Luxury lodges and retreats near Queenstown
Queenstown is home to some of New Zealand’s finest luxury lodges and retreats, from gourmet luxury among the vines of Gibbston Valley, to a golfer’s paradise, or remote lakeside splendour.
Gibbston Valley Lodge & Spa
Gibbston Valley Lodge & Spa is set in the midst of Central Otago’s oldest vineyard. Stay in private villas with views over the historic, organic vineyards.
The spa offers a range of relaxing treatments with products using grape extracts, while activities include wine tastings, vineyard tours, dinner in New Zealand’s only wine cave, private picnics and cycle tours. The lodge built with local stone holds a restaurant where you can taste exceptional local cuisine paired with Gibbston Valley’s finest wines.
Millbrook Resort
From the moment you drive up the tree lined avenue to Millbrook Resort you know you’re about to experience something special.
This award winning 5-star golf and lifestyle resort offers a range of accommodation, including resort homes and luxury retreats, a relaxing day spa in a picturesque villa, a health and fitness centre and five restaurants. It’s also famous for its two 18 hole championship golf courses and for being home of the New Zealand Open.
Stoneridge Estate
One for romantics, Stoneridge Estate’s rustic luxury is a haven set on the shores of Lake Hayes. The impressive lodge is built from native New Zealand timber, slate, and schist, blending picturesque historical elements with contemporary clean lines.
Sleep in the lodge, a delightful cottage, or a private retreat, all with magnificent views over the gardens, lake, and mountains. The private dining room offers a five-course degustation menu celebrating regional produce, while the cellar door is open daily for wine tastings and platters.
Blanket Bay
Set on the shores of Lake Whakatipu in the majestic surrounds of Glenorchy, Blanket Bay is recognised as one of New Zealand’s finest luxury lodges. Mighty schist walls lead to soaring spaces where timber and stone epitomise rustic elegance. The Blanket Bay Spa offers aromatherapy massages while a celebrated team of chefs serve up spectacular cuisine.
If you can tear yourself away from the luxury, you’re in the perfect location for wilderness adventures, with fly-fishing, jet boating on the Dart River, biking on the trails or hiking in Mt Aspiring National Park, horse riding, scenic flights, and heli-skiing in winter.
Matakauri Lodge
Only seven minutes from Queenstown on the shores of Lake Whakatipu, Matakauri Lodge overlooks three mountain ranges. Jetboat into the private wharf for a memorable arrival.
The luxurious suites have private porches and open fires, while a cottage offers private seclusion. Relax in the spa or take advantage of the infinity swimming pool and fitness centre, complete with sauna and jacuzzi. Then dine indoors or outdoors, overlooking the lake or request an intimate private dining room.
Azur Lodge
Set on a hilltop in Sunshine Bay, Queenstown is only five minutes’ drive from Azur Lodge but feels a world away from this peaceful retreat. Each private villa has its own deck and a bathtub set in a bay window, for a romantic soak with uninterrupted views of the lake and mountains.
Head to the main lodge for breakfast, afternoon tea, and pre-dinner drinks and canapés. The hotel’s fleet of cars will drop you in Queenstown for dinner, or you can dine in in the privacy of your villa, ordering from an extensive list of menus from local restaurants.
Blanket Bay Luxury Lodge
Luxury hotels in Queenstown
Travellers who prefer to be within walking distance from all the action, can choose from an array of 5-star excellence at Queenstown’s boutique luxury hotels.
Hulbert House
A historic gem, Hulbert House is one of Queenstown’s first grand houses, a Victorian villa from 1888. The house has been beautifully restored and offers historic elegance and contemporary comfort with a sustainable heart.
Relax on the sundeck looking out over Lake Whakatipu with a glass of local pinot or borrow one of the complimentary e-bikes and go exploring Queenstown.
The Spire
Part of the Eichardt’s Group, hotels renowned for their impeccable hospitality, The Spire is no exception. A sophisticated boutique hotel in the heart of Queenstown it combines opulent contemporary design and New Zealand art with indulgent comfort.
Rooms have their own fireplaces and furnished balconies overlooking the buzz of Queenstown. In-house bar and restaurant No5 Church Lane is loved by locals for its cocktails and Mediterranean fusion cuisine.
Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel
Although you’re only a few minutes’ walk from the town centre for easy access to shopping, cafés and nightlife, Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel overlooks the neighbouring park, the Remarkables, and Bob’s Peak, for a sense of leafy, green seclusion.
The spacious rooms combine contemporary luxury with a romantic flair. Complimentary pre-dinner drinks and canapés every evening offer an opportunity to meet fellow guests.
QT Hotel
A quirky lakeside haven for lovers of contemporary style, QT Queenstown’s confident, arty chic combines Scandi flair with modern art and a dash of eclectic bling.
The hotel has a pool, a concept restaurant offering a marketplace of international foods, and a relaxing bar overlooking the mountains for a glass of Central Otago wine or a peaty local dram.
Kamana Lakehouse
Billed as the highest altitude accommodation in town, Kamana Lakehouse offers you glorious dress circle views of the lake, the Remarkables, and Cecil Peak.
The hotel spaces are elegant and airy with vast windows. Immerse yourself in the scenery in a private hot tub or marvel at the vistas at the highest alfresco restaurant and bar in Queenstown.
The Rees Hotel & Residences
Choose from hotel rooms, apartments, and private lakeside residences at The Rees Hotel, a retreat with its own beach on the shores of the lake.
You’re only a short drive from the centre of Queenstown in the hotel’s courtesy shuttle, but you might struggle to tear yourself away from your comfortable room with a view, and the restaurant offering delicious local dishes.
Eichardt’s Private Hotel
A piece of Central Otago history, Eichardt’s Private Hotel was established during the gold rush in 1862. The goldminers wouldn’t recognise the old hotel now though, as it’s been transformed into a contemporary luxury gem.
Choose from lake view and mountain suites, lakefront apartments, a nearby villa, or a penthouse with indoor and outdoor kitchens, sauna and spa and Queenstown’s largest private terrace. Dine at Eichardt’s Bar or Grille for one of Queenstown’s best restaurant experiences.
The Carlin
One of Queenstown’s newest hotels, The Carlin aims to go beyond 5-star. Each suite has its own outdoor fire, spa pool, and treat trolley. You’re walking distance from the town centre but you can borrow an e-bike or get picked up in a Bentley, Porsche or Maserati if you’re tired.
The hotel offers spa treatments in the comfort of your own room, and a gym and infrared sauna helps you stay on top of your fitness routine. While restaurant and bar Oro offers Michelin-Star cuisine and live music, or a chef can serve you up a meal from your room’s private kitchen.
The Nest at Kamana Lakehouse
Private luxury residences in Queenstown
If you’re visiting Queenstown with your family or a group of friends, or privacy is your mantra, a collection of private, luxury residences curated by concierges offer seclusion and service.
Major Domo
Major Domo specialise in exclusive villas. Their portfolio of superb Queenstown residences include architecturally designed treasures, significant New Zealand art collections, and stunning views. The Major Domo team will welcome you to your villa, show you around, and leave you a welcome pack of goodies and luxurious toiletries.
Touch of Spice
Luxury concierge company Touch of Spice, curates some of Queenstown’s most spectacular private properties. From a lodge with a full-time butler, chef, and sommelier, along with tennis court, heated pool, spa, golf course, and sculpture park to an intimate cottage on the shores of Lake Hayes, Touch of Spice has something for all tastes.
Relax it’s Done
Relax it’s Done manage a portfolio of beautifully designed and decorated luxury Queenstown holiday homes with outdoor spa pools, saunas, wine fridges, and coffee machines. Your personal concierge can point you to hidden gems and local favourites, arrange private chefs, picnics, or deliveries of local goodies, book adventures or ski gear fitting, and sort your travel.
Touch of Spice, Bob's Cove