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Lodgings in the Southern Alps and Fiordland milk the fantastic views for all they're worth. You can almost always find a room that looks out on a lake, river, or rugged mountain range. Queenstown and Wanaka are busy in summer (January through March) and winter (July through September), so you should reserve in advance. Luxury options are plentiful in Queenstown, and costs are correspondingly high. Other towns, such as Aoraki/Mount Cook Village, have extremely limited options, so you should plan ahead there, too. Air-conditioning is rare because it's rarely needed. Heating, though, is standard, and essential in winter.
From the peaceful rural setting and exceptionally good food to the warmth of the hospitality and finest linen on your bed, this is a memorable place to stay. Ann and Blyth are wonderful hosts and go to great lengths to ensure their guests enjoy every moment. Predinner drinks and canapes in the evening are just a hint of what's to come. Make sure you take up the dinner option; Blyth is a sought-after chef for good reason.
Near the end of a long road, this imposing schist lodge is surrounded by thousands of acres of sheep-station land. At the heart of the lodge is the Great Room, with a grand fireplace, vaulted wharf-timber beams, and antique wooden floors. Floor-to-ceiling windows open out to breathtaking views of Lake Wakatipu and the Humboldt Mountains. All lakeside rooms have a private balcony or terrace. Suites have stone fireplaces and large bathrooms. The chalets and new four-bed villa echo the main lodge's structure and luxuries.
Somewhere between a boutique hotel and a bed-and-breakfast, Arrowtown House offers arguably the best service in Arrowtown. Located just off the main road into Arrowtown, you can easily walk to all local attractions. The five quiet rooms are all very spacious and well appointed, including a minibar and washer/dryer. It's ideal for just an overnight or a longer stay for a week of skiing.
Designed to blend in with Arrowtown's historic buildings, these five cottage-style suites are just a two-minute walk from the center of town. All have views toward the Arrow River gorge, which ideally will inspire you to go on one of the area's many beautiful day hikes.
This one-of-a-kind, loft-style accommodation sitting above the boutique Fiordland Cinema and Black Dog Bar includes a welcome bottle of wine and tickets to a screening of Ata Whenua Fiordland Experience downstairs. The room is well appointed and quiet, and a rare modern find in this sleepy town.
A few kilometers out of Te Anau on the road to Milford Sound, glass, stone, and timber blend together to make a stylish place to spend a few days. Each room has a wide-ranging lake view, and there are log cabins that are especially well-suited for families. They have guides that specialize in fly-fishing, and offer packages that include Fiordland tours or Great Walks.
Built to the exacting standards of the Living Building Challenge, The Headwaters is an inspiration to those with an interest in sustainable building and living. Separate cabins and a communal lodge for cooking and socialization mean this place isn't for everyone, but if you are brave enough to pay upmarket prices to use composting toilets, you will be very pleasantly surprised. You will leave feeling rejuvenated and eager to apply some of the wellness principles touted here when you get home.
This lodge is ideal for anyone wanting to enjoy the hikes and activities of the Aoraki/Mount Cook area; it's particularly nice for fly fishermen. Expect to be treated like family whether you are staying for a night or much longer. You can arrange for a guide to the nearby rivers to go after rainbow and brown trout. Each room has a veranda with mountain views, and your room rate includes breakfast and predinner drink. Spring for one of the higher-priced rooms to enjoy the double whirlpool.
The owners used local schist and timber from the farm buildings that once stood here to build their fine solar-powered lakeshore lodge. Cottages (two- and three-bedroom) are fully self-contained with extras such as smart TVs and free laundry use. Children are accepted for cottage stays but not in the main lodge. Lodge rooms all have en suite bathrooms and superking beds and there's a lounge with fireplace for guests to mingle.
