All the best boutique and luxury hotels in Queenstown, New Zealand

With our Founder originally from New Zealand (Mid Canterbury, represent!), it’s fair to say we know a thing or two about the best places to stay across the country. And a visit to and around Queenstown is a must for anyone venturing to our little part of paradise. Yes, it’s indeed a hub for thrill seekers thanks to its mountain, lake, valley location, but it’s equally a destination to sample exquisite food — we’re looking at you, Fergburger — and to revel in the slow. So, whatever your plans are for discovering this southern belle, these are the best boutique and luxury hotels in Queenstown, New Zealand, to do it up right.

The very best boutique and luxury hotels in Queenstown, New Zealand

1. Eichardt’s Private Hotel | Central

A property which dates back to 1861, history and luxury combine at Eichhardt’s Hotel on Queenstown’s beautiful Lake Wakatipu. The interiors are all elegant wall panelling and wingback chairs, perfect for cosying up by a fireplace. The Lake View Heritage Suites are where you’ll be staying (unless you manage to snag the incredible penthouse), where roaring fires and stone walls are made warmer through fur throws and soft lighting. The windows frame spectacular lake views, and some suites have balconies, where you can sip a wine and soak it all in.

Experiences here are all about wild adventure – cruising Lake Wakatipu, discovering the southern Alps by helicopter or simply unwinding at the property’s spa in Queenstown. And all of this is well-fuelled by the hotel’s snug tapas bar, signature restaurant The Grille, which serves delicious seasonal produce, and Tamarind No5, its fiery Indian sister restaurant just down the street.

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2. Millbrook Resort | Arrowtown

Queenstown and the surrounding area are renowned for golfing, so if that’s your bag, Millbrook is just the spot. The hotel feels like a country club (and that’s because it is), its pretty wooden buildings surrounded by fields and lakes, along with two championship 18-hole golf courses on 650 acres of land. There’s a quartet of accommodation: Deluxe Studios, Two Bedroom Suites, Resort Homes and Luxury Retreats. Families are all set in the Resort Homes, but we think the studios are plenty beautiful, with a spacious living area, a king bed, and a patio overlooking the mountains.

Guests get free access to the fitness centre, and a free shuttle to both Queenstown and Arrowtown, but if you’re keen to explore, the hotel offers an impressive array of tours. Hiking, skiing, horse riding and for the brave, bungee jumping and paragliding are all available in Queenstown, and on the property, you can tour their kitchen garden, hire bicycles or unwind in their outdoor Jacuzzis and pool.

And the restaurants are just as special – Hole in One sits in the old stables and is perfect for a light bite, but we’d also suggest sampling the fresh Japanese fare at Kobe Cuisine.

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3. Hulbert House Luxury Boutique Lodge Queenstown | Central

Hulbert House offers historic luxury on a more intimate level, and the decor wouldn’t feel out of place in an English manor. The Victorian villa has been beautifully restored to feature rich prints, colourful wallpapers and furniture that takes you back in time. All rooms are unique, and our pick is the Archerfield Suite, which is designed in royal blue and gold, with heavy drapes, plush carpet and a regal king bed, plus a bay window that overlooks snow-capped peaks.

Such a cosy, well-appointed stay might not leave much room for a dining space, but they’ve managed to work their magic. Continental breakfast is served daily, and to fuel your adventures in Queenstown, delicious seasonal picnics can be made on request. The hotel also serves delicate canapes each day in the Palm Lounge, which is famous for its indulgent ice cream sundaes. At dinner, order in from Pedro’s House of Lamb, where local lamb dishes melt in the mouth.

Find out more about Hulbert House Luxury Boutique Lodge Queenstown or  Book through Booking.com Book through Expedia Book through Agoda

4. Rosewood Matakauri | Closeburn

Another Lake Wakatipu gem, except this one sits above the lake, commanding jaw-dropping vistas of the landscape. This is a luxury lodge through and through, with cosy interiors, tartan throws, flickering fires and plenty of soft wood and earth tones. Rooms and suites all have floor-to-ceiling windows, so you can’t miss the dramatic peaks – one of the best is the Grand Lake View Suite, with a separate living area, a large balcony and our favourite feature, a soaking tub right in front of those mountain views.

Everything is an experience here, from the spa, which doesn’t just offer treatments, but alpine walks, cold water swims in the lake, and a heated outdoor pool; to iconic excursions for stargazing, vineyard tours, glacier helicopter trips and access to four nearby ski areas.
And as you’d expect, the food throughout is exceptional, served indoors or alfresco in The Dining Room, using farm-to-table ingredients like seafood from the lake, local lamb and of course, crisp New Zealand wines.

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5. Kamana Lakehouse | Fernhill

Every aspect of Kamana Lakehouse is breathtaking, from the soaring dining room, which is ringed by snowy mountains, to the cosy rooms and common spaces decked out with logs, trees and fireplaces inspired by ski chalets. The rooms are giving wilderness lodge, and we love it – to push the boat out, the best room is the Lakeview Luxe, with a super king bed, wall-to-wall windows with lake views, a terrace and best of all, a magical outdoor soaking tub.

The concierge here is a real-life genie, arranging everything from ski passes to hiking, skydiving and local walking tours, and the property also has three open-air soaking tubs overlooking The Remarkables mountain range, which are exclusively for guests.

Their only restaurant, Nest, is possibly the most beautiful in Queenstown, with soaring ceilings and windows that make it feel like you’re floating on the lake. They use locally foraged herbs and ingredients in the ever-changing menu, and have an excellent drinks list, including the largest selection of New Zealand gin and tonics around.

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6. Azur Lodge | Fernhill

Made up of just nine private villas, Azur Lodge feels remote, but it’s close to Queenstown and ticks all the boxes for a unique escape. Each villa has one bedroom and is decked out in light wood, from the high, alpine-lodge ceilings to the soaking tubs and wide window frames that have unobstructed mountain views. Villas also incorporate a private lounge, dining area and outdoor sun deck, where you can relax or enjoy some in-room dining against the breathtaking backdrop.

There’s an entire menu of activities carefully curated by the Azur team for all interests. Thrill-seekers can try bungee jumping, canyoning, white water rafting or ziplining, while hiking, fishing and skiing suit nature lovers. You can also book scenic flights, lake cruises and farm tours, visit wineries or soak in their cliffside hot pools overlooking the Shotover River Canyon, the list goes on. And in their open kitchen, they serve an a la carte breakfast, drinks and canapes, or you can venture to one of the many renowned restaurants in Queenstown.

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7. The Carlin Boutique Hotel | Central

The Carlin is self-proclaimed as being “beyond five stars”, and we’d have to agree. Its sleek yet homely design features modern fireplaces, huge terraces and plenty of spaces to relax with a view. Every suite in their collection is amazing, from the Lakeview Suite to the incredible Eagle’s Nest. Within them all are crackling fires, dining areas and a fully equipped kitchen, along with a living room and private patio with a Jacuzzi, fireplace and outdoor dining area.

Dining and amenities are thin on the ground, but this hotel’s focus is on everything you can do within your room – they offer premium spa experiences on your suite’s terrace, including massages, wraps and scrubs. And with Queenstown in close proximity, you’ll want for nothing during your stay.

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8. The Spire Hotel | Central

Instead of being remote, The Spire takes advantage of being surrounded by Queenstown’s excellent boutiques and restaurants, but that’s not to say it’s small. At Eichardt’s sister hotel, they’ve gone for a contemporary, fun feel throughout, where dark wood contrasts pops of colour, although some suites still emulate the chalet lodge vibe. There are just ten suites, each with a super king bed, stone fireplace and private balcony, offering plenty of space to stretch out or lounge in your fluffy robe.

The hotel is within walking distance of some of Queenstown’s best attractions, but every experience can be tailored by The Spire team, whether you sail the lake on their luxury yacht, the Pacific Jemm, visit The Well Spa, do a private art tour or book an exclusive helicopter ride out to Milford Sound. There are also two impressive restaurants: Tamarind by No5 Church Lane for Indian-African cuisine, and Brunch on Church, for a scrumptious way to start the morning.

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9. The Central Hotel Queenstown, A Naumi Chapter | Central

The Central Hotel is refreshingly bold in a town of lodges, with playful design, bright colours and fun textures throughout, all wrapped together by the works of local artist Deborah Moss. There are 15 rooms and suites, and each will surprise you. Our pick is the Junior Suite, boasting a bold green carpet and walls, and an eclectic mix of floral, chequered and velvet furnishings that decorate the king bed, lounge and spacious ensuite.

The hotel is small but thoughtfully laid out, meaning they don’t have a main restaurant, but they do serve an excellent breakfast, and cocktails and snacks from 5-6 PM. The most fun dining option, though, is their BBQ rental, so you can head to one of Queenstown’s scenic outdoor spots and cook up a storm.

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10. Sofitel Queenstown Hotel & Spa | Central

Certain chains don’t do average, and Sofitel is one of them. Its Queenstown property is in the centre but enjoys views over Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables, and the interiors have a glitzy, old-world feel. Gold is everywhere, from the spiral staircases to the armchairs, panelling, and baby grand piano, and sparkling lights, mirrors and velvet complete the drama.

Every room has wood panelling and fur throws, and if you can’t quite stretch to a penthouse, we’d suggest a suite. The Opera Suite adds a huge living room, lake view and outdoor terrace complete with your own Jacuzzi.

Although there aren’t the typical tours and excursions here, the hotel has its own experiences, which mostly revolve around food and drink. In their lounge, Le Salon Rouge, guests can savour drinks, canapes and afternoon tea, while the Parisian-inspired Left Bank Bistro also plates up breakfast each day. And they even manage to squeeze in a spa, which has massages, steam suites, a Jacuzzi and our choice, Māori healing treatments.

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11. Gibbston Valley Lodge & Spa | Gibbston

You’d never know you’re in Queenstown in the wild, remote villas that make up Gibbston Valley Lodge, which are surrounded by rolling hills and vineyards. Everything here is stone, wood and warmth, with natural brick, cosy fires and wooden barrels making it feel more like a farmstay than a hotel.

There are 24 luxury villas, each with a huge open plan living space, bedroom and ensuite. But the standout feature is the private deck and courtyard overlooking the vines, where you can sample a personalised selection of local wines.

Guests can join complimentary wine tastings at the property, visit the nearby cellar door or explore the impressive wine cave. But wine isn’t the only activity on offer – cycling trips depart from your villa along the Kawarau River, while the usual suspects can also be arranged, such as heli flights, hikes and cruises.

Back at the lodge, stop by the sauna, hot tubs and spa before a meal at The Lodge Restaurant, which serves seasonal, sustainable and locally-sourced cuisine, which naturally, is paired with a selection of their famous wines.

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12. Stoneridge Estate | Lake Hayes

If it has ‘Estate’ in the name, you know it’s going to be special, and Stoneridge, around fifteen minutes from Queenstown, is just that. This hotel and vineyard sit on Lake Hayes, surrounded by sparkling water and emerald peaks, yet just a 15-minute drive to the heart of town.

There are three incredible accommodation choices where rooms are located: The Lodge, a sprawling farmhouse made of timber and stone, that has spacious suites with private balconies, plus access to a shared lap pool and hot tub. Next up is The Cottage, a private multi-level house with a private deck and Jacuzzi overlooking the vineyard, and finally The Retreat, a converted barn-style mansion with soaring timber ceilings, open plan living rooms, and private decks in each suite, along with an outdoor infinity pool, hot tub, gym and sauna.

Experiences are almost never-ending too, spa treatments, wine tours, hiking, winter sports and helicopter rides are just the start, or you can venture further afield on day trips to Wanaka and Glenorchy. Their cellar door is the cherry on the cake, offering tastings and platters every day, while their restaurant’s exclusive ‘Trust the Chef’ experience is five courses of delicious innovation using regional produce.

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13. QT Queenstown | Central

QT Hotels always do fun and artsy well, and their Queenstown outpost has this in spades, while celebrating its surroundings in the heart of town. Get ready for floor-to-ceiling windows, sleek wood floors and fur throws, paired with quirky patterns and modern artwork in the rooms and suites, which range from the QT King to the Remarkables Lakeview Suite. Within the latter, you’ll get views of Lake Wakatipu from a kitsch tiled bathtub, a king bed, a lounge and a private balcony, plus perks like Dyson hair tools, Tom Dixon toiletries and a free QT cocktail kit (yes, please).

The area is abuzz with great restaurants and shops, but make time for the hotel’s eateries. Bazaar is enveloped by the glowing blue lake water and serves a variety of international dishes, but while it’s being renovated, pop over to Reds, where they serve three meals a day and signature Negronis with a side of live music.

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14. ROKI Collection Queenstown | Central

ROKI Collection Queenstown is arguably one of the area’s most unforgettable stays, boasting outstanding design in a prime location on Lake Wakatipu. Soft jewel tones and chandeliers drip from the ceilings, sweeping mountain views can be spotted from every room, and no request is too much for the ever attentive staff here.

The suites manage to be huge, yet cosy, thanks to bright, soft furnishings like rugs and blankets, light wood and large windows to let the light in. In the one-bedroom suites, you’ll get a separate bedroom and lounge area, a walk-in wardrobe and lake views, along with Sans Ceutical toiletries, Dyson tools and cute tote bags. Not to mention, guests get complimentary pre-dinner canapes, breakfast and access to the hotel’s pool, Jacuzzi, ice bath and sauna.

The hotel’s concierge team are at your command for private picnics, cruises, hikes and more, and when you’re back, ROKI Pure is the onsite spa, with a sleep concierge, pool and menu of ‘rituals’, some of which can take place in secret, outdoor locations accessible only by helicopter. Not forgetting the culinary scene, led by Michelin-starred Paul Froggatt, who curates the New Zealand tasting menus at Essence restaurant, and the seafood dishes at The Terrace.

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15. Browns Boutique Hotel | Central

Browns Hotel wouldn’t look out of place in the French or Italian countryside, with its cypress trees, Juliet balconies, tiled interiors and views across to the mountains. Instead, it’s in central Queenstown, and it’s ideal for a quiet, boutique stay.

They’ve also decorated the 10 rooms in European style, with squashy armchairs, wooden bedframes and Matalasse bedspreads, plus a television, minifridge and something we can’t resist – chocolates from NZ cult chocolatier, Whittaker’s. The hotel is locally-run, which gives it a warm, homely feel; however, this means you’ll have to venture out for activities and food, but the staff here are always happy to point guests in the right direction.

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16. Lanah Residence | Kelvin Heights

Lanah Residence is fairly new to the Queenstown scene, having only been built in 2019, and the hotel is sleek and modern, made from glass, stone and wood. There are three large apartments fitted with ensuite bathrooms, dining areas and a kitchenette, and the decor is stunning: woven rugs, floor-to-ceiling windows and plenty of cosy nooks and wooden furniture turn each one into a home, while the views of the mountains round out the experience.

The hotel can arrange tours to almost anywhere, from Hobbiton to Franz Joseph Glacier, or you can simply step out the front door onto the shores of Lake Wakatipu. There are no extras to speak of, but it’s an easy walk to nearby restaurants, or you can hop on the ferry to Queenstown’s CBD, which is just a few hundred metres from the property.

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