The most extraordinary hotels in Queenstown
hotels
lodges
Alpine luxury retreat Rosewood Matakauri in summer
Queenstown doesn’t do ordinary. Backed by the Remarkables and edged by a glacier-cold lake, it’s a place that demands hotels worthy of that view. These are the ones that deliver
Good things come in small packages, and Queenstown is wonderfully scenic proof. A traveller favourite on New Zealand’s South Island, the so-called ‘adventure capital of the world’ is also a serious luxury destination.
It’s a compact town – its urban centre easily walkable – but the beauty stretches beyond the city with glassy lakes, extraordinary mountains and outlying luxury lodges decorating the landscape. Add a thriving food and wine scene, buzzy bars and a deep commitment to wellness, and Queenstown’s appeal extends well beyond its scenery.
The ever-evolving backdrop means your hotel location is as important a consideration as the hotel itself. There are addresses for travellers who want Queenstown at their doorstep, lakeside retreats for those who prefer a quieter base, and secluded alpine lodges where the picturesque journey out of town is all part of the experience.
Here are the hotels that best capture Queenstown, from every angle.
Urban luxury, lakeside
With glacial Lake Wakatipu at its heart, Queenstown’s centre puts waterfront walks, restaurants and bars within easy reach, while dramatic mountain peaks form a striking backdrop at every turn.
Eichardt’s Private Hotel
Eichardt’s Private Hotel is the lakefront star, its intimate collection of suites, heritage character and destination-worthy bar and restaurant make it as much a part of the Queenstown experience as the town itself. The property dates back to 1861 and the old-world sensibility remains. Service comes with a refined as-you-wish attitude, while the views – oh, the views – are matched throughout by impeccable design choices. Upgrade to The Penthouse by Eichardt’s, featuring two ensuite bedrooms, floor-to-ceiling windows, an indoor sauna and Queenstown’s largest lakefront private terrace.
Hulbert House
Sitting hillside above Lake Wakatipu, Hulbert House is a different proposition. The restored Victorian villa, which dates to 1887, has just eight rooms, giving it the feel of an elegant private home, albeit an incredibly opulent one. There is an intimacy here that’s difficult to replicate in a conventional hotel, with beautifully appointed rooms, original period details and shared spaces that feel more like a grand country house than a lobby. It’s just a short walk downhill to Queenstown proper, but the elevated position gives Hulbert House a welcome sense of separation from the action. Lake views are a given and the lush gardens are manicured just-so.
ROKI Collection
For a slower pace, ROKI Collection puts wellness and restoration at the forefront of an indulgent stay. Tucked in a quiet pocket of town and just a short walk to its centre, ROKI’s lake and mountain views (as seen from every suite) are a pristine backdrop for a stay rooted in quiet, contemplative luxury. For space, the seven-bedroom, 749-square-metre Grand ROKI Suite is the pick at the 15-key property, although every suite offers a fireplace and bathtub, and interiors by internationally acclaimed local designer Virginia Fisher. Don’t miss Essence, recognised as one of the country’s best restaurants by the Michelin Guide.
QT Queenstown
At QT Queenstown, the Australian brand’s playful charm combines with New Zealand’s picture-perfect landscape for a trans-Tasman gem. A waterside stroll from the centre of town, the Lake Esplanade property is adorned with pops of colour and quirk while still delivering a sophisticated apres-ski ambience. Breakfast at Bazaar is a global marketplace of flavours; Rooftop at QT is perfect for sunset cocktails and lakeside lounging. Hit up the hotel’s Director of Adventure for a personally curated to-do list, adventurous or otherwise.
Hotel St Moritz Queenstown – MGallery Collection
Alpine-inspired interiors set the scene at Hotel St Moritz Queenstown – MGallery Collection. So too, the views across Lake Wakatipu to The Remarkables and Cecil Peak. Those views can be enjoyed from many of the hotel’s 134 accommodations, which range from cosy alpine-style rooms to expansive two-bedroom suites. Outdoor hot tubs add another way to soak up the scenery. The in-house restaurant, Lombardi, serves simple, tasty Italian fare and bar staff shake and stir excellent cocktails. The wine list is packed with local drops and why not, given the region’s renowned wine scene.
Lake, river and alpine retreats
One of the many perks of this South Island gem is the quick transition from urban hub to tranquil retreat. Seclusion, space and nature immersion are all surprisingly close to town.
The Rees Hotel
Heed the call for more space with a stay at The Rees Hotel. The expansive lakeside property comprises 60 rooms as well as 90 two- and three-bedroom apartments and villas, and the three-bedroom Rees Residence, making it a particularly suited to families, groups or longer stays. Remarkably (pun intended), most rooms have a view over the lake, and comfortable, modern furnishings provide a relaxed base for taking in the scenery. A courtesy shuttle can assist with the 10-minute drive to town; there are mountain bikes and e-bikes for hire if a physical journey is more your style; or stay put and enjoy the rare-books library, the extensive art collection, or locavore restaurant, True South Dining Room.
Rosewood Matakauri
Also just 10 minutes out of town, Rosewood Matakauri is a more intimate option, with 12 suites set amid alpine greenery on Wakatipu’s idyllic shore. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the vistas across the lake to the mountains and, in some rooms, balconies provide a front-row seat. Oversized bathtubs and heated floors come as standard. At the onsite spa, an indulgent menu of massage, facial and body treatments complement the outdoor heated pool, heated cedar sauna, hot and cold plunge pools and a 24-hour fitness centre.
Coronet Ridge Resort
From lakeside to riverside, Coronet Ridge Resort offers a different kind of waterfront beauty. The resort sits above the Shotover River, the site of Queenstown’s famed jetboat rides, just eight minutes inland from the town centre. The setting feels removed from the bustle, with many of the 41 rooms and suites opening to mountain and river views, while a Roman-style day spa, sauna, pool and hot tubs also encourage guests to stay put. Local ingredients are celebrated at Elevation Bar & Restaurant.
Further afield
There is even more to explore beyond pocket-sized Queenstown. Northeast, historic Arrowtown brings village charm; northwest, the road to Glenorchy follows Lake Wakatipu into increasingly wild alpine country. Both offer luxury stays amid spectacular scenery, but in very different ways.
Millbrook Resort
Near the gold-rush village of Arrowtown, golf enthusiasts are spoiled at Millbrook Resort, and they aren’t the only ones. The property boasts two 18-hole courses, both shaped by the dramatic landscape and offering world-class golf. There are hard and grass tennis courts, too, plus a 25-metre lap pool and sizeable gym. The spa is the place to treat any weary muscles, or simply indulge in a rejuvenating facial, massage or body treatment. From intimate studios to grand luxury retreats, the resort offers 160 rooms, contemporary in style, while there are five on-site dining venues.
Blanket Bay
Located about 45 minutes from Queenstown near Glenorchy, yet still on the shore of Lake Wakatipu, the Relais & Châteaux-affiliated Blanket Bay is an ultra-luxe lodge immersed in Central Otago’s mesmerising scenery. A private helipad opens up the wider wilderness, with the World Heritage-listed Fiordland and Mt Aspiring national parks just minutes away by chopper; helicopter transfers direct to the lodge can also be arranged. Lodge rooms and suites are luxuriously appointed, each with a terrace or balcony, spectacular views, stone fireplaces and cosy spaces layered with texture. Chalets provide added space and privacy, with some sleeping up to six guests. The contemporary five-course degustation menu at The Kitchen showcases local produce and changes daily.
THE DETAILS
Air New Zealand, Qantas, Jetstar and Virgin Australia operate services to Queenstown from Australia. Direct flights are available from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and the Gold Coast, and there are regular domestic connections to Queenstown from Auckland. Routes and schedules vary by season.
Queenstown Airport is eight kilometres from the town centre. For visitors staying in town, a car isn’t necessary: the centre is compact and walkable, although there are some steep hills. For properties beyond the centre, a car or pre-arranged hotel transfer becomes more practical.
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