By the Best Mountain Hotels editorial team ·
The Rees is one of Queenstown's best-loved hotels, set on the shore of Lake Wakatipu with views across the water to the jagged Remarkables. Every room and apartment has a terrace facing the lake and mountains, there is a private beach and wharf, an award-winning wine cellar and a courtesy shuttle into town, and it is a comfortable, good-value base for skiing, hiking and adventure.
The Rees is one of Queenstown's best-loved hotels, set on the shore of Lake Wakatipu with views across the water to the jagged Remarkables. Every room and apartment has a terrace facing the lake and mountains, there is a private beach and wharf, an award-winning wine cellar and a courtesy shuttle into town, and it is a comfortable, good-value base for skiing, hiking and adventure.
Location: Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu
New Zealand's Southern Alps run the length of the South Island, a chain of glaciated peaks, deep lakes and fiords that ends in the wild, rain-washed mountains of Fiordland. Queenstown, on the shore of Lake Wakatipu, is New Zealand's adventure capital and the gateway to the southern lakes, with four ski areas within easy reach, from Coronet Peak and The Remarkables to Cardrona and Treble Cone.
The Rees stands on the lakeshore a short drive from the town centre, with its own beach and wharf and a courtesy shuttle into town. Queenstown Airport is a short drive away.
Rooms and apartments at The Rees
There are 60 hotel rooms, 90 apartments and five lakeside private residences, all with terraces facing the lake and the mountains. The apartments, with more space for living and relaxing, are ideal for families, groups and longer stays, especially in the ski season.
Facilities at The Rees
The fine dining restaurant serves menus built around Central Otago produce, and the extensive wine cellar has won awards, a fine introduction to the region's celebrated Pinot Noir. There is a library, a gym, free undercover parking with EV charging, and in summer guests can swim from the beach or the wharf.
The mountain moment
The defining moment is a glass of Central Otago Pinot Noir on your terrace at sunset, as the Remarkables turn pink above the lake.
By day, the slopes of Coronet Peak or The Remarkables, or the famous trails around Queenstown, are a short drive away.
Why The Rees is one of the best mountain hotels
The Rees earns its place for its views, its space and its value. It offers the lakeside setting of Queenstown's luxury lodges at a far gentler price, with apartments that suit families and groups.
For a smaller, central stay, see Browns Boutique Hotel. For luxury, see Matakauri Lodge and Blanket Bay.
When to go to The Rees
Summer, from December to March, brings long days for hiking, biking and the lake. Winter, from June to September, brings skiing at Queenstown's four nearby ski areas, and autumn, from March to May, brings golden colour to the Arrowtown and Wakatipu valleys.
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Questions, answered
- Where is The Rees Hotel?
- The Rees is on the shore of Lake Wakatipu in Queenstown, New Zealand, with a courtesy shuttle to the town centre.
- Does The Rees have apartments?
- Yes. There are 60 hotel rooms, 90 apartments and five private residences, all with lake-view terraces.
- Is The Rees good for skiing?
- Yes. Coronet Peak and The Remarkables are within easy reach, and the apartments suit ski groups and families.
- Does The Rees have a restaurant?
- Yes. A fine dining restaurant serves Central Otago produce, with an award-winning wine cellar.
- When is the best time to visit Queenstown?
- December to March for summer adventures; June to September for skiing.
