Rosewood Matakauri

HOTEL OVERVIEW

You know what hits you first at Rosewood Matakauri? It’s not just the ridiculous view of Lake Wakatipu – though honestly, calling it “ridiculous” feels like an understatement when you’re standing there with the Remarkables reflected perfectly in the water. It’s more that the whole place feels like someone’s insanely wealthy but tasteful uncle decided to build his dream retreat and somehow you got invited. The property sits about 7 kilometers out of central Queenstown on Glenorchy Road, which means you’re far enough from the Shotover Street chaos to actually hear yourself think, but close enough that grabbing dinner in town isn’t a production.

I mean, the suites here are something else entirely – floor-to-ceiling windows that basically turn your room into a living postcard, and these deep soaking tubs positioned so you can watch the mountains while you decompress from whatever adventure you tackled that day. The staff actually remembers your name and your coffee order, which sounds small but makes such a difference when you’re dealing with the usual travel exhaustion. What really gets me though is how they’ve managed to make luxury feel completely unstuffed. Like, yes, there’s a helicopter pad (because of course there is), but the whole vibe is more “sophisticated lake house” than “look how fancy we are.” The restaurant sources tons of ingredients from Central Otago – the lamb is particularly incredible – and they’ll pack you proper hiking lunches if you’re planning to tackle one of the nearby tracks.

The location is actually perfect for people who want to experience Queenstown without living in a tourist fishbowl. You’re right on the route to Glenorchy, so if you’re planning to explore the northern end of the lake or do any Lord of the Rings location hunting, you’re already halfway there. Parking is never an issue – revolutionary concept, I know – and the spa uses indigenous botanicals that somehow make you smell like the New Zealand bush in the best possible way. Fair warning: if you’re someone who needs to be in the thick of nightlife, this might feel too peaceful. But if you want to wake up to silence broken only by bird calls, then spend your days hiking or wine tasting or hurtling down rivers, then come home to what’s genuinely one of the most beautiful hotel settings I’ve experienced… well, that 9.7 rating starts making perfect sense. It’s the kind of place that makes you understand why people move to New Zealand and never leave.