Wanaka Haven

This historic stone building in the heart of Clyde was once a general store for prospectors seeking their fortunes during the Otago gold rush back in the 1860s. Careful restoration has seen it transformed into a luxurious hotel, its fascinating heritage protected and celebrated. The owners are passionate about helping to protect the quaint village and are faithfully restoring the homestead, old store, coach sheds, stables and barns while paying particular attention to environmental sustainability.

Divided into Stables and Lodge accommodation, the hotel’s 11 rooms are inviting, and the décor celebrates bygone days, while combining the old with modern comfort. The rustic five Stables rooms overlook the courtyard and boast schist walls, stone floors, exposed wooden beams and stable doors. For a more modern aesthetic, choose one of the six Lodge rooms which feature more contemporary furnishing.

Savour fresh, clean flavours at Olivers Restaurant where local produce features. The Olivers complex is also home to the Merchant of Clyde, a café-bakery-delicatessen, and the Victoria Store Brewery which produces a range of craft beers.

Close to central Wanaka and a 90 minute drive (or 10 minutes by helicopter) from Queenstown, Mahu Whenua is an enormous private estate spanning some 55,000 hectares. The property consists of four adjoining high-country sheep stations, stretching from Glendhu Bay all the way through to Arrowtown, encompassing some of the most dramatic alpine scenery in New Zealand.

The land is gradually being restored to its wilder former self – the name Mahu Whenua aptly translates to ‘healing the land’ – giving the feeling of being within your own private national park. Indeed with just four suites, you almost are.

From the Homestead, relax, absorb the breathtaking views of Lake Wanaka and the surrounding mountains while being looked after by the attentive team. Inside, find two of the suites and a rustic design combining locally sourced materials and modern features with plenty of spaces to unwind including a sprawling farmhouse kitchen, large open living room, dining room and library. Outside find the two cottage suites nestled privately amongst native beech forest, swimming pool, spots for some alfresco dining as well as the impressive stables.

Stays here include breakfast, lunch, dinner, morning and afternoon teas, pre-dinner canapés, refreshments and picnics. A creative and innovative chef will tailor the menu to your specific requirements and source the freshest local produce, some having been produced at Mahu Whenua itself.

Experiences here include including hiking, horse riding, biking, helicopter adventures (including heli-skiing, Milford Sound is also within range), spa treatments, yoga, nature tours and off-road excursions. The chef can also lead cooking classes and gourmet safaris.

With beautiful lake and alpine views, this luxury hotel on the shores of Lake Wakatipu is just a short stroll from the town centre of Queenstown. It is named after the founder of Queenstown, William Gilbert Rees, who established the tradition of hospitality in the town almost 150 years ago.

The spacious and luxurious accommodation options include 60 rooms and 90 apartments. In each of them you can relax on a private balcony overlooking Lake Wakatipu and out towards the Remarkable Mountain range.

At True South Dining Room the seasonal menu is created using the freshest ingredients from suppliers in Central Otago and is tweaked according to what is available. The chef’s team puts together creative dishes with a focus on flavour. Enjoy fine wines from around the world in the Bordeau Lounge Bar as you catch up with your fellow guests in front of the fire.

Azur Lodge consists of nine private villas set on a hilltop overlooking the surrounding mountain ranges and Lake Wakatipu.

The open-plan villas feature a lounge, dining room and a bath tub which has been set into a bay window so you can enjoy the scenic views as you soak. There is also a private sun deck from which to gaze out across the wilderness.

Breakfast, afternoon tea and evening canapes are included, and there is the option to dine in the main lodge or in the privacy of your villa.

You are conveniently located just 20 minutes from the airport and five minutes from downtown Queenstown, so exploring this wonderful part of New Zealand couldn’t be easier.