Milford Sound

Milford Sound Extended Heli Tour

Explore Milford Sounds’ stunning fiord from the air.  Fly past sheer cliffs and gushing waterfalls out to the Tasman Sea where you will land on a wild West Coast beach.  In Milford, enjoy a short nature walk before embarking on an exhilarating flight past spectacular rivers, valleys and mountains with blue-green ice falls.  Land upon a glacier/snow (subject to weather and availability) in the heart of Fiordland National Park before returning to Blanket Bay.

Fiordland Heli Traverse

Experience flying up close to 2000 feet waterfalls and traversing the majestic fiords.  Drop in amongst the New Zealand fur seals and forage for fresh lobster.  Hover over glaciers and land in the snow for photo memories against the mountain backdrop.  Enjoy a gourmet BBQ picnic lunch, with complimentary New Zealand wines and beverages, at a special location chosen on the day.  This is an unsurpassed experience, and unquestionably a highlight of any trip to this region of New Zealand.

Dart River Jet

Wilderness Jet-Boat Safari

Our private Dock serves as the perfect launch pad for this unique combination of breath-taking scenery and an exhilarating ride as you follow the braided, glacier-fed rivers by jet boat. Your guides give you their authentic touch, talking about the area’s rich history, the Greenstone trail and countless Maori legends. After tying up the boat, take a short walk amongst the ancient beech tree forests – an atmosphere you may recognize from The Lord of the Rings films.

Funyaks (kayaks)

Combine the exhilaration of a wilderness jet boat ride with a leisurely downstream float on the easy to use Funyaks (inflatable kayaks). Ideal for families to explore the truly unique Dart River.  Following the jet boat ride up the Dart River deep into the heart of Mt Aspiring National Park, travel back down river at your own pace in the unique Funyaks.  Explore pristine waters as they flow from the Southern Alps to Lake Wakatipu, hidden side streams with amazing rock pools and dramatic chasms.

Hiking



Routeburn track

Although commonly traversed over three days, many of this tracks vast highlights can be achieved in a day from Blanket Bay.  The track is one of New Zealand’s nine Great Walks and is maintained by the Department of Conservation.

 

Flats Hut And Back

Considered an easy section on the Routeburn, this section is perfect for those who may not be the most experienced hikers but still want to enjoy some of the Routeburn Track’s stunning landscapes. A relatively easy fifteen km return trip, this section is rather flat, sheltered from the weather and will take between three to five hours.  Highlights along this section include the turquoise water of the Routeburn River, Bridal Veil Falls, views of the Southern Alps and thick, untouched forest.

 

FALLs Hut And Back

Continuing on, the trail does become more difficult after the Routeburn Flats Hut. From the hut, you quickly gain a further three hundred meters as you make your way up to Routeburn Falls. Gaining elevation the views of the area become all the more breath-taking. Looking down back towards the valley floor is stunning.  Highlights of this twenty km five to six hour return trip, include crossing several small suspension bridges, Eagle Bluff, and of course Routeburn Falls.

 

Guided Walks

We can also arrange for one of our charming and knowledgeable local guides to accompany you for the day. They will meet you at the Lodge and take you to some beautiful remote places like The Paradise or Routeburn valleys. Learning about the natural features and wild life as well as the history of these stunning landscapes is a great way to get to know the area. For those guests who wish to walk without a guide we recommend hiring a car to allow easy access to the many walking tracks within a half hour’s drive of the Lodge.

Horse Riding

Working with Glenorchy’s most respected horse riding outfitters, rides of varied durations for every ability are expertly catered for.

Perhaps our most popular ride “The Rees River Trail” showcases the best of the region.  “This 2.5 hour ride caters for beginners, intermediate and experienced riders looking for a relaxed paced scenic trail. Designed to take in the stunning scenery that is Glenorchy, the Rees river trail takes clients across farmland and onto the Rees River. You will experience crossing glacial fed waters, ride amongst the lupin / wild flower fields, and be awe inspired by our beautiful snow-capped mountain ranges known famously from LOTR, Hobbit, The Chronicles of Narnia, Mission Impossible and Wolverine origins. Come and have a REAL Kiwi experience!”

Minimal riding experience required, but please note the weight limit of 95kgs/210lbs per rider.

Fly & Heli-Fishing

Blanket Bay is close to several of New Zealand’s iconic trout fishing rivers with the Greenstone and Caples minutes away by helicopter. Good fishing is also available nearby in local rivers and streams, along the lake edge or around the river mouths that flow into Lake Wakatipu. Trout have been caught at the mouth of Stoney Creek that runs alongside the Lodge.

The Season
November 1st to May 31st. Best time of the season Nov to mid Dec and March to April. Busiest time Jan – Feb. Rivers further afield open at the beginning of October.
Rivers
A number of rivers are within driving distance of Blanket Bay. Most rivers can be accessed by helicopter, the cost of which depends on the distance flown. It is best NOT to pre book a helicopter as the weather and choice of river determines the feasibility and cost of the flying. The decision to fly can be made the preceding evening. The rivers are mostly small to medium free stone rivers, holding brown and rainbow trout. Early and late season offer the best opportunity to catch one of our larger trout.
Guides
Two anglers maximum per guide. Daily guide fee approximately: NZ$850.00, which includes fishing equipment. To pre-book a guide, the minimum charge out will be a full days guiding fee. Additional Charges: back country fishing license, lunch and any helicopter time.
Cancellation Policy
Reservations are essential for flyfishing. Cancellations inside seven days of fishing date will incur a fee of 50% of the daily fishing rate. Cancellations inside 48hrs of fishing date will incur the full rate of day or days booked.
Anglers
As you will be sight fishing, it is often necessary to walk long distances over varying terrain, a reasonable standard of fitness is required. To further enhance your experience, you should be able to cast at least 30ft accurately and into a moderate wind. In other words, you do need to be reasonably experienced to be successful. Guides provide all necessary tackle. For those wishing to bring their own, the following is most suitable:
Tackle: Fly rods 5/6 weight with matching weight forward floating lines, dark colors are preferable.
Leaders & Tippet: 12 / 14 foot leaders tapering to 4x; tippet material 3,4,5,6 x
Dry Flies & Nymphs: Royal wolf, Humpy’s green and yellow, Adams, Pheasant tail, Hares ear to name but a few.
Clothing: Avoid bright colors especially white. Sand fly repellant is a ‘must’. Repellant is available to buy from the Lodge, if required.

Heli-fish New Zealand’s most remote rivers

Take a helicopter from the lawns of Blanket Bay to the most remote rivers of New Zealand’s South Island and experience some of the world’s best fly-fishing.

There are waters with Brown trout only and some with sea run trout (Steelhead). Within 15 minutes of the Lodge by helicopter there are many miles of wilderness rivers and streams, inaccessible to vehicles, and only accessed by foot with great difficulty. Helicopter access makes the most of these virtually untouched waters.

We will recommend a great fishing plan, arranging helicopter as well as all gear and tackle if required. Our guides possess ‘insider’ knowledge and can take you to stretches of water possibly not fished this season by any other angler, where you can stalk wild Rainbow and Brown trout.

If you are even more adventurous then we can arrange an exciting full day heli-fishing experience on up to three different rivers. A trip to Fiordland combines sensational scenery with unsurpassed fishing. Alternatively visit the West Coast where rivers flowing into the sea can produce sea run Browns at selected times of the year.

The helicopter pilots are very experienced and have extensive knowledge of the diverse Fiordland, Southland and Otago landscapes. They are all familiar with unique weather patterns in these regions, a very important aspect when flying in this mountainous terrain.

Heli-Skiing

HELI-SKI À LA CARTE – MOUNTAINS OF UNTRACKED POWDER AWAIT

Contrary to the perception that heli-skiing is only reserved for the extreme skier/boarder, with New Zealand’s unique geography you can heli-ski on moderate terrain (ski field blue run equivalent) with your own private helicopter right from Blanket Bay’s doorstep. The average Southern Alps’ heli-ski run is 750 vertical meters.


FIRST TURNS

Up to 6 runs

Experience New Zealand’s jaw dropping alpine glow and untracked snow. Be back to the lodge before lunchtime with this early morning private charter.

Groups up to 4 people.

$5,900/charter


SILVER

8-10 runs

Enjoy your own private helicopter for the day. The perfect option for smaller groups of intermediate skiers/boarders looking for complete freedom.

Groups up to 4 people.

$7,900/charter


GOLD

8-10 runs | 2 groups

Your charter option for larger groups up to 8 people to enjoy exclusive use of your helicopter for a day of uninterrupted skiing.

2 groups share 1 helicopter, up to 8 people.

$10,900/charter


ELITE

12-15 runs

The Southern Lakes mountains are your domain to find your dream lines. Make it the ultimate day of heliskiing with 12 – 15 runs!

Groups up to 4 people

$9,900/charter


UNLIMITED

Unlimited Runs

For skiers looking for maximum vertical and unrestricted runs. If you have the legs, we’ll keep flying. The only limit to the number of runs you make is the setting sun!

Groups up to 4 people

$13,900/charter

 

Golf

The Queenstown area offers several exceptional golfing experiences. Millbrook, with its 27 secluded holes over three individual courses, the challenging Hills 18-holes on the outskirts of Arrowtown along with Jack’s Point are all considered in the top 10 in New Zealand.

Jack’s point golf course is not only one of the most spectacular in the world, but as an 18 hole par 72 championship course it offers golfers of any calibre a challenging and unforgettable experience.

With a backdrop of 2300 vertical metres of the razorback Remarkables mountain range and an armchair view of an outstanding lake and mountain panorama, Jack’s Point Golf Course is not only one of the most spectacular in the world, but as an 18 hole par 72 championship course it offers golfers of any calibre a challenging and unforgettable experience.

The course works with nature, not against it. Designed with minimal excavation, the 6538 metre (7150 yard) course is built on the most spectacular of Jack’s Point terrain, weaving through tussock grasslands, dramatic rock outcrops, steep bluffs and swathes of native bush to the edge of Lake Wakatipu.

Just as the rough-hewn stone walls adjacent to the fairways evoke its high country farming heritage, so the entire Jack’s Point Golf Course has been designed to take full advantage of its history and terrain – raw, dramatic and wild. With preservation and restoration of surrounding wetlands, matagouri and native bush, each hole has been carefully aligned to a magnificent backdrop, offering the player a full 360 degree experience of the high country landscape.

Along side Jack’s point, Millbrook and the Hills you can also play the scenic 9-hole Queenstown Golf Club, the historic 18-hole Arrowtown Golf Club, as well as the local 9-hole Glenorchy Golf Club just minutes from Blanket Bay.

 

 

Wine & Arts Trail

The Southern Lakes region has attracted huge interest for its remarkable ‘New World’ wines, with the local varietals like Pinot Noir being rated amongst the world’s best.

Some of the local wineries, like the award winning Amisfield Winery & Bistro and Gibbston Valley winery also boast restaurants and tasting facilities in spectacular settings with cuisine to match. Here is the perfect opportunity to relax, have lunch and enjoy local flavours and superb scenery.

For those guests who would like to experience some of the rich local culture, the team at Blanket Bay can organise your day, whether self-drive or with a chauffeur driven car, sampling the local wine, enjoying a fabulous lunch at Amisfield Bistro and Gibbston Valley winery while meeting the artists at their studios.

New Zealand’s art and the artists themselves offer a refreshing insight into how kiwis continue to make a name for themselves on the world stage. Locally we are fortunate to have some of New Zealand’s most interesting and respected artists in residence; to be able to visit them in their own studios is one of the great attractions of the region.

 

Blanket Bay Spa and Wellness

THERAPY SUITE

Visiting our therapy suite, located on the lower level of the Lodge through the fitness center, is a fabulous way to optimise your relaxation and improve your wellness while you’re staying with us, but it’s wise to book ahead.

 

THERAPY HOURS

10am-6pm daily.
After hours therapies are available by arrangement a $100 fee applies.

 

OUR THERAPISTS

Yumi, our lead therapist, specialises in natural healing and has over 25 years of experience in holistic therapies and wellness practices. Having trained extensively in both Canada and her native Japan, she is incredibly passionate about your health and wellness. Yumi is joined by other expertly trained and experienced therapists. We will endeavour to cater to any specific requests, however it should be noted therapists are allocated based on availability.

 

RESERVATION & APPOINTMENTS

Reservations in advance are essential, to make an appointment please contact Guest Services by dialling ‘0’ on your room phone or see them in the Office on the third floor.

 

ETIQUETTE

Allow time to relax and enjoy your spa experience. Arriving 5 minutes prior to your appointment and turning off cell phones and their alarm functions are appreciated. Should no one be at the spa reception desk upon arrival, simply relax in the waiting area, a therapist will be with you shortly.

 

CANCELLATION POLICY

Cancellations within twelve hours of your appointment start time will incur a 50% charge.  If less than eight hours notice is received, full charges will apply.

 


Holistic THERAPIES

Massage

Using the sacred, powerful and intuitive art to release tension in the body, deeply relax your mind and rejuvenate your spirit. The following types of therapeutic massage or combinations are available with a level of pressure tailored to you.

Relaxation
Soothing and calming massage, using organic massage oils and balms blended with pure essential oils. Excellent for tiredness, insomnia, anxiety, digestion, female health troubles and more.

Deep Tissue / Sports
Medium to deep pressure massage with some pressure points and stretch techniques. Releases muscle tension, eases pain and improves the mobility and balance of the body. Outstanding after exercise or a long walk.

Pregnancy
Full body or localised area with special care and support given. Enjoyed in a comfortable position for the mother-to-be.

 

Reflexology

Embracing the ancient, holistic wisdom of reflexology, your therapist focuses on reflex points of the feet, corresponding to specific areas of the body. Applying comfortable pressure to those reflexes, reduces tension, pain and stress while improving circulation, eliminating toxins efficiently and promoting natural functions within the body. Amazing benefit for arthritis, migraines, back pains, anxiety and many other conditions.

 

Aromatheraputic Lymphatic Drainage

Revitalising full body lymphatic drainage with natural healing essential oils blended to your health condition. Improves circulation, reduces fluid retention, boosts immune system, assists recovery and prevents sickness.
Amazing anti-aging care, also excellent for tiredness, insomnia, anxiety, digestion, female health troubles, poor skin conditions and more. Great before and after surgical treatments.

 

Soothing Aromatic Foot Care

Immerse your feet into a warm, revitalising bath and scrub, followed by a soothing and hydrating foot mask and massage using natural essential oils blended to your preference. Relieves tired, swollen feet and legs quickly. Perfect after a long flight, walk or journey.

 

Hair & Scalp Aromatherapy

Deep relaxation for the head, body, mind and spirit. Neck and scalp massage incorporating natural healing essential oils blended with organic Argan oil, exclusively for your skin and hair condition. Hair, heavenly rejuvenated with an aromatic steam wrap.

 

Back Scrub & Aromatic Manuka Healing Wrap

Treat your back to a deepcleansing sea salt scrub followed by a warm healing Manuka honey wrap combined with essential oils blended exclusively for your skin, back and health conditions. Great for back pain and many other health and skin concerns. This brings you a wonderfully pleasant feeling.

 

Full Body Dry Exfoliation & Aromatic Wrap

Dry exfoliation improves lymphatic systems and reduces the appearance of cellulite. Blissfully followed by a warm body mask featuring natural healing essential oils, blended to suit your skin and health conditions. It’s a very detoxifying, nourishing and energizing body care.

 

Manuka Honey Intensive Healing Facial

New Zealand Active Manuka honey is world renowned for its amazing natural healing properties for nourishing, hydrating, rejuvenating, antiaging, anti-oxidant, anti-viral, anti-bacterial and more. It has a high concentration of natural vitamins and minerals which encourage your skin to regenerate and repair very quickly. Great results for dry, oily, eczema, sensitive, acne, sun-damaged, scarring and many other skin conditions. Safe and suitable for all skin types including pregnancy.

Experience our luxurious 100% organic Manuka honey healing mask on your face after a deep-cleansing and gentle honey exfoliation. Followed by a soothing face, neck and shoulder massage with Manuka honey butter. It will leave your skin soft and glowing.

 


 

WELLNESS EXPERIENCES

Wellness, from Ancient times and now days, has been aiming to create the balance of body, mind and spirit to prevent sickness.

Introducing some simple and helpful holistic self-care techniques to improve your health and wellness to practice for a short time, a longer time, or instantly where it is convenient for you to do in your ordinary day life. This introductory level of self-care can be done on a chair, sofa, bed or floor with cushions or mattress. Ideal especially if you have found it hard to make time to exercise for a specific time and length of your daily life, to practice yoga or some fast exercises, or to be on some specific food diet.

The following self-cares are to be personalised depending on your needs, shared individually or combined with other self-care. It works well for stress relief, pain relief, detoxing, immune balancing, and improving the function of your body to heal and prevent many different health conditions. Suitable for all ages.

The maximum number of guests per appointment is two. It is a great opportunity for you and your partner, family member or friend to experience together. Please wear comfortable clothes to attend.

 

Tai Chi

It is a body motion art with soft, slow circular and well-balanced movements. It helps promote internal and vital energy (chi) flow, and improves the balance and flexibility of the body, and organ harmony gently. You will experience some gentle Tai Chi warm-up motions and short forms, and learn how to feel and flow your ‘Chi’ better. Excellent for heart conditions, Arthritis, Fibromyalgia and so on. It can be done on a chair if it is hard for you to stand on your feet for a long time.

 

Lymphatic Stretching

You will learn simple yet effective stretching techniques for your lymph to flow better. Great for infections, retention, cellulite, tightness, dullness, cold feet and hands, digestive imbalances, pains and aches, skin conditions, insomnia, asthma and many conditions. Many techniques can be performed on a chair and lying down on a mattress.

 

Self-reflexology

You will learn the fundamental reflexology points of feet and hands and how to approach them for self-healing care. It is helpful to promote the functions and circulations of the body, eliminate toxins, balance the immune system and reduce pain, aches, and tension in your body. Great self-care to heal yourself and your family members.

 

Zen Meditation & Deep Breathing

“Zazen” in Japanese, Zen Meditation is a sitting meditation with natural deep breathing. It is a simple and peaceful way of clearing the mind, finding calmness and insight in ourselves, and improving mindfulness naturally. It helps balance hormones and autonomic nervous system for better sleep, concentration, reducing anxiety and pain. You will experience some introductory ways of Zen Meditation focusing on deep breathing either on floor with a cushion, or a chair.

 


SPA & WELLNESS MENU

Massage ( Relaxation / Deep Tissues / Pregnancy )
50, 80 minutes / $255, $395

Reflexology
50 minutes / $255

Aromatheraputic Lymphatic Drainage
50, 80, 100 minutes / $255, $395, $495

Soothing Aromatic Foot Care
50 minutes / $275

Hair & Scalp Aromatherapy
50 minutes / $275

Back Scrub & Aromatic Manuka Healing Wrap
50 minutes / $285

Full Body Dry Exfoliation & Aromatic Wrap
80 minutes / $425

Manuka Honey Intensive Healing Facial
50 minutes / $275

Wellness Experiences
50 minutes / $255 ( per class / two guests maximum )


PACKAGES

Zen of Relaxation
Soothing Foot Care / Aromatherapy Scalp Massage
1hr 20min / $425

Touch of Healing
Massage / Reflexology
1hr 20min / $395

Ultimate Synergy
Massage / Reflexology
1hr 40min / $495

Embraced by Honey
Back Scrub and Aromatic Manuka Honey Healing Wrap / Facial
1hr 20min / $425

Essential Harmony
Manuka Honey Healing Facial / Back Massage
1hr 20min / $415

Heavenly Bliss
Full Body Massage / Manuka Honey Healing Facial
1hr 40min / $520

Sense of Tranquility
Full Body Massage / Manuka Honey Healing Facial / Reflexology
2hrs 20min / $695

Blanket Bay Hide Away
Foot Bath / Body Dry Exfoliation & Aromatic Wrap / Manuka Honey Healing Facial / Massage
3hrs / $895

 

Any package can be customised especially for you.

 

Adventure Activities

From a leisurely stroll along the lakefront to a jetboat ride into the very heart of the mountains, the variety of options is incredibly diverse offering pleasure or excitement for everyone.

*Because of our mountainous region most activities are dependent on the weather.  With the exception of a fishing guide and the Funyaks, there is no need to pre-book any activities. Upon your arrival we can talk through all your interests and options, take a look at the weather and then book accordingly.

Jet Boat on the Dart River

Navigate deep into the alpine corridor of Mount Aspiring National Park, the challenging grandeur of the mountains and valleys will leave a lasting impression. Discover ice-capped mountains and glaciers, cascading waterfalls and crystal clear streams and pools, all while enjoying the thrill of being aboard your purpose built jetboat that picks up or drops off at Blanket Bay’s private jetty.

Funyaks

Begin the adventure with a Dart River Jetboat trip upstream, remove the sound of the V8 and replace it with bird song and cascading waterfalls as you paddle to Paradise in your inflatable canoe. Glaciers, rocky peaks, dense rainforest, crystal blue waters and shady chasms can be enjoyed from the serenity of your canoe. An adventure perfect for a family.

Bungy Jumping

For over ten years people have been thrilled at this Queenstown icon either by jumping themselves, or as official spectators. Bungy Jump (or watch) from the world’s first commercial site, or choose between four other heart stopping jumps ranging between 42 metres and 102 metres. Guaranteed to be an unforgettable experience.

Mountain Biking

Blanket Bay has Six Specialized bicycles are available for guests to use. Jump aboard and head off along the beach, or take a picnic lunch and venture further afield into Mount Aspiring National Park or Paradise itself.

Rafting

Experience the exhilaration of rafting on either the Shotover or Kawarau Rivers. No previous experience required- professionally trained guides will provide instruction and give a safety briefing. The more challenging Shotover River begins over peaceful waters, heading towards the exhilarating rapids of the lower Canyon. Flowing through the beautiful Kawarau Gorge, passing beneath the Gibbston and Chard vineyards, the Kawarau River offers a mix of gentle flowing water and mighty rapids.