Kia Ora, or as you may know it better, Hello! If your wanderlust has you aching for an exciting, far-off location, Queenstown, New Zealand may be just what you need! Billed as “The Adventure Capital of the World,” Queenstown has become a priority destination for adrenaline junkies and casual adventurers alike. If you’re like me, you love the sound of a good adventure, but you also like your creature comforts after a long, full day of play. I was briefly worried that I might not be “hard core” adventurer enough to keep up with “The Adventure Capital of the World.” After all, that’s quite an impressive title. But all of my worries immediately dissolved upon my arrival at Matakauri Lodge. It was like stepping through a door to another world, where stress and worry aren’t allowed.
Nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, about 20 minutes outside of Queenstown, Matakauri Lodge has only eleven “rooms” – ten of which are suites, designed with clean lines and simple elegance; the eleventh is the Owners Cottage – an exclusive, four-bedroom, four bath private villa, tucked in right above the lake. The property was styled by renowned interior designer Virginia Fisher, with dreamy accents and colors that complement the main attraction of every room, those magnificent views! Each room offers breathtaking views of Lake Wakatipu and the big three peaks: The Remarkables, Cecil, and Walter Peak. The views of both the lake and the big three peaks can be enjoyed from a wide variety of locations across the hotel, including from the comfort of the bed in your suite.
Although the hotel decor and views are enough to make you vow to stay in your room, reveling in the beauty of your surroundings, venturing out is worth it, I promise. There are so many activities available, and popular choices include Southern Lakes Art & Wine Tour, Heli-Skiing (the ultimate Queensland Ski experience!), and Four Lakes Guided Mountain Biking. I highly recommend one of the most famous experiences in Queensland: Jetboating! You’ll rocket up the Dart River Valley in a high-powered speed boat, surrounded by the natural beauty of Mt Aspiring National Park. I also recommend taking a hike along the Milford Track. You can make your hike an extensive backpacking trip (4 days total), or you can do a shorter one-day trip. But, if you really want to experience the top tier of experiences, sign up for one of the exclusive helicopter tours, and I strongly suggest one of the Heli-tours that goes to Milford Glacier, it really is a once in a lifetime experience. First seeing the full scope of the glacier from the sky and then landing on it and taking it all in, up close and personal! Remember, these are only a few of the options offered, and you’ll see how a week spent at Matakauri is easy to fill with so many outstanding experiences close by!
As I mentioned earlier, Matakauri is about 20 minutes outside of Queenstown, which is of note when discussing food, and especially wine. Queenstown is located near the Central Otago wine growing district in New Zealand, which produces outstanding Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. To fully enjoy all of the wines this region has to offer, take a short trip to Amisfield Bistro & Cellar Door. Located just outside of Queenstown, Amisfield offers a beautiful backdrop to some of the region’s finest wines and truly delectable food. I think Lonely Planet Wine Trails said it best, “Since it opened in 2005, Amisfield’s cellar door restaurant has been an essential stop for gourmands and vinophiles visiting Central Otago – arguably the region’s ultimate winery experience.”
From world class food and wine, to adrenaline pumping adventures set against beautiful backdrops created by nature, New Zealand never disappoints. I hope to see you enjoying the view at Matakauri Lodge soon; I know I will be!
Hotel: Matakauri Lodge
Sites: Jetboating, Milford Track Hike, Glacier Helicopter landings, Skyline Gondola
Restaurants: Matakauri offers a variety of dining spaces in which to enjoy modern New Zealand cuisine
Amisfield https://amisfield.co.nz