Blanket Bay Lodge

	Blanket Bay Lodge is a new luxury lodge that opened for the 1999-2000 season. This 13-unit exclusive lodge, owned by former Levi Strauss president and chief executive officer Tom Tusher, is on the 60,000 acre Wyuna high country station on the northern shore of Lake Wakatipu, two miles from the small town of Glenorchy and a 45-minute drive from Queenstown. The lodge was recognized by Andrew Harper's Hideaway Report by being awarded the Hideaway of the Year in 2000. A multimillion-dollar project, the lodge will appeal to high end clients with its unique, secluded setting, luxury accommodations, varied adventure activities and high end service, according to Philip Jenkins, Blanket Bayâs General Manager. (Note: Philip is an old friend and I believe one of NZ's top hospitality managers. Philip was formerly GM at Wharekauhau Lodge and Nugget Point Resort.)
Accommodations at Blanket Bay are provided in lakeside rooms and suites, filled with sumptuous furnishings and rich rugs. Natural materials are employed widely throughout, reflecting the lodge's special relationship with the environment and all rooms are placed to take full advantage of the magnificent lake and mountain views. The five intimate lakeside rooms feature their own balcony or terrace; king-size bed; built-in closet and ensuite bathroom with granite topped double vanities, separate shower and bath. Three magnificent 800 sq. ft. suites offer bedroom and sitting areas which have their own stone fireplace, capacious bathroom with steam shower and separate tub and 700 sq. ft private terraces, which feature heart stopping views of Lake Wakatipu across to the Humboldt Mountains in the west. The two chalets house four additional suites with the same features as the lodge suites. They reflect New Zealand colonial architecture and complement the main lodge through the use of shiest stone and timber beams and enjoy stunning views over Stone Creek and down the length of Lake Wakatipu, with the Richardson mountain range towering above. Dining is an integral part of the experience at Blanket Bay. The lodge specializes in Pacific Rim cuisine and offers guests an a la carte menu that changes nightly. Dinner is served at private tables in one of two dining rooms, both with views of the lake, as well as dining on an outdoor terrace or in a romantic candlelit wine cave.
	At the heart of the Lodge is the 30 foot high Great Room with its massive log fireplace, vaulted wharf timber beams and antique wooden floors. Relax by a crackling indoor or outdoor fire and watch the red gold sun set behind the magnificent snow-capped Humboldt Mountains. Other facilities include a spa, a steam room, a gym, massage treatment rooms, a game room and a lap pool. Experienced professional fishing guides offer some outstanding fly fishing options. The famous Lochy River accessed across Lake Wakatipu by boat; the Routeburn River and evening rise on Diamond Creek by 4WD or helicopter into some of New Zealand's wilderness streams that are within a 15 minute flight are just some of the options available. Fly or spin fishing from the lodge boat along the lake shore is an alternative for those that want a less strenuous fishing experience.