Repricing paradise
Kiwis looking to sample a style of holiday normally reserved for the rich or famous may be in with a crack when luxury lodges reopen following winter shutdown.
But high running costs mean Covid-19 bargains may not last.
Specials could be discounts, localsonly deals, or stay and pay style packages (stay for four, pay for three) but even discounted prices mean you will still be making a heroic contribution to a business that may, or may not be, New Zealand owned.
It was common practice to create some enticing packages in winter for the domestic market, said Richard Rooney, general manager of Wharekauhau Country Estate in Palliser Bay, southeast of Wellington.
Rooney is also a board member of Luxury Lodges of New Zealand which encompasses 32 establishments.
‘‘As a premium product and service we are aware that Wharekauhau is not on everyone’s radar. However, taking factors such as a restricted border into account means we want to ensure we open ourselves up, yet retain that balance of exclusivity.’’
But the New Zealand resident specials planned for late June, when the estate reopened, would possibly only last as long as they normally did.
‘‘We do not see this as being the new normal for our room rates, as quite simply to produce the standard we produce there is significant hard cost.’’
November to April were the high international visitor months for such establishments.
Robertson Lodges, gearing up to reopen the Farm at Cape Kidnappers (Hawke’s Bay) from August and Kauri Cliffs (Northland) and Matakauri Lodge (Queenstown) in October, were also looking to tap the local market.
They were ‘‘excited by the prospect of sharing the properties with more New Zealanders, both return guests and those who may not have enjoyed the ‘lodge life’ experience before,’’ said publicity agent Betsy Pie.
Deals on offer were a lower price with more included such as lunch or access to resort facilities.
But lower is perhaps relative to what you consider high.
The Wharekauhau June to September New Zealand residents reopening package is still $995 per night per couple. That includes predinner drinks and canape´s, a fourcourse gourmet dinner, full country breakfast, take home bottle of Lighthouse Gin and access to lodge facilities and hiking trails.
While the limited-season local luxury deal at the three Robertson Lodges would set you back $776 per person, per night, with breakfast, lunch, pre-dinner drinks and canape´s, a choice of a` la carte dinner or five-course tasting menu, select wine and beverages with lunch and dinner with access also to golf or spa at each lodge.
Similarly, recovering from the stresses of the Covid-19 lockdown in a pampered escape at Taupo¯ ’s luxury Huka Lodge would not be cheap and not on the cards — until July at least.
A spokesperson said the lodge could not open under level 2 conditions and as it was expensive to run, it would do pre-planned maintenance and reopen in July.
The lodge catered for New Zealand clients now as well as international guests, he said.
Current rates on the lodge’s website price a three-night stay in the junior lodge suite at $1024 per person per night (May to September) as part of one package deal that includes stays at other luxury resorts.
The romantic Escape Together Package would cost $1321 per night per person, though as well as two nights accommodation for two, this package included: wine, pre-dinner drinks with canape´s, five-course dinners and breakfasts, private dining in a romantic indoor or outdoor venue, and a choice of two local excursion packages.
Such iconic accommodation providers would have to stay light on their feet, like many tourismdependent businesses, said economist Shamubeel Eaqub this week.
‘‘Businesses will need to pivot to domestic clients, increase their appeal to a wider group of people – which may require changing their mix of services, lowering prices, virtual tours etc.’’
Local tourism would not be enough to offset the loss of international visitors, he felt – compounded by the fact it may decline too, given economic weakness.