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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.
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.
A five-minute drive past town on the road to Milford, these four cozy and comfortable cottages make a good base for local exploration and an early start if you're driving to Milford Sound. They are quiet, very clean, and offer lovely views of Lake Te Anau and the mountains beyond.
This classic mid-19th-country hotel and pub, 20 minutes from Wānaka on the Crown Range Road, is the Cardrona après-ski spot for mulled wine in front of the outdoor fireplace. Another fireplace roars inside the spacious bar and restaurant. In the summertime, the outdoor beer garden is a great place to relax after a day spent in Wānaka.
Filled mainly by busloads of package tourists, the stone-and-timber buildings have comfortable rooms, and large lounges complete with welcoming fires, that make quite an impression in this otherwise nondescript town. The 108 rooms range from deluxe to superior.
Built on the bones of an older motor inn, this hotel has reinvented itself as an eco-conscious alternative to the standard hotel experience. Most rooms don't have a television, but there's good Wi-Fi and the communal outdoor firepits are a great place to unwind. The restaurant grows most of its own vegetables and the ever-changing menu makes it worth staying in for dinner at least one night of your stay. The retro, industrial style furnishings won't suit everyone, but they're fun.
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.
