Helena Bay sits among the inlets, coves and bays that form the Tutukaka Coast, on the northeast perimeter of New Zealand’s North Island. The lodge’s owner and his family travelled to many remote corners of the globe and some of the world’s most beautiful places during their search for a unique location where they would build their luxury retreat. Eventually they found New Zealand’s Helena Bay.
While the location is private and secluded, it is easily accessible from Auckland and guests can choose to arrive from there by helicopter on a 45-minute flight, or by road with a two-and-a-half hour drive via Whangarei. Helena Bay has been designed and created to meet the expectations of comfort for those who seek the opportunity to be close to nature, while enjoying hospitality.
The surrounding Northland region was the first part of New Zealand to be settled, by both Maori and Europeans, and the lodge has been inspired by some of New Zealand’s earliest colonial buildings such as nearby Pompallier Mission House in Russell, Waitangi Treaty House and Te Waimate Mission House. The architect, Greg Jones, was asked to create a classic group of buildings that would readily blend, and become at one, with Helena Bay.
Helena Bay will cater for a maximum of 10 guests initially accommodated in Villa suites. The property includes a three-kilometre coastline, with four main private beaches and coves.
Guest facilities include a gym, saunas – including a Turkish sauna, massage and treatment rooms, a 25-metre heated swimming pool, library, three lounge areas, both informal and formal dining areas and an outdoor fire pit. Gourmet cuisine and service will be provided to guests, with fresh produce gathered daily from the estate’s vegetable gardens and orchards, and meat supplied from the farm.
Investment has also been made in many conservation initiatives at Helena Bay, with pest and predator management programmes to encourage the return of pateke, kiwi and mutton birds to the property and re-planting of native trees and plants to enhance the local environment.
Helena Bay is scheduled to open in time for New Zealand’s 2016-17 summer season.
