The new wing is connected by a covered walk-way from the main Hotel, leading on to eight beautifully designed Premier rooms, all with unobstructed views over the property’s native rainforest canopy to the Waitemata Harbour, Auckland Harbour Bridge and Rangitoto Island.

The development is the vision of Reg Nevill-Jackson, son of Captain Nevill-Jackson who purchased the land in 1940 to create a family home estate and protect the vast stands of native trees on the property.

By the 1980s the property had expanded to become a family-run boutique hotel with Reg and his brother Hugh Nevill-Jackson involved in the business. The Waitakere Estate became a member of the Heritage Collection in 2011.

The South Wing development took several years from design conception, through the planning approval phase to the building completion. It required a lot of patience but it was worth it, according to Reg Nevill-Jackson.

“Through a combined effort from our architect, builders and interior designers, we feel we have managed to build a new wing sympathetic to the existing hotel. We want to thank Haydn and Rollett and Stewart Harris of MacIntosh Harris for the interior design. The Premier rooms are as lovely as the views they survey,” said Reg Nevill-Jackson.

On the ground floor of the South Wing is a dedicated health spa, with sauna, gym and a large sun-lit space for yoga classes, opening out through wall to ceiling glass doors on to a lawn terrace. Purpose-built massage and beauty treatment rooms complete the aesthetic and restful space.

See also: SO/ Auckland hotel opens its doors

Attending the event, was Graham Yan, Chief Executive Officer of Heritage Hotel Management Ltd.

“As hoteliers we understand the courage and vision there is to stage a new development. We applaud Reg’s hard work in realising the South Wing development, an enhancement to what was already a very special property. The outstanding new facilities here will take the hotel to a new level. The property is a real asset to the West and the Heritage Collection,” said Graham Yan.

The Heritage Collection Waitakere Estate, set on Scenic Drive, just 35 minutes from Auckland’s CBD, is positioned high in the Waitakere Ranges and as well as boasting Auckland harbour and city views, has its own vast 29-hectare native forest and even a private bush walk.

As well as the new Premier rooms, the property has an array of well-appointed guest rooms, garden apartments, a luxury two-bedroom gatehouse, plus, a two-bedroom apartment.

The hotel’s popular restaurant embraces more of the wondrous views and offers delicious cuisine, with dietary needs a speciality, and is open to in-house and casual guests. The hotel’s high tea service on weekends is legendary and very popular. (Bookings are essential).

On-site facilities include a helicopter pad, wedding chapel, swimming pool, petanque and croquet lawn, as well as three modern conference venues, for meetings up to 60 delegates.

Team building and holistic activities are easily arranged for groups, from abseiling on the property to a class of Tai Chi on the lawn.

The Heritage Collection Waitakere Estate is also available for exclusive events with the entire property available for private hire, be it a wedding or a corporate event.

Close by the hotel are an array of recreational opportunities including charming Titirangi Village with its Te Uru Waitakere Contemporary Gallery to browse through, or the dramatic black sand surf beaches of Karekare, Piha and Bethells Beach.

This romantic rainforest retreat is also the perfect spot for a proposal and with its own private wedding chapel onsite, the most memorable weddings can be catered for up to 60 guests.

Whether it’s a special anniversary, a weekend away or a corporate team event, the Heritage Collection Waitakere Estate is perfectly positioned for a most memorable stay.

Click here to view the Heritage Hotels website.

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