The Best Hotels in Glenorchy, New Zealand

Part of the Wyuna Station working sheep and cattle ranch, this five-star retreat exudes alpine luxury at every turn. The 30ft-high (9m) timber trussed ceiling in the Great Room is fit for a royal, especially when the stone fireplace is roaring. Make an evening of it with canapés and a vintage wine tasting session in the schist rock-lined wine cave.

As the name suggests, this retreat aims for the highest standards of sustainable hospitality. Native plantings and non-toxic materials are a priority at a place where the rule is “if it’s not native, it’s edible.” It results in a beguiling mix of rustic and modern facilities, from snug eco-cabins and a sheltered open fire for toasting marshmallows, to the state-of-the-art solar garden that helps achieve a net-zero energy goal.

These innovative and eco-friendly units on the northwest shores of Lake Wakatipu offer two cinematic experiences for the price of one. A cinema screen-sized window at the base of the double bed will have guests amazed at the galactic light show every evening. For a romantic movie night tucked up under the covers, activate the drop-down projector screen and make your choice from the Apple TV and Netflix accounts.

Its location three miles (5km) north of town means this secluded B&B feels remote even by Glenorchy standards. North-facing rooms grant you an exclusive view of Mount Earnslaw and the Centaur Peaks. Take one of the many nearby hiking trails by day – including the Glacier Burn Track and Glenorchy Boardwalk – and by night, enjoy a well-earned rest in the outdoor hot tub.

There are 13 rooms available at this YHA-associated wilderness retreat, which can be booked as an entire unit or as individual room bookings. With a communal kitchen, barbecue facilities and long wooden dining tables inside and out, there is plenty to work with for self-catering. If you’d rather leave the catch of the day to the professionals, the beer-battered snapper is available for lunch and dinner at the cosy on-site restaurant.

Built in 1868, the six-room heritage lodge sits between the renowned Routeburn and Greenstone tramping tracks, at the northwestern tip of Lake Wakatipu. It means getting here from Queenstown involves one of the most spectacular drives in New Zealand, and transfers can be arranged if you aren’t able to make the hour-long journey yourself. Once here, mountain bikes and even electric bicycles are available for hire to explore the spots that four-wheels can’t reach.

It would be remiss of guests at this bright, casual lodge not to try the bar snacks and tapas at the lively Humboldt Bar. It provides the perfect pit stop following a day hiking, jet boating or even skydiving, with lodge staff happy to arrange any such activities. Then recharge again the next day with a filling breakfast of eggs and bacon and a takeaway pie at the Sugar Loaf Cafe.

You’ll find Glenorchy Marina and its picturesque lagoon walkway within metres of this private three-bedroom lake house that can sleep up to eight adults. Industrious owners John and Toni also run the Trading Post café next door, a Patagonia ice cream van producing locally sourced sorbets and a gift shop selling local art, handicrafts and, of course, a Lord of the Rings location guidebook.