The Lindis is a lodge in the Ahuriri Valley near Omarama, in the high country of New Zealand's South Island. It stands on Ben Avon Station, more than 6,500 acres within the Ahuriri Conservation Park, a landscape of mountains, tussock, wetland and beech forest. The architecture is unapologetically modern and sits low on the valley floor, a striking contrast with country that has barely changed. There are just eight places to stay: two Master Suites, three Lodge Suites and three Pods, freestanding and set a short way from the main lodge. The kitchen cooks contemporary New Zealand food from local producers, sustainable fisheries and the lodge's own garden. Days are spent fly-fishing on the rivers and riding through the valley, and at night the sky here is among the darkest in the world. Guests arrive by road or by helicopter from Queenstown or Christchurch, and the reservations team arranges every transfer.
- Rooms
- Eight suites: two Master Suites, three Lodge Suites and three Pods
Insider tip Arrive by helicopter from Queenstown, which the reservations team can arrange, for a first view of the valley from the air.
Why I choose it It is a small, remote lodge with real cooking and some of the darkest night skies anywhere, a quiet counterpoint to Queenstown on a South Island journey.