Eichardt's Private Hotel

Eichardt’s Private Hotel was established during the gold rush days of the 1860s, and was, at the time, Queenstown’s premier lodging. Of course, that was a long time ago, and in the intervening years hard times befell the property. By 1999 it was nothing more than a slightly tacky pub — and then came the flood, the final indignity.

It’s little more than a cliché than every setback is an opportunity in disguise — but in this case, it happens to be true. Eichardt’s, a pale and waterlogged shadow of its former self, was rescued and rehabilitated by its new manager, Victoria Shaw. The result is a delightful small hotel, perhaps owing equally to its auspicious location and to the unique qualifications of Ms. Shaw, who just happens to have been raised at the Martinborough homestead that was to become the renowned Wharehaukau Lodge.

“Exclusive” only hints at the atmosphere here — this is a property of just five luxury suites, and is priced out of the range of most of Queenstown's backpackers and ski bums. Eichardt’s is an almost painfully stylish hotel, the rooms richly decorated and comfortably appointed, boasting wood-burning fireplaces and super-king beds with possum-skin throws. The views of Lake Wakatipu are astonishing, and Queenstown's location makes for winter skiing in the Remarkables and summertime watersports on the lakefront. In fact Queenstown is something of an all-weather tourist mecca, with no shortage of lodgings — but even against stiff competition, Eichardt’s is the best five rooms in town.

How to get there:
From Christchurch International Airport guests take a 45-minute flight to Queenstown. From Queenstown Airport it’s a 10 minute drive to Eichardt’s. Alternatively, guests can take the 5–6-hour drive from Christchurch International Airport. Helicopter transfers are also available from Christchurch.