Issue link: https://www.balharbourdigital.com/i/1516204
P H OTO G R A P H Y: CO U R T E S Y O F R O S E WO O D M ATA K AU R I; T H E L A N D I N G MAP ILLUSTR ATION BY ANNE BENTLEY The Landing is rich with more than just history, offering indulgent views and superb estate-grown wine. THE LANDING, BAY OF ISLANDS BEST FOR: OENOPHILES AND HISTORY BUFFS This is where the Maori first arrived from Polynesia nearly a millennium ago, as well as where Europeans first settled. Indeed, the grave of the first European-descended child to be born (and die) here is marked by the huge Norfolk Pine on the waterfront. The Landing is a private, 1,000-acre estate, owned by the Cooper family, who also operate a superb winery here, known for its estate-grown wines and for several award-winning varietals; listen out for squawk- ing while sipping on the deck of the winery, with the bird life here including almost two dozen skittish nocturnal kiwis (join one of the torch-lit nighttime tours to catch them in action). Among the four residences here, consider booking the main, five-suite home on the hill, or the two-bedroom, one-time boathouse, which the Cooper family designed expressly to be an adventure sports–hub for its four athletic teens. ROSEWOOD MATAKAURI LODGE, QUEENSTOWN BEST FOR: ADRENALINE JUNKIES The 13-key property, a short drive from adventure sports–hub Queenstown, was only recently added to the Rosewood roster. It's a sleek, modern property, all whitewashed clapboard walls and beaten metal chandeliers, that sits right on Lake Wakatipu, the center- piece of water activities here (hold on tight when the jet boat captain donuts as he careens through the riverways). It's also easy to access Milford Sound by helicopter from here: clamber onboard next door and soar over to the isolated, rainy inlet, where waterfalls cascade down the steep surrounding cliffs, via a detour to the snow-capped mountains. Take in the dramatic Lake Wakatipu backdrop from your perch at Rosewood Matakauri Lodge. BAL HARBOUR 209