One of New Zealand’s greatest walks is offering business and corporate groups the chance to ‘go bush’ in style by opening a secluded West Coast lodge for the first time over winter.
Martins Bay Lodge on the Hollyford Track
Set amidst spectacular Fiordland National Park ‘World Heritage’ scenery, guided walk operator Hollyford Track Guided Walks is opening its well-appointed Martins Bay Lodge to small conference and meeting groups on its new ‘Premier Management Retreat’ package.
Martins Bay Lodge, located at the entrance to the remote and dramatic Hollyford Valley, is set to become the venue for New Zealand’s most exclusive small group meeting experience.
Unlike other remote hiking lodges in the South Island, Martins Bay Lodge is available throughout winter as the perfect venue to stimulate and motivate teams, according to Hollyford Track Manager Mick Holzmann.
“This is the first time Hollyford Track Guided Walks has opened one of its lodges over winter and we recognise that there’s a niche in the C&I market for a meeting venue with a difference,” he said.
“There are some fantastic ‘break-out’ experiences to choose from which include guided walks through impressive World Heritage wilderness, native wildlife encounters, exhilarating wilderness jet-boating, exploring historical sites and scenic flights.”
The communication challenge of operating in such a secluded environment has become a unique point of difference of the experience.
“The remote location of the Hollyford Valley means we have satellite phone and satellite email coverage, but no cellphone coverage,” said Holzmann. “We think that will mean a fully-focused team in the conference room, with no-one checking emails on their cellphones under the table.”
The Premier Management Retreat package itinerary includes Queenstown airport pick up, a scenic helicopter or fixed wing flight to Martins Bay Lodge, full accommodation, catering and conferencing facilities each day, in addition to daily activities.
Martins Bay Lodge includes a dining and meeting area, twin-share bedrooms roaring fires, drying rooms, toilet and shower facilities with unlimited hot water, towels and hair dryers provided.
