Minaret Station, Laka Wanaka

This is a property for the more intrepid explorer; for those who really want to get away from it all. Simply put, Minaret Station offers a true alpine experience. Set high above the clouds, your stay at Minaret will give you access to heli tours, hikes, skiing and, of course, some truly stunning views that’ll take your breath away as soon as you arrive.

Location

The lodge is only accessible by helicopter or boat and sits amongst the mostly untouched Southern Alps. With a glacial valley to one side and Lake Wanaka to the other, you really will find yourself at one with your natural surroundings. Thanks to this remote location, you’ll find a peace and quiet at Minaret that you’ll want to simply bask in for hours. And once you’re done basking, exploring these incredibly dramatic landscapes will be next on the list.

Your room

There are just four luxury chalets available, so this really is the height of exclusivity. Each chalet boasts a suite of rooms adorned in sheepskin and country-style furnishings – the perfect cosy retreat to come back to at the end of each adventure-filled day. Local art covers the walls of the Mountain Kitchen that features two further living areas with open fires and world-class dining facilities.

Why we like it

The wealth of activities available here is the real allure. For those active and adventurous enough, heli-skiing is the order of the day, and there are plenty of fishing and hiking tours too. What’s not to like? And when you’re weary from a day out on the Alps, the utter beauty of the accommodation itself will delight, as will the flavours served up at the Mountain Kitchen using only the freshest local produce.