Helena Bay, Bay of Islands

Helena Bay offers luxury suites and outstanding hospitality in a renowned area of outstanding natural beauty. Helena Bay's ocean frontage of 800 acres includes three kilometres of pristine coastline, four private beaches and many intimate coves. In 2010 National Geographic Traveler Magazine ranked this location second-equal in The World's Top Rated Islands, Coastlines and Beaches.

LOCATION

Located just south of the famous Bay of Islands, Helena Bay may be accessed by either an Air New Zealand domestic flight to Whitianga and a 40 minute drive to the lodge – or by helicopter in just 45 minutes from Auckland.

SUITES & VILLAS

Helena Bay can accommodate up to 10 guests in 5 suites. There are three 700 square-foot Junior Suites and two 1,450 square-foot Villa Suites. No expense has been spared when dressing these suites – the bathrooms showcase mosaic tiling, complemented with accessories by Labrazel from Italy and Swiss-made guest robes by Christian Fischbacher. Molton Brown products provide the finishing touches to ensure that every element of the experience at Helena Bay exudes sophistication and luxury.

Each suite, located metre's from the water's edge has an extensive balcony to admire the panoramic views overlooking Helena Bay beach and beyond to the South Pacific Ocean. Leica binoculars are provided for the opportunity to view bird life and with good fortune, visiting whales and dolphins.

The Main House

The inspiration for the architecture of the Lodge came from a desire to achieve timeless legitimacy in the region. For this reason styling ideas were taken from the early European buildings of the region - modern materials may have been used for construction of the lodge, but the appearance is of a building that could have been built a century ago. Guests will enjoy exploring the individual rooms of the Main House decorated with its eclectic artwork and treasures. Within The Main House is a library, 3 lounges, informal and formal dining areas and a beautifully designed Russian Banya (spa) housing a state of the art gym, sauna, steam room, plunge pool, massage and treatment rooms. Outside is an outdoor fire pit, a 25-metre heated swimming pool and an Astroturf tennis court.

Helena Bay has brought the skills of the executive chef of Michelin starred Ristorante Don Alfonso 1890 of Southern Italy to provide Estate to Plate cuisine with fresh produce gathered daily from vegetable gardens and orchards. Under the direction of Don Alfonso's philosophy of respecting the local food culture while incorporating the age-old traditions of the Amalfi Coast, fine dining defines the hospitality experience at Helena Bay. The accompanying wine cellar houses more than 1000 bottles of carefully selected New Zealand and international wines; some are true which, on the recommendation of the Sommelier, match perfectly with the meals served.

On the Helena Bay Estate there is a wide variety of activities available. There are trails for hiking and biking to the private beaches on the property. For those who enjoy being on the water, there are paddle boards and sea kayaks available.

HIGHLIGHTS

The Poor Knights Islands, which have been shortlisted as a UNESCO World Heritage site, lie 20 kilometres off the coast – these islands feature the world's largest sea cave and are populated by orca, dolphins and hundreds of fish species.