While New Zealand’s leading alpine resort has plenty to offer mere mortals, it also has some mind-blowing experiences for luxury lovers. Whether you’re keen on helicopter wine tours, picnicking on the edge of a mountain, re-setting on an exclusive wellness retreat, or simply relaxing in an expansive private hot tub, you can do it in Queenstown ­– all while soaking in a magical backdrop of mountain peaks and vivid lakes. 

Sip

For the ultimate in luxury, why not take a private heli to a vineyard? Take to the sky and explore the dramatic mountain ranges of the Southern Alps then tantalise your taste buds by sipping your way around the world’s southernmost wine producing region. Finish off your day of indulgence with a long, wine-matched lunch. Perfection! 

If you’d prefer to stay on terra firma, book a private pinot noir tasting with a winemaker at one of Queenstown’s award-winning wineries through Black ZQN.

Gibbston Valley Lodge & Spa

Dinner at Gibbston Valley Lodge & Spa

Eat

With an award-winning and competitive food and wine culture, there’s no shortage of incredible food experiences in Queenstown. Amisfield Bistro's Trust the Chef has attracted foodies to Queenstown since 2005, Rātā can be found tucked away in the center of downtown Queenstown, or head to Arrowtown and treat yourself to Northern Italian inspired fare at Ben Bayly's Aosta. If you're only here for a short stint, Alpine Wine Tours' Progressive Dinner Tour allows you to get a taste of some of Queenstown's top restaurants in one evening, with an entree at Amisfield Bistro, a main at Aosta and dessert and a night cap at Eichardt's Bar

For a truly unique experience how about a picnic on the side of a mountain? Over the Top helicopter company, run by legendary pilot Louisa “Choppy” Patterson, will pick you up and whisk you to a rocky mountain ledge with expansive views of Lake Whakatipu and the Southern Alps. There you’ll uncork champagne and work your way through a platter of meats, cheeses and fruit while taking in the staggering view. 

 

Retreat

Aro Ha is a next-level wellness experience where wellness meets luxury. Designed to regenerate your body and mind, Aro Ha’s programs are based on research that suggests we can 'fundamentally transform our physical and emotional health through our daily habits'.

Days are spent doing regenerating yoga classes overlooking Lake Whakatipu, eating plant-based and homegrown meals, enjoying restorative massage, hiking the surrounding hills and generally taking time to reflect and reset (while marveling at the award-winning architecturally designed buildings). 

Luxury Accomodation Queenstown Aro Ha

Aro Ha Wellness Retreat

Shop

Queenstown certainly punches above it's weight when it comes to boutique shopping. For stunning New Zealand and international designer clothing, jewellery and home-ware check out Decode, Moochi, Elle + Riley Cashmere, Social Clothing Co, Seletti Concept Store and Angel Divine. Each store has been laid out with the shopper in mind, with some stores providing barista-made coffee and delectable morsels that are thoughtfully displayed and just as beautiful as the clothing.   

Art lovers are also well catered for in Queenstown, with many local galleries dotted around Queenstown's CBD. Or, take your gallery tour to the next level on a private art tour

 

Stay

Owned by wealthy philanthropist Sir Michael Hill, Lodge at The Hills  has one of the most extensive private art collections in the country. Set in a glacial valley on the edge of Hill’s private par-72 golf course, it has a heated infinity pool, sauna, tennis court, bar, media room, helipad and room to sleep 12 guests. Book Lodge at The Hills through local concierge service Touch of Spice (which also arranges staff, including private chefs and personal guides).

Locate yourself in amongst the action at Eichardt's Private Hotel, one of Queenstown's original hotels which dates back to the late 1800s. Eichardt’s boasts a fine collection of luxurious accommodation, all situated in premium lakefront positions. Or get away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Queenstown at Azur Lodge, which consists of nine villas and a main lodge perched on an isolated hillside five minutes drive from Queenstown. 

Further up the lake towards Glenorchy, you'll find the world renowned Blanket Bay Luxury Lodge set in a private location right on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. Dine at their award winning restaurant, relax by the fire, or sit back and let the conceirge team plan your Queenstown luxury adventure. 

Cat-skiing at Soho Basin Ski Area

Soho Basin

Ski

Access some of the most remote and stunning terrain with a day's heli skiing in Queenstown. Reaching the top of a mountain in mere minutes beats waiting in line at a ski lift any day! With guaranteed fresh tracks and hundreds of hectares of skiiable terrain, you'll feel like the only person for miles. 

If you’re keen to ski without the crowds but you’re not keen on heliskiing, Soho Basin  is a great alternative. With 264ha and 500 vertical metres of pristine terrain a one-hour drive (or 10-minute helicopter flight) from Queenstown, this private ski field is suitable for low-intermediate through to advanced skiers and boarders. Eat a three-course lunch at their private mountain hut prepared by chefs from Amisfield Bistro in between tackling leisurely, groomed runs or challenging off-piste skiing.