Blanket Bay, Glenorchy

A stunning lakeside lodge surrounded by majestic snow-capped mountains, Blanket Bay provides the perfect base from which to explore the very best of New Zealand’s alpine wilderness. Be warned—this lodge is bound to set your travel bug racing.

Location

Sandwiched between two national parks, Blanket Bay huddles on the edge of the remote northern head of Lake Wakatipu wreathed by the snowy peaks of the Southern Alps. If the spectacular scenery looks familiar then that is probably because this was one of the prime locations for Peter Jackson’s film adaptation of ‘The Lord of the Rings’. The views here are certainly worthy of the fantastical. With nothing but stunning rugged mountainside as far as the eye can see, it’s hard to imagine that Queenstown is just a 30-minute drive away.

Your room

Choose between the colonial lodge rooms or suites all of which come with super-king-size beds and your own private balcony or terrace with jaw-dropping views. Or, if you are in search of complete peace and solitude, opt for one of the gorgeous chalets that dot the hillside. Rustic touches such as stone fireplaces and timber beams made from the old steamer wharf add to the cosy atmosphere.

Why we like it

Blanket Bay isn’t just a room with a view, it’s a room with an adventurer’s playground on its doorstep. Whether fly-fishing in the trout-filled rivers, horseriding through the pre-historic forests, or heli-skiing down glaciers—you have some of the world’s best experiences at your fingertips. And once you’ve kicked-off your skis/riding boots/waders, Yumi, Blanket Bay’s top-notch spa therapist, is on hand to sooth any aches and pains.