Queenstown is an incredible place to get your adventure on.
Majestic sights beckon in every corner, all fringed by imposing peaks such as Cecil Peak, The Remarkables, and Walter Peak. Fans of the great outdoors are in for a treat as the town is practically bursting with lush, swoon-worthy vistas speckled by glistening bodies of water.
Queenstown’s dramatic scenery is famed from movies like Mission Impossible and The Hobbit. Add a special touch to your adventure with some visits to the movie sets!
It’ll come as no surprise that Queenstown has some incredible accommodation options to suit just about every budget. Whether you’re traveling alone, with friends, or with family, rest assured that there’s something with your name on it.
If you ask me, there’s nothing quite like staying at a lodge to properly take in New Zealand’s raw beauty. Luckily, there are plenty of them to go around. Let’s check out the best lodges in Queenstown!
Pencarrow Boutique Lodge
- > $$
- > 2 Guests
- > Spa Bath
- > Private balcony with lake views
Private Mountain Suite for 2
- > $
- > 2 Guests
- > Soothing mountain views
- > Near hiking and biking trails
Lodge Lorien
- > $$$$
- > 8 Guests
- > Helipad, cinema, and games room
- > Overlooking Lake Wakatipu
Staying in a Lodge in Queenstown
Queenstown is bursting with history, and the incredible sights that are second to none. Whether you’re planning a New Zealand backpacking trip or just spending a few days soaking up Queenstown’s glorious sights, there’s no denying that you’re in for one heck of an adventure!
Now, if your plan is to go off-grid, disconnect from the daily grind, and really connect with the great outdoors, there’s no better place to stay than a lodge.
Since most lodges in Queenstown offer proximity to some of the best natural attractions in the area, you won’t have to spend valuable vacation time on the road. Besides, there’s nothing quite like waking up in the middle of nowhere, away from the city noises and surrounded by the forest, waterfalls, and mountains.
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
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Don’t worry if you’d still like to get your fix of the city too. It’s totally possible to find lodges closer to the city’s bustling center. You’ll see that there are lots of properties that lie halfway between rural and urban Queenstown – perfect for travelers who’d like to experience the best of both worlds!
Before booking anything, it’s always worthwhile going through websites like Airbnb, Booking.com, or VRBO.com to narrow down your choices, and ensure that you get the best bang for your buck! The main advantage of using these websites is that you can very easily compare different options to get exactly what you want.
What to Look for in a Lodge in Queenstown
Lodges are basically a cross between a B&B and a cabin. You can expect all the modern amenities like hot water, Wi-Fi, electricity, and heating, so you won’t be roughing it!
When browsing the best lodges in Queenstown, the most important thing to consider is location. Would you rather be closer to the lakes and the mountains, or would you still like to enjoy some proximity to the city?
You’ll quickly realize that lodges come in all shapes and sizes. Some have resort-like spaces, while others are private cabins. You’ll even find lodges with all the facilities of a bed and breakfast, complete with common areas!
The 10 Top Lodges in Queenstown
For families, friends, brave solo adventurers and venturing couples, these are all the top lodges in Queenstown for a comfortable, scenic and magnificent stay.
Overall Best Value Lodge in Queensland – Earlybird Lodge
With 5 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms for up to 8 guests, the Earlybird Lodge boasts classic home comforts and a well-equipped kitchen where you can rustle up a quick meal. After a full day of sightseeing, you can snuggle up on one of the comfortable couches, and warm up in front of a gently crackling fire, or enjoy a cup of cocoa while soaking up the views from the private deck.
When you feel like exploring, the Queenstown Gardens are nearby, as are the slopes at Coronet Peak, or you can even boat across Lake Wakatipu.
Best Budget Lodge in Queenstown – Private Mountain Suite
For those exploring Queenstown on a budget, this private property located just 10 minutes outside the city is a stunning spot.
Surrounded by gorgeous farmland, the standalone house has a bedroom space for 2, with its own private entrance and en-suite facilities.
Spend a day exploring the close by points of interest like Bob’s Cove Track, Queenstown Hill, and the Little Paradise Dream Garden, then return to the farm where you can enjoy a dip in the shared outdoor pool.
As the evening settles in, you can order a scrumptious meal from one of the many nearby eateries.
Best Lodge for Couples – Pencarrow Boutique Lodge
Not only does this incredible space place you close to the ski lifts, it also provides a delightfully romantic setting away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Couples can unwind in spacious rooms, complete with a minibar and a coffee machine, with magical natural views. If you want some extra space the luxe one-bedroom suites have a separate living space.
There’s plenty to see around the lodge, with Jardine Park, the Kawarau Suspension Bridge, and Queenstown Hill just a few kilometers away. Upon request, the lodge can even arrange for a continental breakfast every morning.
Best Lodge for a Group of Friends – Lakeview Lodge Two
Queenstown is an amazing destination for a fun vacation with friends, and this lodge is an excellent base.
Up to 10 guests will have a comfortable and relaxing stay in the 5 bedroom space. All the comforts of home await, including a kitchen and living room. As the day draws to a close, fire up the grill on the private deck, or take a load off in the hot tub. End your day’s Queenstown itinerary with a drink beside the fire.
You won’t have to drive too far to reach the attractions Bob’s Peak, The Remarkables Ski Area, and Lake Hayes.
Another Great Lodge for Groups of Friends – Mountain View Lodge
Your friends don’t need to squeeze in a cramped and overpriced hotel room when you can enjoy a stay in a 5-bedroom villa located at Mountain View Lodge.
With space for up to 12 guests, there is a lot of living areas as well as a sunny terrace where you can dine alfresco in the summer months.
Both the Greengates Express and the Meadows Express ski lifts lie less than 5 kilometers away. A quick drive from the lodge will also get you to the famous Kawarau Suspension Bridge.
Over-the-Top Luxury Lodge in Queenstown – Lodge Lorien
Opulence meets comfort in this swoon-worthy lodge located just 40 minutes from Queenstown!
Steeped in luxury, it is a lavish, 4-bedroom space near Queenstown’s most popular attractions such as Lake Wakatipu, Coronet Peak, and Nevis Valley.
After exploring, you can return to the lodge where you can take advantage of deluxe amenities like an on-site steam room, sauna, and hot tub. If you want to stay in, you can always whip up a meal in the kitchen before gathering in the on-site cinema for a movie.
Go wild with a luxe entrance in a helicopter, landing straight on the lodge helipad. The opportunities are endless at this spot.
Best Lodge for Families Visiting Queenstown – Manata Homestead & Lodge
Unplug from the daily grind and enjoy quality family time with a stay at this delightful lodge in Queenstown!
Manata Homestead & Lodge’s 2-bedroom apartment features 2 single and 1 extra-large double bed- perfect for parents traveling with their kids. In addition to a well-kitted kitchen, the space also has a dining area, lounge, and glorious mountain views.
Shotover River, Jack Reid Park, and Queenstown Hill lie just a short drive away.
Amazing Luxury Lodge in Queenstown – Queenstown Country Lodge
If you’re not watching those purse strings, this amazing retreat offers everything that you’ll need for a comfortable stay: awe-inspiring hill views, a full kitchen, a hot tub, and even a library with a fireplace.
Free bicycle rentals are also available for when you want to check out nearby places like De la Perrelle Park and Edwards Way.
Now, this place is definitely on the more expensive side but then again, it can easily accommodate 12 guests in 6 luxurious bedrooms – split the costs with friends!
Great Lodge with Excellent WiFi – Boutique Lodge with Lake Views
One of the best lodges in Queenstown for travelers who need to work on the go, this lodge has fast Wi-Fi at 268 Mbps. There’s also a well-appointed workstation in the common areas.
After work, unwind in the hot tub, hop on The Earnslaw boat for a relaxing cruise down the lake, or visit nearby attractions like Hayes Winery, one of the best wine tours in the country. You can put a meal together in the well-equipped kitchen, but with some of Queenstown’s best eateries just a quick walk away, why bother cooking, right?
This boutique lodge features four bedrooms for 8 guests.
Best Lodge for Honeymooners – Hidden Lodge Queenstown
Wake up to incredible vistas every day with a stay at the Hidden Lodge Queenstown!
Well-suited to honeymooners, this lodge features romantic king suites with mountain views and complimentary drinks in the mini bar. Superior suites have an additional couch and underfloor heating.
In the morning, kick off your day with a full English, Irish, American, or vegetarian breakfast before heading out to explore neighboring attractions like Jardine Park, Fernhill Reserve, and Queenstown Hill. Finish up your day with a delicious dinner at the nearby Wai Waterfront Restaurant.
Don’t Forget Your Queenstown Travel Insurance
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Final Thoughts on Lodges in Queenstown
Whether you’re traveling solo, with your partner, or with a group, a lodge in Queenstown will complement your stay in this insanely beautiful city! Making the right choice of accommodation can be tricky, but I hope that this list has made things a little easier for you!
Before you zip up that suitcase though, you may wish to consider getting travel insurance for your own peace of mind. While New Zealand is safe, nothing ruins a carefully curated trip faster than an unexpected incident. With travel insurance, you’ll be able to leave your worries behind and focus exclusively on having a blast in the Adventure Capital of the World!
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