Eichardt's private hotel, New Zealand Hotel

New Zealand

A far cry from the thrill-seekers’ playground Queenstown is known as, this serene hotel on the shore of Lake Wakatipu pays homage to the great outdoors in a much grander way, with spacious balconies and ceiling-to-floor windows taking in panoramic water and mountain views. What began as a wool shed for a pioneer farmer from Wales soon gained popularity with the Otago gold rush, opening its doors to guests in 1861. Now, marrying its Victoriana past with contemporary design, Eichardt’s Private Hotel hosts sophisticated, antique features to create a luxe alpine escape in one of New Zealand’s most sought-after cities. Choose from apartments, suites and residences – or a rooftop penthouse worth its weight in gold. Michelin-listed, it has a cosy bar to sample Otago’s finest bottles; The Grille, a local-produce restaurant; and a sister restaurant, Tamarind, that serves Indian and African fare. Eichardt’s yacht can also be booked for a starlit cruise with a private chef.

Suites from £790.

Words by Megan Dickson.

This article was taken from the Christmas 2024 issue of Food and Travel. To subscribe today, click here.