Tucked away in the mountainside, just off of the Gibbston Highway, Kinross Cottages couldn’t be cooler if they tried – but the best bit about Kinross is – they don’t need to try!
The Queenstown Wedding Association March 2017 catch-up was well overdue, and despite still rolling through the crazy time of year, we had over 40 members turn up for the most gorgeous evening out in the Gibbston Valley, and some extremely generous members helped in putting this together.
With a mixture of 5* rustic chic, organic produce, Jemima, Peking-Tom and Pat-Ay (resident ducks) alongside some of the best wines in central Otago – Kinross Cottages provides something for everyone in the most stunning surroundings.
Managers Adam and Lizzie Ross really turned on the heat and pulled out all the stops to welcome everyone into their little piece of paradise. Providing pours from their fantastic local wine partners Valli, Coal Pit, Hawkshead, Wild Irishman and Domaine Thomson, and delights from their very own kitchen (most of which uses seasonal produce from their own herb & vegetable gardens!) it was certainly a well-received evening of indulgence for those members that attended and didn’t have to drive home!
Just when we thought we couldn’t be spoilt anymore – Lizzie announced a raffle prize of a nights stay for 2 with breakfast – well done to Abi from Relax it’s Done who was drawn from the wine cooler – we are not jealousmuch!
Those coming from Arrowtown and Lake Hayes had the privilege of the extremely generous Neville from Remarkable Experience chauffeuring them, who regularly offers his beautifully restored 1937 Chevrolet bus for our events even after a busy day touring the Wakitipu basin. The most splendid way to travel to any event and an extremely memorable method of transport to transport any wedding party – with the added bonus you get his cheerful smile alongside some pretty cracking jokes and he is also a fountain of knowledge around the area.
While those coming from central Queenstown and Frankton got to travel at height on the off road monster wheels of the 4×4 NZ SKI Bus Charters, ensuring great views along the way. Driver Glen made sure everyone was shipped in comfort and style out to Kinross on one of their fabulous custom four-wheel drive buses and provided an opportunity for those who rarely get to enjoy a wine or 2 to get home safely!
A huge thanks to the very dexterous Jackie at Still Vision Photography, who volunteered her extreme talent and time at Thursdays event. Despite being behind the lens all day, she made sure we had some fantastic snaps of this awesome get together, and captured the true representation of beautiful Kinross and its essence of natural relaxed fun.
Although Jackie is focused on Wedding Photography at this time of year, Still Vision has a studio in the heart of Queenstown which provides casting services for stills and video for both commercial and personal projects. Based on Shotover Street, the studio is easily accessible and provides a reception area separate from the casting studio.”
The warm and professional greeting of the Kinross team makes you feel instantly at home when you walk into their General store and what an array of wee goodies they have to keep even the littlest of guests happy in there!
As a venue, Kinross is quite young, choosing to focus on the B&B side of things for the past few years. However, this season they have conducted many natural weddings in the winegarden & cellar, seating area for up to 60 guests and their smaller General Store as a pre/post party hang out for pretty much any excuse – be it an engagement BBQ or a birthday bash. Lizzie escorted us to their ‘ceremony spot by the pond and also soon to be ‘Willow Room,’ which will be able to cater for approximately 45 guests seated and many more at a canape or tapas function.
With 14 cottages, there is plenty of space for all the family and friends to spend the night before and after out at Kinross. This is one of the beautiful suites located amongst the 40 acres of green surrounds with mountains, vines & ponds in utter peace and quiet. With an outdoor hot tub and plenty of garden games to keep the kids entertained it’s a home-from-home feel at Kinross.
Not only do Kinross provide a fabulous backdrop for a wedding, a complete retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, wines to die for and food to fight over, they have an awesome local hang out haven. Mondays Pinot and Pasta night to start the week, a night off from the kids with movie nights in winter on a Friday, an abundance of meditation, family yoga & pilates classes throughout the week, a gathering for the community every Friday & Clan gathering from 3-5pm on the first Sunday of every month, Kinross is really the place to be in the centre of the G.V!!!
I feel we can speak for everyone who came along on Thursday when we say that Kinross is simply a hidden gem in the heart of the Wakitipu basin. Being a short drive from Queenstown its close enough for friends and family to enjoy the excitement of what’s on offer – without being overwhelmed and engulfed in the fast paced fun it provides.
Serene surroundings, an awesome team who make you feel completely at home, a venue that’s unspoilt, fresh and versatile and an organic, self-sufficient vibe threaded through what’s quite simply the perfect wee spot for any celebration!!!
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