep and cattle station

Package cost: $6995