Otahuna is amazing!! Jimmy McIntyre is a great chef with so much enthusiasm, and has singlehandedly converted me to carrot and orange juice for breakfast. It's a really lovely property and the owners are so passionate about its restoration, they really should be supported especially after the earthquake.

I just got back from Matakauri Lodge also near Queenstown which I loved. It's quite small and discreet with breathtaking views. If you're going as far as Christchurch I'd recommend heading down there.

I think that with the exception of SOL, the New Zealanders do a better luxury experience than anywhere in Australia. In Australia it's mostly branded and boring. There are some very interesting smaller properties, but mostly out of the cities and expectations need to be adjusted accordingly.