Rich Russians enjoy local luxury

Rich Russians are coming, top-end Marlborough tourism operators say.

Therese Herzog, of Herzog Winery and Restaurant, said the arrival of wealthy Russians was a trend she had noticed this summer. They knew how to spend money and have a good time.

Herzog's specialty is a degustation menu of food matched with wines, priced from $136 for three courses to $248 for seven courses.

Top-end guests seldom gave their names, Mrs Herzog said. They often requested discrete tables. Many arrived by helicopter from places such as Queenstown and Nelson. "To us, they seem down-to-earth."

The wealthiest were seldom the biggest spenders, Mrs Herzog said. They usually ordered simple dishes or ate at the bistro rather than the restaurant, but gave generous tips. They tended to visit in groups of five to eight, perhaps including a guide, translator and bodyguard.

Top-end guests continued to visit Herzog from Europe and the United States, as well as Australia and New Zealand, she said.

Windhawk Helicopters owner Ben Barnett said there were a few high-end tourists about this summer, with wealthy visitors from Russia, Switzerland and Germany booking his services.

However, it was still too close to the festive season to see large numbers. "From now through to Easter, that's when you see a bit more of it."

Bay of Many Coves resort manager Pip Goodhew said the five-star lodge had hosted guests from Russia this summer.

The luxury resort in Queen Charlotte Sound was fully booked for January, she said. About 80 per cent of its guests were from overseas, mostly Europe and the US, and the rest were Kiwis. "We have people who helicopter in and out and pay $935 for a room and order wines worth $600 a bottle."

While guests enjoyed fishing, boat cruises and walking, many were happy to watch birds from their balcony and indulge in a massage, manicure or pedicure.

Raetihi Lodge manager Kate Whelan said the Kenepuru Sound resort had hosted big-name guests from overseas this summer, but could not reveal names. The lodge targeted the medium to top-end bracket, with most guests arriving from Wellington and Auckland for return visits of two or three days.

Destination Marlborough general manager Tracy Johnston said she was hearing "great things" from operators about general tourist business but nothing specific on high-end visitors. "They're having a good January so far, which is good to hear. I was in Picton today and it's just heaving. There's a general buzz, a great sense of excitement with visitors around."

Tourism was vital for Marlborough, with visitor spending in the region calculated at $208 million during 2009, she said.