The best of hideaways in NZ - just an occupational hazard!

This was to be the luxury trip to end all luxury trips: staying at four of the best resorts in New Zealand - three of them judged among the best hideaway spots in the world.

The assignment: Six days and seven nights to enjoy Matakauri, Blanket Bay, Eichardt's and Millbrook in and around Queenstown. It all promised to go smoothly. But sometimes things don't go as planned.

After a week of glorious weather, my wife Chrissy and I boarded our Air New Zealand 737 in Christchurch. This was like our second honeymoon. I felt excited. It had been months in the making; planning, booking, all sorts of surprises - above all romantic.

We'e sitting on the tarmac, the door to the plane closed for half an hour before the pilot says the winds are too strong in Queenstown. The flight is cancelled and little chance of another flight that stormy day, the first of the school holidays. It would have been the end of our dreams...but along came Jucy to the rescue.

They provided a spanking new car at moment's notice. They were fantastic - again! Their Christchurch staff were great.

So instead of being in Queenstown at 11am, we rocked into the Adventure Capital of the world at 5pm - exhausted - and threw ourselves at the mercy of the outstanding staff at Matakauri Lodge - one of the top 101 hotels of the world according to Tatler magazine.

General manager Grant Alley and his staff were first rate - our room had a stunning view - we were in heaven. Finally things were going out way. We had a lovely meal and always a superb view.

Next day we go on a romantic cruise to Walter Peak on the Earnslaw, known as the Lady of the Lake. Then I surprise her in the afternoon that we have a helicopter ride around the area, with Heliworks. Our pilot Steve Scott is a fantastic guy. Heliworks has been involved in filming Peter Jackson's movies. Another of their pilots Alfie Speight is big in the Kiwi film industry. But I got so air sick - and there was no bump on the journey at all. We had to turn back early because I felt too nauseas.

We get back to our sanctuary at Matakauri, among the tui, native frogs and lakeside setting. Then we discover our daughter is sick and my wife has to return home tomorrow. Our meal of outstanding quality and superb service lifted our spirits.

I drop Chrissy off next day at Queenstown airport - and head in my Jucy car to Blanket Bay, one of the two most romantic hideaways in the world, on my own.

Blanket Bay is a place every couple who can save $1500 once in their life should go and spend a night at. It is the grandest lodge ever. I loved the heavily texture wood : massive grey weathered supports and fine furniture pieces with burnished rich patina. Philip Jenkins is a brilliant general manager with a superb dry wit. The local staff were excellent. Unlike some lodges, Philip insisted there was no dress code.

Go google Blanket Bay - it wins awards everywhere. Their games room was a real bloke's den - with a free bar. I went for a 30 minute run through the bush and then around the shore edge of the lake back to the hotel. No problem. My seared grouper meal and Amisfield pinot made me feel even better.

Next morning - I am in ACL knee agony.  I drive my Jucy back to Queenstown, where I spend the night at Eichardt's - judged the best small hotel in the world three or four years ago. I can barely walk.

Victoria, Charlotte, Catherine and all the Eichardt's staff could not be more caring and helpful.

I go out for dinner on the Steamer Wharf at the Wai, which according to the Cafe magazine is one of the best restaurants in NZ. I can see why!  I melted on the line caught grouper - flown in especially for Wai from Fiordland.  And all washed down by a stunning glass of Mt Difficulty riesling. See: www.wai.net.nz

In the morning I drive my little blue Jucy car to the expansive resort of Millbrook - and had to cancel golf because of the knee. I have to get around everywhere on a kart! I loved the painting in my villa lounge - because behind it is the tv!

Sarah Stacey looks after me and I want to return to Millbrook after the $500 million Millbrook West extension is finished.  The Jucy tour of the best destinations is over.

- Kip Brook, Word of Mouth Media NZ