Virtuoso Review: Matakauri Lodge, Queenstown, New Zealand

This Review of Matakauri Lodge in Queenstown, New Zealand is from our recent stay is this Virtuoso luxury lodge, with its gorgeous views of Lake Wakatipu. For prior posts in our trip report on New Zealand, please see:

TravelSort Clients enjoy these Virtuoso benefits when reserving Matakauri Lodge:

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Daily full breakfast, for up to two in room guests

$100 USD Equivalent Spa Services credit, (not combinable, valid on services only, not valid on products, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)

Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability

Matakauri Lodge Location and Check-In

Matakauri Lodge is located on Farrycroft Row, at 569 Glenorchy Road, just outside of Queenstown. From Queenstown Airport, it was an easy 20-25 minute drive to Matakauri, which is dramatically situated right on the edge of Lake Wakatipu. In terms of the turn, once you pass Fernhill Road on your right, count on another 6-8 minutes until you see the sign for Matakauri on your left, with a fairly steep incline initially.

After we arrived and parked our car, we paused at the steps for a glimpse of the lake and mountains beyond before descending the stairs towards the entrance.

We were warmly greeted, and seated in Matakauri Lodge's cozy living room area, with a fireplace.

While completing our check-in, we enjoyed very welcome glasses of wine (juice for my son):

Deluxe Suite at Matakauri Lodge

Our Deluxe Suite was the furthest from the main lodge, but still just a short walk, and we appreciated the privacy this afforded. As in the main lodge itself, you're treated to gorgeous views of Lake Wakatipu right from the living room, which also has a cozy gas fireplace that we enjoyed using both evenings:

Some welcome fruit was waiting for us, although we were so well fed during breakfast and dinner that we didn't have occasion to touch it.

The main bedroom is up a few stairs, and has wooden shutters to close it off from the living room, although in the day, you can open the shutters to have an unfettered water view right from bedroom. The King bed was very comfortable.

The bathroom was light filled, with a skylight over the double his and hers sinks:

The bathroom also made the most of the lake view, with the soaking bath positioned right by the window:

The locally made bath products were very moisturizing, with kanuka oil, avocado and citrus:

The double shower turned out to be very handy when we all came back from the swimming pool and hot tub at the same time and wanted hot showers and a bath.

In addition to the minibar, there's a tea kettle and Harney & Sons tea, as well as a French Press for coffee.

Swimming Pool, Fitness Center and Jacuzzi Hot Tub

The outdoor swimming pool was on the cool side (we were there in Spring) but that didn't stop my husband and son from having an energetic swim and game of tag in the pool, before we all relaxed in the jacuzzi hot tub.

There's a fitness center right by the pool, which similarly gives you great views along with your workout.

Dining at Matakauri Lodge

Matakauri Lodge rates include daily breakfast, pre-dinner drinks and dinner. I'll review our breakfast and dinner experiences in a future post.

The Verdict

If you're seeking some of the quintessential New Zealand views of snow caped mountains framing a powder blue alpine lake, while being pampered in a cozy luxury lodge, Matakauri Lodge is a must. We enjoyed simply gazing at these views, whether in the main lodge or in our suite living room. The lodge is also easy and fast to get to, just over 20 minutes to Queenstown Airport, yet is the only lodge in the immediate area, providing the perfect balance between privacy and convenience. In my view, Queenstown is a must on any visit to New Zealand for its spectacular scenery, and Matakauri Lodge is the best place to stay while there.

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Disclosure: I received one complimentary night, inclusive of dinner and breakfast, and reserved our second night with a travel professional rate.

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