Bronte Lodge

Nestled at the very end of the historic Bronte Peninsula, Bronte Lodge is in the heart of orchard-land, surrounded by wineries, art studios, golf courses and three of New Zealand's most beautiful national parks. This is an area of stunning beauty and tranquillity.

The homestead at Bronte provides a large guest lounge with an open fire. During winter months, a sumptuous breakfast is served in the Edwardian dining room with its polished ceiling and floor. When it is warmer, breakfast is served on the expansive decks overlooking the gardens with the Waimea Estuary beyond.

The garden – a profusion of roses, lilies, lavender, azaleas and rhododendrons – is to be enjoyed at leisure. Gentle paths, meandering beneath tall trees, lead to the estuary and to your luxury villa or suite right on the shoreline.

A sumptuous breakfast is served al fresco on the homestead deck or in the formal dining room, with sweeping views of an awakening estuary. There is little desire to move as coffee cups are refilled over idle conversation.

The view from your verandah or patio reaches across the water, stretching to pine forests on distant hills. A soft breeze plays as godwits paddle in the shadows. Tranquillity settles in. Moored in the reeds is a dinghy.

Also nearby – a Canadian canoe, windsurfer, tennis court and heated saltwater pool. There is as much or as little to do as one wishes. Just relax in a deckchair in front of your luxury villa or suite, with a drink in hand, as the sun sets across the estuary, marking the end of another glorious Nelson day

Customer reviews

We had a spectacular time on our trip after leaving Port Douglas and all the arrangements that you made for us came off without a hitch. All flights and transportation that you arranged were on time and we were well taken care of at all the places we went to.

The Boatshed was incredible. We met Johnathan and had a small dinner with him on our second night. We were the only guests at the hotel and he and his staff just made us feel right at home. Jack and Jen, Johnathan’s staff, took us out to a couple of wineries and we had lunch together. When we got back Johnathan treated us to dinner prepared by his own self. Fantastic.

Next up was Napier/Hastings and the Craggy Range cottage. Excellent choice for us. We were close enough to Havelock North to be able to easily drive into the town and wander around. We went and played Cape Kidnapers as well. The course was wet so no carts were allowed out. Craggy Range winery was great to us and we had dinner at Terroire. Great staff and good eats to be sure. On to Queenstown.

What a wonderfully European feel Queenstown had. Small intimate streets and people all over the place. The Spire was perfect for us. Florence greeted us and was superlative in her suggestions and ideas for us to do. We did take a plane ride out to Milford Sound and the cruise. We went wine tasting and went to Amisfield for lunch where there was a spectacular sunset. It was so good that the staff came outside to take pictures. Simply wonderful. We took the gondola ride up the hill and enjoyed a glass of champagne while we took in the view. That was our last day and really enjoyable. We left the next day and flew back home.

Again, all the arrangements you made of us came off without a hitch. I even drove on the left side of the road without incident. It’s not so bad once you figure out the roundabouts. Thanks to you and your team for setting this up. Will highly recommend this service to our friends should they need to journey down under.

—​Bob E & Sharyn B, San Francisco

What a fabulous itinerary you made for us. It was perfect!

Wonderful country, delightful people, delicious food, and amazing scenery like no other. I guess our only major complaint is that we didn't have longer to see more of the country! You really planned it well for us. It felt balanced in the way of activities, driving days, photo opportunities, even some R&R in the afternoons.

—Vickie B, Los Angeles