Rosewood Matakauri sits on the shore of Lake Wakatipu, on the Glenorchy road a few minutes' drive from Queenstown, with an open view of The Remarkables and of Cecil and Walter peaks. It is a small lodge of 16 rooms, suites and villas. Most guests stay in one of the 12 suites, each with a private porch facing the mountains, and families or friends travelling together can take the two-bedroom Lake View Villa or the four-bedroom Matakauri Villa. Interiors are polished and warm, and service matches the intimate size of the place. The Dining Room cooks modern New Zealand food, from high-country lamb to fish from the lake, served by the fire or outdoors on fine days, with local wines alongside. The spa uses local ingredients, and an infinity pool and courtyard take in the lake. Activities run from gentle walks and a guided night sky outing to helicopter flights over Milford Sound and tours of the Gibbston Valley wineries. In winter there is skiing nearby and heli-skiing in the Southern Alps.
- Nearest airport
- Queenstown Airport (ZQN), 15 Miles / 24 Kilometres
- Rooms
- 16 rooms, suites and villas
Insider tip For a family or group of friends, take the four-bedroom Matakauri Villa: shared living space, with room for everyone to find some quiet.
Why I choose it A small lodge with a lake and mountain outlook few places in New Zealand can match, and good in both summer and winter.