The owners of acclaimed New Zealand North Island luxury lodges Kauri Cliffs and The Farm at Cape Kidnappers Julian & Josie Robertson and family have purchased a third property, Matakauri Lodge near Queenstown, New Zealand which will open on August 27, 2010.

The latest acquisition gives the Robertsons a first lodge on the South Island, and will complement their two spectacular North Island properties.

Ten minutes from Queenstown and spectacularly situated on Lake Wakatipu, Matakauri Lodge currently has four suites and six villas, each with private balcony looking out to a dramatic lakeside and mountain view, and a lodge room, plus generous lodge and dining facilities.

Since the change of ownership, the property is now closed and undergoing extensive refurbishments and interior design by New Zealand designer Virginia Fisher, with plans to re-open as a third luxury lodge on par with Kauri Cliffs and The Farm at Cape Kidnappers in August.

Virginia Fisher hints at the new lodge’s style by saying, "it’s crisp and clean and full of natural light - and a bit more gusty and contemporary in feel than its two sister properties in the North Island. At Matakauri there was no real historical design reference to adhere to, so I was able to follow my instincts, have some fun with colour and add a touch of glamour here and there, always keeping comfort at the forefront. Natural materials will reflect the ruggedness that is very Queenstown. And huge bay windows will feature, taking full advantage of the gob smacking views", Fisher added.

While the Matakauri property will not have a golf course, like its two sister properties it will offer luxury accommodation, superb food and wine, exemplary service and stunning panoramic views.

Matakauri Lodge will provide an alpine lakeside retreat nestled in one of the world’s most serenely beautiful landscape settings, yet just a few minutes by car from all the attractions of Queenstown and the leisure activities this part of New Zealand’s South Island is renowned for.

New Zealand luxury lodges Kauri Cliffs overlooking the Bay of Islands, and The Farm at Cape Kidnappers in Hawke’s Bay, are highly regarded internationally and have received numerous accolades since opening in 2001 and 2007 respectively. Recently Travel & Leisure (USA) Magazine readers voted Kauri Cliffs the #1 Lodge/Resort in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific in the 2009 World’s Best Awards and The Farm at Cape Kidnappers was voted #2.

In the same survey, Kauri Cliffs was ranked #17 and The Farm at Cape Kidnappers #21 on the World’s Best Awards list of Top 100 Hotels overall, the only two properties in Australasia to make it into the Top 100 list!

Most recently Travel & Leisure (USA) Magazine readers voted Kauri Cliffs the #1 Lodge/Resort in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific in the 2010 World’s Best Awards- Service, and The Farm at Cape Kidnappers was voted #2.

Commenting on the acquisition, Kauri Cliffs and Cape Kidnappers Managing Director Jay Robertson commented, "we are delighted to be able to offer our guests the opportunity to experience the spectacular South Island of New Zealand and are truly excited about the plans we have for the new Matakauri Lodge when we reopen in 2010".

For more information on Matakauri Lodge as it nears completion, visit www.matakaurilodge.com

Lodge Tel:            +64 3 441 1008

Facsimile:             +64 3 441 2180

Email:                   info@matakaurilodge.com