The Lindis

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Set deep within the Ahuriri Valley, The Lindis is an exercise in quiet luxury. Recently named by the MICHELIN Guide among its standout hotels for Architecture & Design in 2026, the lodge has been recognised internationally for the way its architecture becomes part of the experience rather than competing with the landscape.

MICHELIN inspectors praised its “startling diversity of inventive architectural forms”, from the sweeping curves of the main lodge to the mirrored glass Pods that seem to disappear into the high country.

That sense of restraint is precisely what makes The Lindis so compelling.

Here, mountains stretch beyond expansive glass, architecture settles quietly into the land and the pace of everyday life feels very far away. Across 6,000 acres of private high country, guests can choose fly fishing, horse trekking, heli adventures, exceptional food and wine, or simply the luxury of doing very little.

There is a tranquillity here that cannot be manufactured. The grandeur comes from space, stillness and an extraordinary connection to place.

For travellers seeking something more considered, immersive and distinctly New Zealand, The Lindis makes a compelling case for heading inland.

Ahuriri Valley has always been beautiful. The Lindis simply knows how to let it speak.

A quieter kind of luxury has arrived in Christchurch with the opening of The Kilmore Collection, an elevated aparthotel concept designed for modern travellers who value space, ease, and autonomy.

Managed by The George, the collection introduces 18 refined, fully self contained one bedroom apartments, designed for extended stays and seamless city living. It is a considered shift away from traditional hotel formats, offering guests the freedom to settle in while still enjoying the consistency of a premium hospitality experience.

This is travel, redefined. The Kilmore Collection reflects a growing preference for longer, more immersive stays where visitors can anchor themselves in one place while exploring the city and beyond. It is a model gaining global traction, and one that feels particularly aligned with Christchurch’s continued evolution.

Positioned just moments from Hagley Park, Te Pae, the Town Hall, and the city’s cultural precinct, the property offers a refined base for both urban discovery and regional escape from Waipara wine country to Akaroa and the wider Banks Peninsula.

Importantly, the development also signals meaningful growth for the city. The Kilmore Collection is expected to deliver 6,570 new bed nights annually, with the potential to welcome an additional 13,140 visitors to Christchurch each year, contributing to the city’s revitalised visitor economy.

As Brook Serene Managing Director Bruce Garrett notes, aparthotels are one of the fastest growing accommodation segments globally, allowing guests to stay longer and experience more of Ōtautahi Christchurch.

Equally suited to leisure travellers, corporate stays, and those seeking a more flexible way to experience the city, The Kilmore Collection introduces a new rhythm of hospitality, one that feels effortless, design led, and quietly confident.

This is Christchurch evolving, thoughtful in its offering and ready for a more considered style of stay.

 IMAGES: Jarrard Johnstone Photograph

Discover more or book your stay
www.thekilmorecollection.co.nz⁠

This was a business trip and when Wellington calls, especially when WOW is alive in the city, you answer. Wellington comes alive when hosting their world-class festivals with travellers coming into the city to explore the unique cafes, bars, restaurants and to soak up that all around welcoming Wellington vibe. En route from the airport, we witnessed an array of street artists and musicians that the capital city is known for. We soaked up that vibe as we arrived.

Where to stay is always the question when traveling. This was a quick trip and we needed class and comfort as the day ahead was full of social commitments, events and some very fine dining. Naumi Hotel in Wellington was the answer. The stunningly designed boutique hotel is one of a kind. Upon entering off Cuba Street, there is a sensory experience that greets you at the door. Full of vibrancy and colour, the hotel lobby is the place where selfies were meant to be taken. An oversized futuristic floral art installation serves as the centrepiece in the foyer and groups of guests can be seen stopping to take turns to snap a shot in front of this beckoning beauty.

Lola Rouge Restaurant & Bar is full service, conveniently on-site and open for breakfast lunch and dinner. The intimate restaurant is perfect for enjoying a full meal with the option of private dining in their formal dining space. The bar is sprawling with intimate nooks and options for enjoying a cocktail and nibbles. Ordering is made easy with online table ordering that can be charged directly to your room so that you can sit, sip and relax without a worry. That’s exactly what we did with a cheese board and bubbles on order.

Our double room was colourful and modern with amenities to suit the most seasoned travelers. Comfortable beds, pillow options, hair tools, plush linens and all the rest you would expect from a 4-star accommodation. Room service was available and swift staff with friendly faces delivered our meal to the room with apt promptness. It was truly felt that we were staying in the lap of luxury. With Naumi’s proximity to town, you are spoilt for choice on where to go. Shopping, dining, art and entertainment abound. Ortega and Charley Noble, Plonk, and Aubergine are just a few fine dining options that were recommended to us and we popped in for a bit of everything. Travel Tip: For quick trips, why not book drinks and nibbles at one venue, have your main at another and then book in a late dessert at yet another. It’s a great way to sample the city.

Naumi staff looked after every detail of our stay making us feel welcomed by the north. The hotel hosts corporates, conferences, events and weddings so no task is to big or small to take on when it comes to guest comfort. They didn’t miss a detail despite the busy season and high influx of guests for the multitude of events that were on in town. Our room even had a few luxe treats to welcome us and enjoy upon arrival. Now, that’s service.

Needless to say, I will return. One night at Naumi is just not enough.

VISIT NAUMI

Originally published November 2024

Kia, Editor of CM