Steeped in
Authentic History
Our six luxurious suites are each named after a prominent individual in the hotel history. From the Boult Suite named after Philip Burbage Boult who was granted the land in 1876 to the Firth Suite named after Horatio Nelson Firth, whose family lived here between 1889 and 1901 at which point Firth was sent to prison for embezzlement.
In 2013 Hulbert House underwent extensive renovations to restore her Victorian elegance and opulence. Interior designer Neil McLachlan was careful to preserve the historical architecture, commissioning and sourcing exclusive English wallpapers, authentic antiques, bespoke tiles and plush New Zealand wool carpets.
A Colourful History
afterwards
1874 A small timber cottage is constructed on site, along with two outbuildings to the north
1876 Land granted to Philip Burbage Boult. A timber building with stone foundations is built at the back of the site on the Ballarat/Hallenstein Street Corner 1886 Philip Burbage Boult sells the land to Horatio Nelson Firth, receiver of gold in Queenstown. Mason & Wales architects commissioned to design a villa 'fit for a gentleman'
Between 1889 and 1901 the house was the Firth family home
1901 Horatio Nelson Firth sent to prison for embezzlement, Firth's wife (Catherine) begins running the home as a boarding house
1910 Land and buildings owned by William Royston Ambler, and then Patrick McCarthy (the proprietor of the Mountaineer)
1924 McCarthy passes away and the house is purchased by Elizabeth McFarlane and operated as a private nursing home. In 1928 she became Mrs William Thompson (when she married)
1937 Mary Salmond (the daughter to the original builder John Salmond, contracted by Horatio Nelson Firth) purchased the house as a holiday home, letting rooms with kitchen facilities
1942 The house was leased by the Archerfield Girls' School of Dunedin as a refuge for girls due to the threat of war
1945 The property was leased by the Southland Hospital Board as a maternity home, and was known as 'Tutuila'
1948 Mary Salmond sold the property to Hazel Grant, who subsequently ran the property 'Tutuila' as a guest house
1964 The house is taken over by the Salvation Army
1968 Purchase of the property by Harry Ashurst
1971 Purchase of the property by Alex Arnott
1972 Purchase of the property by O'Connells Hotel for use as a staff hostel
1981 Purchase of the house by Edward Sturt as a family home and bed and breakfast - the house was carefully restored and refurbished name was changed to Hulbert House at this time
2009 Following the death of Edward Sturt the house became a backpackers' accommodation
2013 Hulbert House sold to its present owner, and extensively renovated and refurbished before reopening as a luxury boutique hotel
Guest Reviews
The environment was breathtaking
Had a lovely stay at Hulbert House. The staff were great and very helpful. The environment was breathtaking. Beautiful furnishings and cosy vibe. Will definitely be back when we are next in New Zealand. Great views across the water.
Our hosts made us feel incredibly welcomed
Thanks to Jade and Jay for their hospitality during our stay. This was the highlight of all our nights in NZ recently. Our hosts made us feel incredibly welcomed and along with the House’s other staff, made sure our stay was an experience to remember. Super canapes and drinks out on the patio in the afternoon sun with a view over the lake and a great breakfast in the morning.
They are great hosts and manage the staff to maintain high levels of service.
This boutique hotel is perfect for couples who want to be spoiled and enjoy luxury accommodations but don’t want the stuffy, overly formal decorum of typical expensive hotels. Beautifully restored house, well-appointed with lots of elegant design details, the views are amazing and a short walk to the heart of Queenstown restaurants. Jade and Jay provide a warm, intimate level of 5-star service without the fuss.
This is definitely a luxury stay
What a treasure this house is, lovingly restored. From arriving to leaving the staff could not do enough to ensure our stay was perfect. The lounge area is stunning and at the end of the day, of seeing the sites on offer, you are presented with drinks and canapes. Breakfast is very good and served in the lounge area. The Room we stayed in was beautiful with fantastic views of the mountain range and waterfront.
The staff was exceptional!
This is a true 5-star luxury boutique hotel. It is magnificently appointed in the form of an old Victorian mansion with 6 comfortable rooms, fabulous daily breakfast and cocktail hour, a lovely deck area, and gorgeous views of Lake Wakatipu. The staff was exceptional!
