Right next door to the lodge is the Rapaura Tennis Club, founded in the 19th century, offering six well-manicured grass courts for tennis games during the summer months.
Bring your own racquet or choose from a selection at the lodge and have a friendly hit or a formal match in this lovely rural setting.
“It was a typically crisp Autumn evening so we started with a glass of bubbles and delicious canapés beside the huge outdoor fire. We could just as easily have settled into the comfy sofas inside the chapel, now transformed into a cosy space for pre-dinner drinks, wine tastings, and browsing a range of beautiful NZ-made gifts. This was not our first visit to The Marlborough Lodge, but the first since the change of guard the kitchen. The menu changes daily and is a showcase of local produce with a touch of European flair. Portions are generous and our plates were bare when they returned to the kitchen. That says it all. The Lodge effortlessly combines elegance with comfort and under Karen's stewardship the staff are efficient and friendly and knowledgeable too. We locals are lucky to have a place of this calibre on our doorstep, visitors who stay here are just lucky.”
Donna M
“Wonderful Surprise. My husband booked us here as a treat whilst traveling around the area. It was a truly lovely stay. We wish we booked longer! The staff is brilliant and friendly - always smiling and quick to offer anything we might have needed. The property - WOW! It is incredibly well cared for and decorated to be current whilst maintaining the integrity and the history of the building (a challenge few people get spot on - they do!) . We will surely be back - hopefully when it is warmer so we can take advantage of the pool and more outdoor activities. Still well worth the stay in the offseason - the wineries are still open in June!”
Ellie Z
“Extraordinary luxury hotel. This hotel simply could not be improved upon! The building is lovely with an effortlessly elegant decor. We had a large suite with a second room for our son, separated by a huge bathroom. The room was perfect, with just the right amount of flair and panache without feeling overdone. Our bed was extremely comfortable and the linens were fantastic. The whole property has several wrap around porches, which are great for sitting outside and taking in the stunning views of the property, including a small vineyard. The setting is so serene — you are minutes from the local wineries and restaurants but you feel completely away from everything. We went on a tour with the gardener, who showed us the chickens (fresh eggs for breakfast every day!) and beautiful stream and plants. There are lots of citrus trees and gardens on the grounds. In the evenings, we enjoyed canapés and wine in a small chapel on the property, next to a roaring fire. And the food was delicious throughout! We enjoyed our evening dinners immensely and also had very tasty breakfasts, including local preserves and fresh juice. The staff was super friendly and made all of us, including our 8-year old son, feel so welcome. The manager was wonderful and made sure we all felt special. I would highly recommend this location.”
CK107 – San Francisco
“A must stay! This place is incredible - located on a great piece of property very close to the airport and has amazing views. It has great food and wine and the rooms and staff are great people. Outdoor fire place where they host pre dinner drinks every night - a must stay if you visit this area!”
Mathew K – Bedminster, New Jersey
