Matakauri Lodge
A six-star luxury lodge overlooks the snowy peaks and New Zealand’s gorgeous alpine lakes. This
location is second to none, the food is exceptional, and the service is exemplary. Prepare to be spoilt.
The lodge is owned by a billionaire US investment banker Julian Robertson in New Zealand, who
came to New Zealand in the 1970s. Named after a Maori legend of a giant burnt to death by his
jealous lover – his remains formed the S-shaped crater which makes up the Wakatipu Lake
(translated as ‘hole of the giant’). Made from stone and timber, Matakauri’s interiors include
deep sofas, large armchairs, and rich tones. The art collection includes Picasso among some of New Zealand’s most well-regarded artists.
The service is relaxed. With no formal check-in process; instead, the welcoming staff know whom
to expect and when allowing for no finer details such as signatures and credit cards. Guests are
welcomed with drinks – champagne on the terrace with a view of The Remarkables. Bags are
taken away to the rooms, as guests follow once ready with a spa option with two treatment
rooms, a whirlpool tub, a gym and a cold water pool facility—the hotel is surrounded by walking
and cycling trails and allowing for readily available bikes. There is an area for everything such as
bags, coats, and shoes tidied in its designated space. Renowned interiors designer Virginia Fisher
designed the interiors. Virginia Fisher, a well known for luxury lodges in New Zealand. Boasting
12 Rooms just a minutes walk from the main lodge, you can enjoy private outdoor areas with
separate lounges and bedrooms. The bathrooms feature double vanities, large showers and deep
two-person baths. Toiletries are held in ceramic pots; the mirrors are warmed to prevent
steaming and bath salts and foam baths waiting on the edges of the tub for you. Their Head Chef
is Jonathan Rogers, a Kiwi who brings meals to life with local produce. With a daily changing
menu, the five-course dinner is the best way to experience the region’s flavours. Must try’s are the
tempura oyster and brandied eel canapés, kingfisher Crudo with shellfish cream and pan-fried
tarakihi fish in a chicken broth. Every course is combined with the lodge’s exceptional selection
of regional wines. There are a simple buffet and short classic menu of full English, eggs Benedict and egg-white omelettes at Breakfast.
Hulbert House
Hulbert House has been beautifully restored to create a luxurious Victorian guesthouse a stone’s throw from the centre of Queenstown.
Hulbert House is located above the centre of Queenstown on the lower part of the Queenstown
Hill. With a six-minute walk to the lakefront, cutting through the centre of the city. Bob’s Peak,
the base for the gondolas is a ten-minute walk away. Queenstown Airport is an eleven-minute
taxi ride to view the historic village of Arrowtown, which is also twenty minutes by car.
Hulbert House owner has gone to great lengths to acquire soft furnishings, antique furniture,
custom-designed bathroom fittings and tiles, chandeliers, carpets, objets d’art and historical
photographs to create a live-in museum. The effect is excellent and bold. The elegantly
extraordinary Chinese print with royal blue and white carpets is just one of many gorgeous colour explosions to mesmerize all visitors.
Guests of Hulbert House are welcomed by an array of knowledgeable and accommodating staff
that is ever too happy to take the time to assist, chat, guide or even share a joke or two.
The bar and salon hold leafy plants with a turquoise printed wallpaper that homes the ideal
place for conversation and reading. It also showcases a beautiful patio area with spectacular
views of the lake and town. No rooms are the same apart from the rooms on the first two floors.
The first floor holds the premium rooms, which are smaller in size but boasts window seating
providing views that overlook the lake and the town. Gorgeous soft and fluffy linen and decor
from the walls to the floors, not leaving out the simplest of details. Each room is rich in style and
elegance encompassing a genuinely luxurious, relaxing environment helping you to unwind. On
offer is a lovely selection of teas and coffees to indulge in. The bathroom tiles are magnificent
and work hand in hand with a deep bath and a beautiful wooden vanity stand. The
The breakfast they offer is delivered with such beauty, hot poppyseed and lemon cakes with maple
syrup, wide selections of cheese conserve, bread, and muesli and fruit. Pre-dinner canapes and
drinks are the only other offering served in the salon. You have a variety of different drinks you can request and indulge in as well as Central Otago’s brilliant pinot noir.
QT Queenstown
QT Queenstown Hotel is located along the shoreline of Wakatipu, giving life to beautiful
views of each room’s lakes and mountains. Boasting modern style and service they offer a
buffet restaurant as well as a heated pool. QT Queenstown is a short walk from all central activity stations, including taking aways for lunches and bars. The QT Queenstown holds a black matte gas fireplace hanging from the ceiling over wooden floors, in the reception area. With long and high windows, this gives exquisite views and creates a beautiful setting with the right amount of light.
The QT Queenstown showcases colourful interiors with modern design and decor. They
offer a pool, parking, a restaurant and WIFI, of course. Guests receive a keycard for access to
their room and have the option to request their bags be sent to their room while they get
familiar with their surroundings. You won’t often find Hotels in Queenstown, offering a pool
facility to add extra satisfaction; their pool is warmed and located by the bar area for your convenience.
All rooms are decorated with modern arts and coloured in greys and whites. Bathrooms are marbled with grey floors, wall tiles and a large circular mirror. Their restaurant is wonderfully prepared for their buffet offering, from salads, bread, cheese, seafood to steaks, stir fry and curries. Must try included their: prawn ceviche in coconut milk and green curry, a veg-heavy satay noodle salad, and a tempura cauliflower dish. At Breakfast, pastries and fresh juices vie for attention amongst an omelette station and a range of Asian options including miso soup and curry.
The Rees Hotel
The Rees is a surprising choice for high-end travellers and celebrities. The Rees prides itself
on excellence, boasting apartments and suites. Elevated on Lake Wakatipu banks, The Rees
is enhanced with spectacular views of the lake and the mountain ranges. Not far from the city centre, they offer a free shuttle to and from the city that operates hourly.
With modern decor and sleek designs, whites and beiges and high-quality fittings and
finishings—timber furniture specifically designed for the hotel. The Rees offers a fireplace and a library, showcasing and celebrating their history. Attentive and professional service, the hotel is warm and inviting. Their laundry and parking services are complimentary. They offer a 24-hour gym and have a bike to hire. You can book and arrange Spa treatments in your room. Most rooms have lakeside views, with super king-sized beds, soft and comfortable linen, topped with fluffy pillows. Bathroom floors are heated and adding extra comfort they have Marino carpets, especially for winter. Their toiletries consist of hand cream, body scrub as well as a hairdryer. Breakfast, a standard buffet with a few extras such as eggs and smoked salmon which is made to order. Filter coffee and tea are also available. Wine pairing is also an option at mealtimes, and once dinner is finished, you can enjoy the bar menu in the lounge area.