The ultimate New Zealand tourism experience in the high-country can now be had at the country's first luxury tented lodge. It's located deep in the jagged peaks of the Southern Alps above Lake Wanaka at Minaret Station, and is accessible only by helicopter. The property is a 20,000 hectare sheep, cattle and deer ranch that has been in the Wallis family since 1995. In this rugged terrain, the family use helicopters like a family car, transferring guests from Queenstown and Wanaka and for excursions around the property and beyond.

They gather fresh crayfish for dinner at the lodge, and fresh fish and paua (abalone) may be added as a bonus. Botswana-born chef Leungo Lippe devises creative dinner menus with the experience gained in New York, Washington and London restaurants. The lodge is set in classic Lord of the Rings territory, and comprises a mountain kitchen where guests gather by open fires in comfortable lounges for meals, and four heated and insulated safari tens with en suites.

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