Where to stay in Queenstown if you have the cash to spend

It is only natural that a first-class setting like Queenstown comes with first-class accommodation.

In addition to serving as a playground for thrill seekers, the Adventure Capital has a lot to offer for those with the cash to spend.

Here the boutique hotels are found in the heart of the waterfront village as the spectacular surrounding landscape gives way to private luxury accommodation options with glorious panoramic views of mountain ranges and lakes. alpine.

Private hotel in Eichardt

You probably walked past this award-winning hotel on your last visit to Queenstown. While luxury lodges are usually found in remote locations, the privately-owned Hotel Eichardt sits just off the bustling waterfront promenade. The outlook is no less impressive, with guests enjoying views of the Lake Wakatipu and the mountains beyond.

READ MORE:
* The Spire Hotel, Queenstown: The perfect blend of modest elegance and luxury
* Room review: The Rees Luxury Residences, Queenstown
* Queenstown’s Most Sumptuous Tour: Top-flight Experience on a Helicopter Tour

Eichardt is home to one of the most expensive penthouses in the country. For $ 13,000 per night, guests have 240m² of space to fully live, including indoor and outdoor kitchens, two bedrooms, a sauna and spa, and Queenstown’s largest private terrace. A private butler and chef are available 24/7, while the luxury yacht Pacific Jemm can be hired for lake charters.

Lake and mountain view suites, lakeside apartments and a self-catering residence are also available. The private treatment room offers restorative therapies suitable for two people. See: eichardts.com

Lodge on the hills

There is the luxury, and then there is the super-luxury. Located on the world-famous Sir Michael Hill private golf course, Lodge at The Hills can accommodate up to 12 people in six suites.

You certainly don’t need to know your way around a golf course to book a room, but be sure to set aside at least $ 38,000, New Zealand’s most expensive rate, to settle into this lodge in New Zealand. luxury for exclusive use. Did I mention that this is a five night minimum stay?

The steep price will see guests receive champagne and canapes upon arrival, your own chef will prepare breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner, along with a selection of local wines and of craft beers. The lodge host and night porter will ensure that all requests are met.

There is plenty of space to relax in the Great Room, from the high-tech music room to the private lounges of your suite.

Outdoor facilities include a lawn tennis court, infinity pool, sauna and spa. And, yes, there are perfect views. Artwork from Sir Michael’s collection is also on display around the golf course, including a pack of 110 giant bronze wolves surrounding a three-ton warrior and five cast-iron Clydesdale horses. See: thehillslodge.co.nz

hotel rooms, 90 apartments and five private villas.” style=”width:100%;display:inline-block”/>

The Rees residences by the lake

The little touches, personalized service, friendly staff and attention to detail are outstanding qualities at Rees Lakeside Residences. The curator of the Rees’ luxury residence will provide guests with absolutely anything their heart desires, no matter how mundane or seemingly impossible the request is.

Overlooking Lake Wakatipu on Frankton Road, The Rees is a five-star hotel with 60 hotel rooms, 90 apartments and five private villas. The spacious 164 m² two-storey villas are adjacent to the main hotel.

There is ample room in the six-person villas – three couples or one family can be split into three bedrooms and two living rooms, making it a more achievable and memorable getaway for a special occasion. To really relax, each villa has two terraces, as well as a sauna and a spa pool.

The main elements of the hotel include a library, the True South dining room and a wine cellar housing a collection of fine Bordeaux wines. See: therees.co.nz

Read the full review here …

Aro Ha

This world-famous luxury health retreat is approximately 40 minutes’ drive from central Queenstown, along the famous Scenic Drive to Glenorchy.

Stopping in Aro Hā for the first time causes an instant surge of serotonin. A sprawling property covered in golden tufts overlooking Lake Wakatipu surrounded by snow-capped mountains, this is New Zealand at its photogenic best.

Starting at $ 5,575 for a six-day retreat, or $ 2,250 per night, Aro Hā doesn’t come cheap. But it’s an investment we’re sure few people would regret. It’s more about vegetable-filled flaxseed wraps and high-fiber fake meatballs than champagne and caviar, but as Stuff travel journalist Lorna Thornber discovered between cocoa ceremonies, spa treatments and reading your deepest fears can be a rewarding experience.

Winner of 17 international awards, retirement demands a lot from its guests, but as its legions of fans attest, it delivers results that can simply change lives. See: aro-ha.com

Read the full review here …

Cover bay

Walk through a large farm gate, meander down the driveway, and you’ll come to Blanket Bay, a luxury lodge surrounded by the majestic snow-capped Humbolt mountain range. Perfect to celebrate that special occasion. It is luxury, without being pretentious. It’s like staying with your best friend – if your best friend owns a luxury mansion.

Former Levi Strauss chairman Tom Tusher and his wife Pauline bought the property in 1972, turning it into a lodge in 1999. Built entirely from locally sourced shale and recycled timber beams from railroads, from decks and docks, the lodge is spacious, yet comfortable. .

There is a dining room, several little nooks for intimate gatherings, a warm fireplace, a gym and a hot spa. Spend a few hours in the game room playing darts and shuffleboard while taking advantage of the self-service bar.

After settling into your room, suite or chalet suite, cocktails and canapes are offered every evening, allowing you to meet other guests staying at the lodge. Sit down for the five-course tasting or dine in a small wine cellar. See: couverturebay.com

Read the full review here …

Gibbston Valley Lodge and Spa

There are certainly worse places to wake up than in one of Gibbston Valley’s 24 exquisite villas.

Open the curtains and admire the vineyards, mountains and gorges of Kawarau directly. Just steps away you’ll find a spa, restaurant, and access to some of the country’s best wine drops. And, if your heart tells you, Aotearoa’s oldest bungee jump and miles of biking trails on your doorstep.

If this all sounds too energetic to you, simply open a cheeky bottle of Pinot Noir and retreat to your villa’s private courtyard to soak up the views and fresh air.

Each reservation includes breakfast, evening wine tasting sessions, and access to the gym, spa, sauna and hot pool. See: gibbstonvalleylodgeandspa.com

Read the full review here …

Matakauri Lodge

Let’s face it, you can never go wrong when your sight includes sparkling Lake Wakatipu and the majestic snow-covered journey of the Remarkables, Cecil, and Walter Peaks, but Matakauri Lodge has it all.

From the understated decor that makes the landscape shine, to the genuinely warm staff and delicately balanced and tasty cuisine, it’s easy to see why this lodge is Travel + Leisure’s ‘1st Resort Hotel in Australia and New Zealand’ in 2021 .

The Alpine Luxury Lodge has seven luxury suites, four suites, a lodge and its mainstay – the owner’s cottage – an exclusive villa that is said to have been where the royals, Kate and William, stayed on their trip to New Zealand.

The lodge’s clean lines of glass, stone and wood are complemented by interior design by designer Virginia Fisher – warm hues of gray and straw yellow – making this luxury lodge both comfortable and chic. Think large inviting sofas, fireplaces, cozy reading nooks, and plenty of spaces to relax and enjoy Queenstown’s number one fame.

You can also expect fine dining influenced by the landscapes of Central Otago. Chef Jonathan Rogers creates a new menu every day, using seasonal produce and offering variety to customers who stay awhile.

Read the full review here …

Stay Safe: New Zealand is currently subject to restrictions related to Covid-19. Follow the instructions on covid19.govt.nz.