Matakauri Lodge, Queenstown, New Zealand

Matakauri Lodge is one of New Zealand's finest luxury lodges, set on the shore of Lake Wakatipu just outside Queenstown, with postcard views across the water to the jagged Remarkables range. Sister to the celebrated Kauri Cliffs and Cape Kidnappers lodges, it combines intimate, beautifully designed suites, an infinity pool, a spa and outstanding food in a peaceful setting, minutes from New Zealand's adventure capital.

Location: Queenstown, New Zealand

The lodge stands on the northern shore of Lake Wakatipu, a short drive west of central Queenstown, along the road towards Glenorchy, in the Southern Alps of New Zealand's South Island. Queenstown Airport is about nine kilometres away, with flights from Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington and Australia.

Lake Wakatipu is a long, deep, glacial lake shaped like a lightning bolt, surrounded by mountains, and the views from the lodge take in the Remarkables, Cecil Peak and Walter Peak. Queenstown, with its restaurants, bars and adventure activities, is close by, but the lodge feels a world away.

The region around Queenstown is one of the most dramatic in New Zealand, with glacial lakes, jagged peaks, deep river gorges and the vineyards of Central Otago, the world's southernmost wine region, famous for its pinot noir. The historic gold-mining village of Arrowtown, with its tree-lined streets and old miners' cottages, is a short drive away.

Rooms and suites at Matakauri

There are just 16 suites and villas, designed by Virginia Fisher, so the atmosphere is intimate and peaceful. Each has a fireplace, a private terrace and floor-to-ceiling windows framing the lake and the mountains, and the Remarkables are visible from every suite. Interiors are warm and contemporary, with natural materials, soft colours and luxurious bathrooms.

The larger villas offer separate living areas, making them ideal for families or couples wanting more space.

Each suite is designed as a private retreat, with deep bathtubs, rain showers and spacious living areas, and the interiors draw on the colours of the lake and the mountains outside. The lodge's small size means staff quickly get to know guests, and service is warm and personal.

Facilities at Matakauri

Dining is a highlight, with modern cuisine based on the finest New Zealand produce and menus that change daily, served in the intimate dining room, on the outdoor terrace or in your suite, and paired with an excellent list of New Zealand wines, particularly from nearby Central Otago.

The outdoor infinity pool looks out over the lake to the mountains, and the spa and fitness centre include a sauna and jacuzzi. The lodge can arrange every Queenstown adventure, from jet-boating and bungy jumping to scenic flights over Milford Sound, wine tours and, in winter, skiing and heli-skiing at the nearby resorts.

The lodge also makes an excellent base for exploring further afield, from the fjords of Fiordland, including Milford and Doubtful Sounds, to the glaciers and peaks of Mount Aspiring National Park, all part of the Te Wāhipounamu UNESCO World Heritage Area.

The mountain moment

The defining moment is evening at Matakauri, as the sun sets behind the mountains and the Remarkables turn pink, then purple, above the darkening lake. Sitting by the fire with a glass of Central Otago pinot noir, watching the light fade, is pure New Zealand.

By day, take a scenic flight over the Southern Alps to Milford Sound, where waterfalls plunge into a fjord beneath sheer granite walls, or ride the Skyline Gondola above Queenstown for views across the whole lake.

Why Matakauri is one of the best mountain hotels

Matakauri Lodge earns its place as one of the great luxury mountain lodges of the southern hemisphere, combining an extraordinary setting, intimate scale and outstanding food and service. It is very expensive, and Queenstown can be busy. But for couples and anyone seeking a peaceful, luxurious base for exploring New Zealand's Southern Alps, it is outstanding.

Its sister lodges, Kauri Cliffs in Northland and Cape Kidnappers in Hawke's Bay, are among the most celebrated in New Zealand, and many travellers combine all three for a journey from the subtropical north to the mountains of the south.

When to go to Matakauri

Queenstown is a year-round destination, with seasons reversed from the northern hemisphere. Summer, from December to February, brings long days, warm weather and the best hiking. Autumn, from March to May, brings golden colours in nearby Arrowtown and settled weather, a lovely time to visit. Winter, from June to September, brings skiing at the Remarkables, Coronet Peak and Cardrona, and snowy views from the lodge. Spring brings blossom and fewer visitors.