Coronet Ridge Resort: Mountain views and après-ski spirit near Queenstown

High above the Shotover River, Coronet Ridge Resort has transformed Queenstown’s former Nugget Point Hotel into one of New Zealand’s most compelling new alpine retreats. Highland interiors, alfresco hot tubs, a rooftop spa and a restaurant aiming for a Michelin key make a strong case for never leaving the property

Why stay here

Leaning into Queenstown’s abundant natural beauty, the new 41-room Coronet Ridge Resort overlooks the rushing Shotover River where red jet boats thread their way through narrow canyons.

Meticulously reimagined following a NZ$30-million, 16-month renovation, the former Nugget Point Hotel, reopened late last year, is ushering in a new level of luxury to the exclusive Arthurs Point enclave and Coronet Peak ski area.

Hemmed by soaring peaks and overlooking a dramatic bend in the Shotover River, hiking trails, craft breweries, hot pools and the adrenalin pumping Shotover Jet lie on the doorstep.

Inside I find highland interiors, seasonally inspired dining, sweeping Wakatipu Basin views, and roaring fireplaces, while a spa, alfresco hot tubs, heated pool, sauna, squash court, gym and private cinema gives guests little reason to leave.

Those that can pull themselves away will find world class wineries, cosy pubs (the charming Gantley Tavern is a stroll away), central Queenstown, ski fields and picturesque Arrowtown within easy reach.

Design

Designed by architecture firm G2 Studio, the tri-level lodge would be equally at home in the Scottish Highlands as it is in the foothills of Coronet Peak. Plush sofas, wood fireplaces and an intimate library beckon guests to linger over single malt whiskies or renowned wines from Central Otago’s lauded vineyards.

Floor to ceiling windows and soaring pitched ceilings mirror mountain peaks, while interiors echo the landscape’s earthy hues. As a nod to the region’s mining history, an eye-catching gold arch connects the lobby and library.

Auckland-based Furnz Group brought the highland-inspired interiors to life, delivering quiet luxury and timeless elegance. The eye is naturally drawn to the commanding vistas, while the use of layered textures, natural materials and an alpine-inspired palette create an immediate sense of place.

“When you wake up at Coronet Ridge, there’s no mistaking you’re in Queenstown,” said Furnz Group director Euan Armstrong.

All 41 rooms and suites feature private balconies or patios framing dreamy mountain and river vistas. Inside guest rooms offer warm, natural hues, bespoke timber joinery and thoughtfully curated local artwork and photography. Alfresco baths are offered on the balcony of all, suites adding another level of luxury.

Rooms range in size from the 37-square-metre Alpine View and Shotover River View rooms (featuring three accessible rooms), through to Shotover Suites (62-70 square metres), a two-bedroom Coronet Suite and 80-square-metre Coronet Ridge Shotover Suite.

In the suite

Subtle natural hues beckon me to relax in my Shotover Suite while mesmerising alpine vistas draw me onto the glass enclosed balcony.

Pouring a glass of Otago Pinot Noir and partaking of room service truffle fries, I curl up in a blanket and watch as the sun dips behind Queenstown Hill (Te Tapu-nui). As the light fades, a blanket of stars appears in the clear, night sky.

Rooms are cocoon-like thanks to sound proofing (handy when the Shotover Jet is in operation). There are luxurious super-size king beds, soft lighting and Weave wool blankets and throws.

A cosy separate lounge area features a dining table, oversized couch and writing desk. The spacious ensuite bathroom, meanwhile, offers a glass walk-in shower, freestanding tub, toilet with heated seat and Maraca amenities. All rooms feature plush robes, slippers, a coffee machine, and mini bar with complimentary local treats including Whitakers chocolate, Weka bars, Antipodes water and Crimson Badger ginger beer.

All 41 rooms and suites feature private balconies or patios framing dreamy mountain and river vistas.

Dining

Elevation Bar and Restaurant with its stunning vistas of the Wakatipu Basin, the Remarkables mountain range and Shotover River could easily rest on its scenic laurels alone.

Thankfully that’s not on the agenda for executive chef Dominic Dsouza, whose background spans Michelin-starred kitchens and classical French training. Dsouza, who is aiming for a Michelin key (no less), sources locally farmed trout, wagyu, and lamb for his artful, almost alchemic dishes.

Lamb (and eggs) are supplied by Nadia Lim’s Royalburn Station. The farm is the only one in the Southern Hemisphere to have an abattoir, meaning animals are born, live, and are butchered onsite with meat delivered straight to the restaurant.

A highlight is an exquisite Mt Cook salmon entrée of pickled beets, pure wasabi, smoked emulsion, tomato nectar, apple, and citrus that is almost too pretty to eat.

Diners can opt for an al fresco table on the terrace where the roar from the Shotover Jets rises from the river below. Inside, the fire-lit space, elevated dishes and astonishing vistas make it easy to lose track of time.

Spa and wellness

The spa is a serene bubble (it’s next in line for a makeover) where alfresco hot tubs, a heated pool and treatment tables look directly out over the glacial range. There’s also a spacious mosaic tiled shower, sauna, and steam rooms.

There, guests can slow down a notch or two with a therapeutic massage, facial or body treatment using high performance New Zealand botanicals. Alternatively, there’s the signature Ridge Journey – a three-hour treatment featuring full-body exfoliation, a hydrating body wrap, 75-minute massage and facial using luxe New Zealand-made skincare products from RAAIE and Corbin Rd – ensuring guests float back to their room.

If you want to upgrade

Soak up dramatic Southern Alps’ landscapes and the ultimate in quiet luxury in the Coronet Ridge Shotover Suite. This grand 82-square-metre suite offers an expansive outdoor balcony with bathtub overlooking the Shotover River, underfloor heating, fireplace, two-person shower, super king-size bed, and endless alpine vistas.

Hotel Notes

Coronet Ridge Resort
Booking Details
Suite: Shotover Suites
Size: 67 square metres
Price per night: From $NZ1500 (Shotover Suite) – about $1230.
Website: See coronetridge.co.nz