Kick off with Relais & Chateaux at the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand

New Zealand is playing host to the sporting spectacle of the year, the 2011 Rugby World Cup, and Relais & Châteaux invites you to experience the event via its six exceptional hotels and lodges.

 

From September 9 to October 23 the games will play out in sporting arenas throughout the country. With rugby tickets still available for sale, this is the perfect opportunity to experience the food, wine and stunning wilderness for which New Zealand is renowned.

 

Fine food and wine is at the very heart of Relais & Châteaux’s raison d’être and each property boasts talented and dedicated chefs who delight in providing world class cuisine in exceptional surrounds. These properties provide indulgent escapes all around the country, to which rugby lovers can retreat pre- or post-match with their friends, partners or families.

 

To catch the games in New Zealand’s cultural capital of Auckland, the iconic Mollies Hotel is ideal, only minutes from the city. What’s more, Mollies will satisfy both the rugby and classical music fanatic, with regular classical piano recitals alongside their standout nightly degustation dinners.

 

The Farm at Cape Kidnappers on the shores of Hawkes Bay is close to matches in the Art Deco town of Napier. The spectacular Cape Kidnappers Golf Course, on the lodge’s doorstep, regularly wins awards as it is one of the world’s most beautiful courses, with its dramatic coastal setting, and has an interesting and challenging layout. The lodge houses an indulgent spa with valley and sea views, a fitness centre and acclaimed dining room.

 

Further north, the unspoilt natural beauty of Matauri Bay is home to Kauri Cliffs Lodge, close to Whangarei, which will host two major rugby matches. Set on another world class golf course, Kauri Cliffs also offers a sublime spa, where guests can take a relaxing break from the games.

 

On the south island, Matakauri Lodge is a 3.5 hour drive away from matches in Dunedin and offers a supremely peaceful alpine retreat on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, with stunning views across the water of the Remarkables mountain range. Queenstown is New Zealand’s adventure sports capital, ideal for those seeking a dose of adrenalin with their World Cup experience.

 

Also in the heart of New Zealand’s famed Otago wine region, which is known for its magnificent pinot noirs, is Whare Kea Lodge and Mountain Chalet. Set on the shores of picturesque Lake Wanaka and near the foot of the majestic Southern Alps, Whare Kea provides a gateway to a land of stunning wilderness treks, scenic mountain bike tours or helicopter rides over spectacular mountain passes.

 

Finally, historic Otahuna Lodge is in pretty Canterbury, a region known for its wonderful gardens and beautiful scenery. Step back in time at this meticulously restored seven-suite manor home, where guests can rest and revive post-tournament amid the lodge’s beautiful heritage-listed gardens.

 

The nightly degustation is a highlight, showcasing the region’s best seasonal fare from duck and venison to truffles and chevre, and fresh produce from the Lodge’s own potager.

 

To make a hotel reservation in Australia or New Zealand, phone the Sydney reservations office on  +61 (0)2 9299 2280 or email rc-australia@relaischateaux.com

 

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About Relais & Châteaux

Relais & Châteaux is an exclusive collection of 500 of the finest hotels and gourmet restaurants in 60 countries.

Established in France in 1954, the Association’s mission is to spread its unique art de vivre across the globe by selecting outstanding properties with a truly unique character.

Furthermore, Relais & Châteaux is also a family of hoteliers and Grands Chefs from all over the world who share a passion for and a personal commitment to ensuring their guests is privy to moments of exceptional harmony.  To choose Relais & Châteaux is to experience an unforgettable celebration of the senses.

From the vineyards in Napa valley to the beaches in Bali, from the olive trees in Provence to the lodges in South Africa, Relais & Châteaux offers a chance to explore the Route du Bonheur and discover a special place in a variety of destinations.

The Relais & Châteaux signature reflects this ambition:

“ALL AROUND THE WORLD, UNIQUE IN THE WORLD.“

www.relaisChâteaux.com

 

About the Rugby World Cup

Tickets are still available to the games, which run from 9 September to 23 October

For more visit www.rugbyworldcup.com