Eichardt’s Private Hotel, New Zealand

Windows reveal a surreal landscape. A crystalline lake melts from indigo to magenta. The sky sets on fire. Lights trickle down mountains blanketed in snow. Open fires warm winter nights.  Conversations spill from wine-stained lips. Stone walls hold stories.

The Magic

With floor to ceiling windows that reveal panoramic views of Lake Wakatipu and alpine surrounds, the magic of Queenstown is at the very doorstep of Eichardt’s Private Hotel. Luxurious suites envelop you in the beauty of this picturesque city, from a vantage point offering seclusion and stillness. A space to breathe. 

An iconic hotel steeped in history, every detail of Eichardt’s spills with story and sentiment. Converted from a woolshed in 1859 after gold was discovered in the nearby river, Eichardt’s blends luxurious, contemporary details yet retains the magic of its beginnings. A romantic nostalgia echos from every corner – textured sandstone walls, repurposed timbers and a classic facade. Eichardt’s is a hotel that holds prestige but not pretentiousness, exudes luxury in layers of sensory details, and provides an indulgent escape from winter surrounds. 

The Highlights

The Penthouse

Not many views rival the magical surrounds of the Eichhardt’s Penthouse – the largest in Queenstown. A terrace positioned front and centre of Lake Wakatipu and engulfed by snow-capped mountains, featuring a private spa, outdoor fireplace and kitchen. Inside the exquisitely designed living space are two master bedrooms that open to decadent marble bathrooms, your own sauna, a 24-hour butler and private elevator.

The Magical Views

Every room at Eichardt’s expose a spectacular alpine vista. The lake view suites are some of the most magical backdrops we’ve experienced, but their mountain view suites with expansive views over Queenstown and surrounding peaks are just as jaw-dropping. A bottle of wine by your private fireplace, a room layered in sensory details, a divine in-room dining menu – and it’s almost impossible to leave.

The Luxurious Bathrooms

The perfect place for languid nights after a day exploring winter surrounds, each suite offers a decadently oversized marble bathroom with luxurious amenities, a giant bathtub, double vanities, separate showers, heated floors, and your own dressing room.

The Dining Experiences

Eichardt’s are renowned for their specialty cocktails – a must-do in the beautiful private bar around a flickering fireplace (try the Apple Pie Martini!) before dining at The Grille, Eichardt’s famous lakefront restaurant. A beautifully designed space in earth-toned palettes spilling with sunlight, the restaurant blends rustic accents with elegance and understated luxury. Renowned for their locally sourced produce, Executive Chef Will Eaglesfield handcrafts each dish using freshly sourced produce from the region and an exquisite local wine list. Try the 4-6 course tasting menu with matching wines from the region, and definitely don’t leave without trying the local oysters and Slow-Roasted Cardrona Lamb Shoulder. 

The Wedding

With a breathtaking backdrop, elegant decor and the convenience of a central location in the heart of the city, Eichardt’s is the dream destination wedding location. For Australians, a short three hour flight transports you to a location that feels worlds away, with ease of planning logistics close to home, and inexpensive travel costs. For those who dream of a wedding in a far flung location, Queenstown’s inimitable beauty and otherworldly surrounds make for one of the most unique celebrations and honeymoon adventures, well worth the travel.

Hold a ceremony on the Penthouse Terrace with panoramic lake and mountain views and nothing but transparent ghost chairs to take advantage of the magical backdrop. Treat guests to a post-ceremony cruise at dusk on Eichardt’s luxurious Super Yacht and explore the secluded areas of Lake Wakatipu. Follow with a private reception dinner with an infinity table dripping with candlelight and celestial inspired tones, on the Penthouse Terrace.

While the Penthouse Terrace is our pick for a rooftop celebration to capture the dramatic surrounds, Eichardt’s also offers a diverse range of event spaces to cater for intimate weddings to large celebrations, including The Parlour (a private dining room within the hotel’s historic sandstone walls), Eichardt’s Bar (for an intimate celebration) and The Grille (for a waterfront celebration that holds up to 160 seated or 200 standing).

The Accommodation

A luxurious lakefront suite was our home for the weekend – with shutters that opened to expansive views over Lake Wakatipu, a private balcony overlooking Queenstown. Eichardt’s suites are an idyllic space to take in the magic of Queenstown in complete privacy. The rooms are beautifully finished with layers of sensory details, decadent throws and a flickering fireplace. They feature a super king bed, a dressing room and a luxurious bathroom with a double vanity, an oversized bath and beautiful amenities. 

For indulgent weekends away with friends, or accommodation for wedding guests, Eichardt’s also offers Lakefront Apartments just a short walk from the hotel with split-level one and two bedroom apartments, or ‘The Residence’ – a three level, three bedroom residence with views over Queenstown Bay, Queenstown Gardens and The Remarkables mountain range. 

The Honeymoon Itinerary

• Eichardt’s – take in every detail of this beautiful space, indulge in the luxurious suites, taste cocktails and New Zealand’s finest Pinot Noir in Eichardt’s Bar, before moving to The Grille for one of the most incredible dining experiences designed to showcase local produce.
• Book a private cruise for the day on Eichardt’s newly acquired superyacht Pacific Jemm, to explore the more secluded parts of Lake Wakatipu and Queenstown’s breathtaking alpine surrounds.
• At sunrise, book a private Onsen Hot Pool, followed by a 1-hour massage and facial located cliffside overlooking the Shotover River canyon. This is one of the most spectacular experiences and vantage points that you definitely don’t want to miss. The company is often booked out months in advance so be sure to book in to secure your spot.
• Spend the day wandering around the picturesque city of Queenstown. In winter, sip mulled wine at the beautiful lakefront bars before retreating back to Eichardt’s to escape the cold.
• Book a car and take a road trip to the quaint town of Glenorchy – one of the most spectacular drives with roads that wind around Lake Wakatipu and boast a backdrop of snowcapped mountains.

For more information and to book your stay, visit the Eichardt’s Private Hotel website.