Want to make your stay in Queenstown a little less ordinary?
Queenstown has many reputable hotels, lodges and apartments, but some people don't want to settle for ordinary. If you're keen to swap miniature toiletries and linen for adventure and outlandish luxury, this is your guide to Queenstown's weirdest and most wonderful accommodation.
Eco-Scapes
Set in a remote area outside of the small town of Glenorchy (45km from Queenstown), Kinloch Lodge has a history of great hospitality. The heritage listed lodge sits on the edge of the lake and houses accommodation, a restaurant and café with an eco-friendly outlook.
In early 2017, the lodge completed two brand new ‘Eco-Scapes’, unique low energy rooms designed and built with locally-sourced and eco-friendly building techniques and materials. However, you can forget the kooky vibe often associated with eco-chic, the Eco-Scapes are sleek, modern and include all the mod cons you could wish for. Each room has its own projector, tablet and sound system with Apple TV.
The lodge has restaurant and spa pool and if you’re keen for an adventure, you can hire bikes and fishing rods.
Sleeps: 2
Top Feature: Environmentally friendly luxury
Find out more: EcoEscapes Facebook Page
The Kōhanga
Maori for ‘nest’, the Kōhanga is the only retreat at the peak. Nestled above Arthur’s Point, this luxurious retreat is just a seven minute drive from central Queenstown, but feels a million miles away.
This is a retreat for those who truly want to get away from it all; you’ll need a 4WD to get to the four bedroom hideaway. But the secluded location does not mean you’ll be bored here. Get rid of the kids for a few hours in the attic bedroom, complete with an x-box or sit down together to watch a film from the huge library of DVDs on a 60” screen TV.
If on-screen entertainment isn’t your thing, Coronet Peak Ski field is close by with 280 hectares of terrain. Afterwards, start up the BBQ and outdoor fire, take a plunge in the heated 16m swimming pool or watch the sun set behind the mountains as you soak in the hot tub.
Kōhanga’s location selfishly laps up the best views in the area; a spectacular panorama looking across the Shotover valley, the Crown Range and Coronet Peak is what makes this nest truly special.
Sleeps: Up to ten
Top Feature: Heated pool with unrivalled views
See more here: Queenstown holiday homes
Mountain Hut NZ
Built by sculptor Dan Kelly, this hosted accommodation offering is a small dome-shaped hut high on the slopes of Mt Larkins.
Hosts Dan and Christine will take care of your group and arrange your helicopter flights to and from the accommodation (included in the price).
Once you’ve arrived in spectacular style, there’s a range of adventurous activities on offer. Ski touring is popular June – October and in the summer months (November to May), keen mountain bikers will be in heaven with the epic trails and heli biking offering.
Alternatively, you can simply enjoy the rustic pleasures of the mountain hut and its jaw-dropping surroundings.
This is glamping at its very best. The little cabin sleeps up to eight, but more can be accommodated, particularly if you’re keen on tenting or snow caving. Inside, there’s a wood burner to keep you warm and toasty and a small kitchen area where, if you so choose, a private chef will prepare delicious meals and brew hot coffee for you.
The toilet is separate from the hut, so you can enjoy a starlit walk to the loo in the middle of the night.
Sleeps: Up to ten
Top Feature: Best location for unique snow sport adventures
See more: http://mountainhut.nz/
Pacific Jemm
If you don’t want to stay in lofty mountains, or even on dry land at all, Queenstown has another option: an 80-foot Italian styled super yacht.
The Pacific Jemm is the only luxury yacht available for private charter in Queenstown. Climb aboard in downtown Queenstown and set off to explore Lake Wakatipu, the longest lake in New Zealand.
The large and roomy yacht offers luxurious overnight accommodation for up to eight passengers. There’s air con, en suite bathrooms, entertainment systems and even a spa bath in the master suite. You’ll be well catered for, besides excellent hospitality, an executive chef is on board to rustle up five-star meals while you relax with a glass of wine on deck.
Sleeps: Up to eight
Top Feature: Luxury accommodation and transport that won’t get stuck in traffic rolled into one
See more: http://www.pacificjemm.co.nz/
Lindis Ridge Hut
Explore the dramatic high country and stay in one of the largest back country huts on private land in New Zealand.
The Lindis Ridge Hut is 1,500 metres above sea level and is built on a merino sheep station. Spectacular scenery, rural tranquillity and lots of sheep are key features of this retreat. It’s an experience made for adventurers and is part of a three-day hiking trip. A day’s hike will take you to the bottom hut, then it’s another day’s hike to the top hut. At the high point, you’ll be able to see Mt Cook, Treble Cone, Mt Aspiring and The Remarkables mountains. Alternatively, take your mountain bike or 4WD, or hire a helicopter to get there.
Sleeps: Up to ten
Top Feature: Stunning views that’ll be ingrained in your memory forever!
See more: Lindis Ridge Hut Facebook
