Lindis in New Zealand: luxury lodge in the wilderness
Away from it all: The Lindis Hotel New Zealand in the Uhuriri Valley. (Photo: Sean Jeffers/The Lindis Group)
wild trance
The Uhuriri Valley in New Zealand is endless, wild and sparsely populated. In the middle of the valley is “The Lindis” hotel, which blends into the landscape like a UFO.
Nineteen people per square kilometer, subtropical and temperate climate, sea and alpine, biodiversity in flora and fauna, progressive politics, demographic diversity, the birthplace of The Hobbit movies – this and much more is New Zealand. In addition to its many smaller islands, the South Pacific island nation consists of a large North Island and a slightly larger South Island, which, if you will, make up the New Zealand mainland.
In the interior of the South Island, luxury lodge “The Lindis” is nestled in the Ahuriri Valley, which was once shaped by wild glacial waters and through which the Ahuriri River meanders gently today. The five-star hotel is an organic-shaped architectural artwork by the New Zealand Office Architecture Workshop, whose appearance gives the impression of an unknown flying object with camouflage effect. Not because he is too shy, but because he blends so harmoniously into the landscape.
Alone under a million stars
The ceiling is made of curved wooden slats, and the load-bearing walls of the central building are curved and house five suites, a restaurant, a games room, billiards, a bar, and a small spa area. The sometimes large window facades convey the feeling that inside and outside are one.
Three mirrored pods (pictured above) with their own spacious balconies complete “The Lindis” show. You are out of sight and a stone’s throw from the main building. Stargazing couldn’t be better anywhere. (Photo: Sean Jeffers/The Lindis Group)
Not far from the main building there are three cabins, each of which is about 20 square meters. Three of the four walls are always made of mirrored glass. Here you are alone under millions of stars day and night with a breathtaking view of civilization, and you can enjoy the distance and peace.
High on horseback – wild or leisurely. Both are possible. If you like it too contemplative, go hunting. The calm Uhuriri River is one of the most popular fishing rivers in the world. (Photo: Sean Jeffers/The Lindis Group)
Also, activities such as fishing, horseback riding, picnicking, and hiking are more contemplative than competitive. For a concern, that alone would be a challenge. As befitting as this hotel is to the Valley, the operators’ attitude is sensitive and unenthusiastic: regional food, preferably from the hotel’s garden, unaffected hospitality, which the culture of this place can convey.
The valley is named after Tu Ahuriri, who was chief of the Ngāi Tahu Maori tribe. The Māori word Ahuriri also means a dam or dam that protects against floods. Lindis in the Ahuriri Valley certainly protects from cultural sensory overload. Instead, the landscape of wildlife opens up here, as there is nothing more important than an adventure in nature – nice and serene, mind you.
Hotel tip
Lindis
The best way to go to the hostel is to fly into Queenstown (ZQN). If you do not want to travel in the winter, you should visit New Zealand between October and April. More information can be found here. (Photo: Sean Jeffers/The Lindis Group)
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