The Best Boutique Hotels in Queenstown, New Zealand

Creative types will love QT Queenstown’s arty aesthetic, from its suspended matte black fireplace in the foyer to its Scandi-style furnishings. Expect sheepskin throws, hanging lamps and art-clad walls in the rooms. The real star of this hotel in Queenstown, however, is the view of Lake Wakatipu and snow-capped Remarkables through its large windows. Hotel pools are hard to come by in Queenstown, so the outdoor heated option here should be savoured.

With panoramas of the “big three” – the Remarkables, Cecil Peak and Walter Peak – Matakauri Lodge will place you in the very heart of this mountainous region. The rooms at this Queenstown luxury lodge make the most of the views, while the light, airy design is courtesy of interior designer Virginia Fisher. After you arrive, make a beeline to the spa to book a Te Mana Greenstone facial to unwind.

It’s hard to find a better place to enjoy Queenstown’s views than from one of Kamana Lakehouse’s hot tubs, overlooking the lake and towering mountains. If you’d rather soak in private, opt for the Lakeview Luxe room, with its outdoor bathtub for two under the stars. Downstairs, Nest Kitchen & Bar serves Mediterranean sharing-style dishes paired with the best Central Otago wines.

Sitting pretty in a Victorian villa, Hulbert House dates back to 1888 and is just a short stroll from Queentown’s city centre. There’s an intimate feel at this boutique hotel in Queenstown, with only six rooms across two floors and each individually decorated – think cast-iron radiators, canopied beds and bold patterned wallpaper. The leafy salon bar, with its turquoise wallpaper, is the ideal spot to relax and read a book or take endless pictures for your Instagram feed.

The Sherwood has earned its stripes as one of the world’s most sustainable hotels. Its bar operates under a zero-waste policy, while it’s one of the only southern hemisphere hotels running solely on solar power. Also, most of the restaurant’s food comes from the kitchen garden or local area. It helps that the rooms at this hotel in Queenstown are stylish, too, taking inspiration from mid-’80s motor inns and decorated with recycled materials.

Think European-style alpine-lodge when it comes to this Queenstown city centre hotel. Heritage Queenstown sits on the edge of a pine forest, just a short walk from the city centre. Most rooms have views of Lake Wakatipu or the surrounding Remarkables. A booking at Mackenzies Restaurant, with its cosy log fire and menu dotted with local lamb and beef, is a must.

For those looking to be in the thick of it, book a room at the Spire Hotel on the pedestrianised Church Lane. There are endless bars and eateries outside the hotel’s door. Most rooms offer views over the lake or neighbouring church spire (hence the name) and feature vibrant hues and rich textures. Stone fireplaces, Kiwi art and expansive balconies are some of the amenities you can expect.

The first thing you’ll notice about Hotel St Moritz is its minimalist design of high ceilings adorned with chalet-style wooden beams, staircases made from stone and a few artworks referencing autumn in the region. Rooms at this Queenstown hotel feature feather mattress overlays and walk-in showers. Rub shoulders with local residents in Lombardi, the hotel restaurant that serves up delicious wood-fired pizzas.

You can’t get more scenic than the luxurious Azur Lodge. Propped up on a serene hilltop location, this contemporary boutique hotel offers spectacular views alongside its fabulous room service. Stay in one of nine private villas, each of which includes a king-size or twin beds with the finest linen, along with a lounge, dining area and private sun deck. Those who need a special pick-me-up during their stay can enjoy an in-villa massage, too.

This five-star hotel in Queenstown sits next to Lake Wakatipu, making it an ideal place to soak up the city’s alluring alpine vistas. Along with a collection of 60 rooms, 90 luxury apartments and five residences, the Rees Hotel also has a fine-dining restaurant, lounge bar, wine cellar and private library. A special shuttle service will even take you downtown and back if you don’t feel like walking.

The Dairy Private Hotel is best described as a luxurious bed and breakfast and is one of the best hotels in Queenstown. Its prime location, right in the centre of the city, is one of the reasons why it’s a hit among passing tourists. Other standout features include 13 private suites, an outdoor jacuzzi and a cosy library to curl up with a book. Don’t miss the complimentary drinks served each evening from 5pm to 6pm.

This historic hotel epitomises all things luxury. Indeed, the penthouse at Eichardt’s Private Hotel might be the priciest in the whole of New Zealand. However, don’t let that scare you away, as there are plenty of other, more accessible options, including cosy suites with lake or mountain views. Downstairs, the Grille combines New York glamour with a French brasserie, serving locally sourced sirloin steaks alongside its legendary seafood chowder.

The Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel occupies a peaceful location within a private parkland setting, just a five-minute walk from the town centre. Check into your luxury guest room – we recommend the Remarkables Junior Suite with its roaring fireplace and mountain vistas. Before heading out for dinner, enjoy complimentary drinks and canapés. Breakfast is a real highlight. Choose from a small menu including eggs benedict topped with streaky bacon, or cinnamon porridge drizzled with local honey.