 "At home amid high country history."
The Southern Alps are New Zealand at its best. Nestled here in the mountains of the South Island, historic Grasmere Lodge is a country retreat of unrivalled charm and distinction. This traditional New Zealand high country station (ranch), set amid 2500-metre peaks, is a haven for those in need of relaxation and a wonderland retreat for those seeking adventure.
The original wing of Grasmere Lodge was built of limestone in 1858. A previous owner, David MacLeod wrote several books here that made the property and region famous. Present owner, Oliver Newbegin, has extended the Lodge to create a memorable retreat with 12 rooms, housing just 24 guests amid comforts that include a jacuzzi in each en-suite bathroom. A stay at Grasmere is a sojourn to savour, from its memorable cuisine — especially the local meat and game — and wines, to the high country excursions.
Horse riding, skiing and heli-skiing, hunting with guides, hiking and farm tours are readily available. The lodge has its own tennis court and croquet lawn, as well as kayaks and mountain bikes. Try fly fishing at one of the five lakes and rivers in the vicinity. For the discerning guest, Grasmere Lodge offers the highest level of hospitality amid a wild and inspiring landscape.
"Elegant yet casual."
Dinner at Grasmere Lodge is an integral part of the whole experience, where the chefs provide the best of local seasonal New Zealand produce. Complimentary pre-dinner drinks and canapés, often in the form of a premium New Zealand wine-tasting, are a chance to meet other guests.
Usually guests sit together at one table, like a dinner party with friends, and enjoy wide ranging conversation. There are other options for families or couples who want a more private or intimate setting, such as the fireside Hawdon room, or the glass-topped Conservatory beside the rose garden, particularly beautiful in the summer.
Dinner may include farm raised venison, lamb, salmon, or regional seafood, accompanied by a choice from an extensive wine list from the cellar of award-winning New Zealand wines. Following dinner, coffee, tea and handmade chocolates are served in the lounge, with port and whisky.
Guests are requested to advise Grasmere of food preferences or allergies. With advance notice, the chefs can design the menu around any diet restrictions.
Dining at Grasmere is a special experience in more than one way. The Chefs Scott Hannon and Jude Eakin choose the freshest produce and create dishes that are balanced in flavour and composition to create maximum delight.
The Chefs offer carefully balanced 5-course table d’hôte menus that change daily to create absolute enjoyment for gastronomes.
The first course might be a flavoursome Salmon Tortellini with a Green Pea Sauce or a beautiful Beef Consummé with Cheese Straws both accompanied by a cool crisp Marlborough Chardonnay. The next course could well be a fragrant Tomato and Feta Tartlet or succulent Garlic Tiger Prawns. After the first two courses the palate is prepared with a fruity sorbet for more delights to come.
For the main course a tender Roast Five-Spice Duck Breast with an Onion Tart Tatin and Aniseed Jus best enjoyed with a Hawkes Bay Merlot may be awaiting. Alternatively an Oven-Baked Loin of Lamb marinated with Rosemary and Garlic served with a Mint and Tequila Demi-Glaze accompanied by an Otago Pinot Noir could be on the menu.
For dessert the chefs create delicious delicacies like Pears Poached in Wine served with a Vanilla Bean Sabayon and Double Chocolate Frozen Terrine.
After this beautiful dinner, coffee, tea and handmade chocolates are served in the lounge – with port, whisky and other digestives available. Grasmere offers one of the best selections of single malt Scotches in New Zealand.
Grasmere has its own wine cellar with a well-selected variety of premium New Zealand wines. You will be able to taste the wines at their best in combination with the beautifully prepared gourmet dishes Hannon and Eakin serve.
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(5 stars)