Helena Bay Lodge New Zealand
Helena Bay Lodge
1948 Russell Road, RD4 Hikurangi 0184
New Zealand
www.helenabay.com
HOTEL INFORMATION
Group
N/A
Shareholders
Privately Owned
Date of Creation
1st November 2016
Hotel General Manager
Neil McFarlane
Hotel Positioning
Luxury Lodge, Relais & Châteaux, Luxury Lodges of New Zealand.
Development Strategy
HELENA BAY LODGE
History & Story
This region has a long history of both Maori and European habitation and there are five Pa sites (former Maori fortifications) on the Helena Bay Estate. An archaeologist’s estimate suggests that up to 250 people may have called this land their home. The first Europeans here were of Croatian descent. In the early days, Helena Bay had a first-class reputation for wine production. Focus on the farm soon moved to dairy and sheep, followed by establishing pine forestry and dry stock. In 2007 Helena Bay was purchased by the current owners and construction began on what is now Helena Bay Lodge.
Main Strengths, Special Touch
From the very first moment of arrival guests at Helena bay will feel the warmth of being ‘welcomed home’. The team take great pride in being the most attentive but discreet hosts, allowing guests to feel like they have the lodge and all its many facilities and activities all to themselves.
Location
Helena Bay Lodge is situated on the north-east coast of New Zealand’s North Island. Lying in a secluded bay we are ideally situated to provide easy access to the Bay of Islands and Poor Knights Islands. With over two miles of pristine coastline, four private beaches and countless intimate coves, Helena Bay Lodge is the ultimate romantic escape.
Key sites/activities in the area
Helena Bay Lodge owns the only Agusta Westland 109s Grand in New Zealand. A selection of scenic flights offering wine tasting and visits to some of New Zealand’s are available. The Poor Knights Marine Reserve is a must-do destination for any diver visiting New Zealand and the South Pacific and only twenty miles offshore. Horse trekking is a wonderful way to see the stunning Tutukaka coastline, with expansive views stretching north and along the coast.
Or perhaps a cruise around the beautiful Bay of Islands. Choose which Islands you would like to stop off at along the way to hike, snorkel or a kayak or paddle board around the many coves and beautiful beaches. Take a picnic lunch from the Lodge to enjoy on board in an idyllic bay or take ashore for a picnic on a white-sandy beach.
Fun Facts
A quirky selection of artwork from New Zealand and worldwide is displayed around the property.
Orcas and dolphins can be spotted in the bay only metres from the suites.
Children’s Corner
Minimum age twelve years old unless the property is booked for exclusive use.
HOTEL FEATURES
Accommodation
2 x Villa Suites. 135sqm. Large ocean facing terrace. Separate sitting room and bedroom. Log fire. 1 super king bed. Hairdryer, bathrobes, slippers, Molten Brown toiletries, complimentary wi-fi, Sky TV, telephone, in house movies, air conditioning, minibar, Nespresso coffee machine, safe.
3 x Junior Suites. 75sqm. Ocean facing terrace. Sitting area. 1 super king bed. Hairdryer, bathrobes, slippers, Molten Brown toiletries, complimentary wi-fi, Sky TV, telephone, in house movies, air conditioning, minibar, Nespresso coffee machine, safe.
Restaurants & Bars
All rates include pre-dinner drinks and canapes, dinner and breakfast. Our talented Chefs prepare a different five-course degustation menu every night, showcasing their signature dishes.
Helena Bay has brought the celebrated Michelin starred Ristorante Don Alfonso 1890 of Southern Italy to New Zealand. Under the direction and the influence of Don Alfonso’s philosophy of respecting the local food culture while incorporating the age-old traditions of the Sorrento peninsula and the Amalfi Coast, fine dining will define the hospitality experience at Helena Bay. Significant investment has been made at Helena Bay to offer guests ‘Estate to Plate’ cuisine. The menus, which change daily, are created following the Don Alfonso philosophy.
The wine cellar at Helena Bay houses has more than 240 selections and over 2,100 bottles of carefully selected New Zealand and international wines; some are true finds which, in the hands of our Wine Manager, are the perfect companions for the exquisite meals served in our many dining venues.
Wellness
• Massage – Our experienced and highly qualified massage therapists will tailor your massage therapy to offer a comprehensive and holistic treatment.
• Spa – Constructed to reflect the character of a traditional Russian Banya (bathhouse) our Spa World and pool houses a dry sauna, steam room, cool plunge pool and retreat room.
• Our gymnasium is fully equipped to include a treadmill, exercise bike, elliptical cross trainer, upper body trainer, rowing machine as well as free weights and gymnasium accessories.
• The central courtyard of the lodge surrounds a spectacular 25-metre in-ground heated swimming pool which is kept at 28°C (82°F).
Corporate & Celebration Events
Helena Bay is the perfect destination for small groups, hosting a maximum of fourteen guests in seven suites when booked for exclusive use.
Our expansive grounds and facilities open up many options for the perfect getaway.
Join us for Christmas or New Year’s Eve to experience additional entertainment including a string quartet and fireworks display.
Extra Notable Features
• Clay bird shooting on property.
• Farm tours available to visit Wagyu cattle, donkeys, alpacas, chickens, goats, pigs and sheep and see the working farm.
• Three vegetable gardens where guests can see the produce for the days menu.
• Ocean fishing on property – catch a Snapper and bring it back for chef to prepare an incredible dish
• Over 15km of tracks and trails to explore on our 800 acre property.
• Electric vehicle charging available
Hotel and restaurant Awards
2016
Wine Spectator Award of Excellence 2018 & 2019
La Liste Top 1000 Restaurants in the World 2018 & 2019
World Luxury Hotel Awards – Regional Winner: Australasia – Luxury Beach Lodge 2018
Conde Nast Hot List 2017
Robb Report Best of the Best 2017
Travel & Leisure It List 2016
Number of employees
55