It’s only fair that countryside as good as New Zealand’s comes with some of the best roads in the world. However, there is more to a road then asphalt. With the right vehicle it becomes an experience, an adventure. The destination becomes less important and the joy of the ride takes over. The Porsche Macan is one such ride. It turns just another drive into something to be savoured, a new way of seeing the country.
NZ Life & Leisure was handed the keys to a Porsche Macan on a wet and wild weekday morning. Trusting souls, the Porsche people. We spend a lot of time on the road scouting for the Insider’s Guide to New Zealand, which is how we found ourselves on the back roads to Rotorua in pursuit of the best of the region. With camp grounds and B&Bs ticked off, there was just one place left to discover: a retreat where driving an (albeit borrowed) Porsche through the grand gates sent tingles of luxury down our spines.
It’s a smart marriage, that, between the Macan and Treetops Lodge & Estate. The beauty of the forest drive in is heightened by the intelligence of the car, the little things like windscreen wipers and headlights that adjust themselves to eliminate distraction from the surroundings, and the three-litre V6 turbo diesel engine that takes the dips and slopes of the road with ease. One of our favourite features? The adjustable air suspension that can be set to “loading level”, dropping the boot by up to 50mm and making unloading a breeze, especially for those who, like our team, have trouble travelling light.
It’s only fair that countryside as good as New Zealand’s comes with some of the best roads in the world. However, there is more to a road then asphalt. With the right vehicle it becomes an experience, an adventure. The destination becomes less important and the joy of the ride takes over. The Porsche Macan is one such ride. It turns just another drive into something to be savoured, a new way of seeing the country.
NZ Life & Leisure was handed the keys to a Porsche Macan on a wet and wild weekday morning. Trusting souls, the Porsche people. We spend a lot of time on the road scouting for the Insider’s Guide to New Zealand, which is how we found ourselves on the back roads to Rotorua in pursuit of the best of the region. With camp grounds and B&Bs ticked off, there was just one place left to discover: a retreat where driving an (albeit borrowed) Porsche through the grand gates sent tingles of luxury down our spines.
It’s a smart marriage, that, between the Macan and Treetops Lodge & Estate. The beauty of the forest drive in is heightened by the intelligence of the car, the little things like windscreen wipers and headlights that adjust themselves to eliminate distraction from the surroundings, and the three-litre V6 turbo diesel engine that takes the dips and slopes of the road with ease. One of our favourite features? The adjustable air suspension that can be set to “loading level”, dropping the boot by up to 50mm and making unloading a breeze, especially for those who, like our team, have trouble travelling light.
Entering the gates of Treetops Lodge & Estate is like being given a pass to live like an Oscar winner, even if just for a night. The guestbook includes many A-listers but their names stay a secret. It’s a fun game to play, wondering who has walked through the immense doors and curled up in front of the roaring fire. Who has lost themselves in the layers of soft pillows on the huge beds or enjoyed a world-class meal showcasing the riches of Treetops Lodge & Estate, its lush vegetable garden and its home-grown game meats. The property offers 202 hectares of native forest to explore on foot, bike or horseback as well as fishing and archery options for the adventurous. Once the physical activities are out of the way, all that’s left is to relax in one of the two jacuzzis bubbling amongst the ancient forest.
NZ Life & Leisure met owner John Sax in Issue 2 and since then his property has come into its own, with world-class spa facilities and an on-site wild-food cooking school added to the long list of activities. John’s lofty Treetops vision extends far beyond fancy accommodation in beautiful surroundings. He talks of preserving a piece of paradise for future generations, of creating a sanctuary and reflecting the best New Zealand has to offer. And he is convinced that Treetops Lodge & Estate inspires and rejuvenates all who visit.
We reluctantly handed back the keys to our purring Porsche but with our loss comes a special opportunity for NZ Life & Leisure readers. Together the teams at Porsche and Treetops have created a luxurious weekend away for two, valued at $7000.
PRIZE INCLUDES:
A Porsche Macan to drive for the weekend
Two nights’ accommodation in a villa at
Treetops Lodge & Estate
Pre-dinner drinks and canap?s, a four-course dinner and full breakfast on both days
Entries close: 26 October 2014
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