Bay of Many Coves, Queen Charlotte Sound, NZ

I was back in New Zealand last month and was able to see a few new (to me) luxury properties and stay at a few others I only visited for a short period on my last visit.  I am hoping to go back in September as part of a trip to Australia, but that isn't known for another few weeks.

Bay of Many Coves Resort is tucked way up in the Queen Charlotte Sound and can be reached by water taxi from Picton, which takes about 30 minutes.  It is a gorgeous ride and very comfortable, depending on which carrier you hire.  I used Cougar Line Water Taxi and highly recommend them. I stayed in early April and had stunning weather. The only other way to get to the property is by helicopter.

BOMC (as it is often abbreviated)  has 11 rooms, 6 - 1 bed, 3 – 2 bed, and 1- 3 bedrooms and 1 suite.  I stayed in the newest and most private two bedroom, which is also the suite, room 201.  It has its own hot tub and lounge area outside with sun chairs.  The two bed rooms are split meaning you walk into the villa and the living space is in between.  And oh is it glorious.  All villas have open views to the water.  No units have a bath tub as they work hard to conserve water.  The two and three bedrooms all have washer/dryer units.  There is no air conditioning and it isn’t needed with all the windows, the temperature being mild and the cool air off the water.  I didn’t take any photos of the other units as they were all occupied when I was there.

The suite, also known as room 201.  This is at the gate, upon entry. It is secluded enough I couldn’t get the whole unit in one picture very easily.  The patio was also expansive.

The common space was very comfortable. The pictures really don’t do it justice, it was very nice.

The clear square behind the table is not a dishwasher, but a fireplace! I didn't light it, so I have no idea how it works. I was excited feijoas where in season when I was visiting.

The coffee table had some really pretty glass coasters I almost purchased.  They are made by a local artisan.  They had binoculars, books, etc out for guests.

But the views.  They were amazing.  I really could have sat on this patio all day.  The patio doors open so the living room and kitchen are fully exposed.

The bedrooms are near identical.  One had a slightly larger shower than the other is the only difference. The little bags on the bed are lavendar buds.

This is the bedroom I stayed in:

The bathroom amenities are a popular New Zealand brand, Evolu, that I do really like.  I personally do not mind properties that have full size toiletries as opposed to trial/disposable as long as they are high quality.  I like to be conservative, where possible.

The first two things I noticed was the smell and sound.  It smells of honey everywhere and is heavenly.  The smell comes from the Manuka trees.  And it is extremely quiet.  You hear an occasional boat here and there, but the rest of the time it is pretty much nothing but birds.  This is another place you go to escape.

What is there to do? Plenty.  I had a short afternoon and did stand up paddle boarding, hiked to the water fall (although in autumn it was just a trickle), soaked in my Jacuzzi tub and saw glow worms.  There is a lot of hiking, options for kayaking and other boating and then many things can be arranged, such as fishing charters. Or, just do nothing, which many of the guests do.  The rooms and the views are great for reading books, relaxing, and just slowing down.  This is a view of the pool, which does overlook the water.  Everything at the property is designed to face the water.

The property has a heli pad, which is quite impressive when you see it.  There is a café for lunch and many boater will pull in just for it.

The food needs to be addressed.  It is delicious!!! Any foodie would absolutely fall over themselves here.  I will let my evening meal speak for itself:

Breakfast was just amazing and shown in the collage above.  I had banana pancakes with bacon and a flat white.  It was a culinary delight.  The picture below has a view of the main lodge, which is the building on the right and is bigger than the others.  Breakfast is usually taken on the lower level and the evening meal on the upper level.

A few notes to keep in mind – if you have mobility issues, please make sure your travel advisor knows.  The property is built on the side of a hill and the lower villas are definitely the better for those with issues to stay.  Also, a two night stay really is the minimum one should consider, but 3 nights is better to really sink in and relax.  And if you are really into All Blacks rugby, the owner happens to be Richie McCaw's uncle. :)