PROPERTY HIGHLIGHTS:

  • This hunting lodge-style hideaway, on the eastern shore of Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by looming snow-capped mountains,  is undoubtedly one of New Zealand’s most luxurious and exclusive secluded retreats.
  • Discover a world where turquoise waters meet ancient forests, where legendary giants form snow-peaked mountains, and where native Paradise shelducks find love as deep as the lake they nest beside. This is Aotearoa New Zealand’s Blanket Bay – one of the world’s top luxury lodges – located on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, just 40 minutes from Queenstown and on the edge of the idyllic valley known as Paradise.
  • Nestled within a majestic alpine setting, you’ll encounter an unrivaled luxury experience, combining five-star facilities with world-class hospitality, delivered in a distinctly warm New Zealand way.
  • Blanket Bay retains a refined, yet familiar atmosphere, thanks to the tasteful décor and attentive staff.
  • Waking up to views of Lake Wakatipu reflecting the lofty peaks is magical.
  • All rooms have a balcony or private terrace with spectacular views of the Southern Alps and Lake Wakatipu.
  • Scenic helicopter flights from the lawn in front of the lodge to the stunning Milford Sound, horse riding and trips down the Dart River by boat or kayak.

EXCLUSIVE LUXE VOYAGER VIP BENEFITS & BEST PRICE

We negotiate rates & benefits for our clients directly with the hotels’ senior management. Our rates match or in many cases are lower than the best online rate for the property. Our clients also enjoy a suite of extra VIP privileges and recognition while staying at a partner hotel.

  • Complimentary room upgrade on arrival.
  • Daily complimentary buffet breakfast for two.
  • Up to $100 dining or spa credit per stay, and or in-house dining / spa discounts.
  • Welcome amenities (wine/chocolates/fruit) and card from the GM.
  • Complimentary private airport transfers.
  • Complimentary roll-away bed if required.
  • Early check-in and late check-out.
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi.
  • Enhanced recognition through VIP status at all touch points in the guest experience.

A complete or partial suite of VIP benefits will be offered, subject to the property T&C, including availability, category of room & length of stay.

ACTIVITIES:


Milford Sound

Fiordland is spectacular! This two hour helicopter experience from the lawns of Blanket Bay shows you the best of it, from the highest peak, Mt Tutoko, to the coastal fiords and from glaciers to waterfalls. Stand on the very top of mountains amid breathtaking scenery, touch the ancient ice of a glacier as well as chase the waves on an isolated West Coast beach. See the sights of world-famous Milford Sound, including the second highest waterfall in the southern hemisphere, the Sutherland Falls, and the Mackinnon Pass.



Fly Fishing And Heli Fishing

Blanket Bay is close to several of New Zealand’s iconic trout fishing rivers (The Greenstone and Caples are only minutes away by helicopter). Large rivers, slow moving pools, fast runs and riffles, bush clad streams, open river floats, or small mountain lakes provide exciting options for your fishing pleasure. You may fish nearby in local rivers and streams, or the lake edge at Blanket Bay (a 10+ pound trout was caught at the mouth of Stoney Creek, just alongside the Lodge). Alternatively you may prefer to fly fish the lake banks, or the mouth of the rivers that flow into Lake Wakatipu. Lake Wakatipu is home to Brown and Rainbow trout and land-locked Quinnat Salmon. Our fishing season on the rivers runs from November through May. There is excellent nymph fishing during the early season and superb dry fly and nymph fishing during the summer months. Brown and Rainbow trout average more than three pounds, with five to six pound trout not uncommon. Trophy size trout over 10 pounds are more likely in early or late season.



Hiking

The Routeburn, Milford, Greenstone and Hollyford tracks offer three to four day guided hikes across a wilderness of valleys and high-mountain passes dotted with alpine gardens. Glaciated lakes, cascading waterfalls, fast flowing rivers and streams, fell fields of tussock-grass, remote beech forest, profusions of alpine wildflowers plus native birds, illusive chamois and fast-footed deer are just some of the natural elements that make this a fascinating part of the world to explore. Blanket Bay is the ideal location from which to begin these treks and undoubtedly there is no better spot to relax afterwards. There are also several wonderful day walks in close proximity to Blanket Bay. If you wish, we can arrange one of our charming and exceptionally knowledgeable guides to accompany you for the day. They will meet you at the Lodge and take you to beautiful remote places like The Paradise or Routeburn valleys. For those guests who wish to walk without a guide we recommend hiring a car to allow easy access to the many walking tracks within a half hour’s drive of the Lodge.



Heli Skiing

Blanket Bay offers an “À La Carte Heliskiing” menu to suit a wide range of skiing and snowboarding abilities. Each heliski option has been carefully designed to offer a great degree of flexibility, allowing everyone to experience the tranquility, freedom and exhilaration of heliskiing. Contrary to the perception that heliskiing is only reserved for the extreme skier/boarder, with New Zealand’s unique geography you can heli-ski on moderate terrain (ski field blue run equivalent) with your own private helicopter right from Blanket Bay’s doorstep. The average Southern Alps’ heli-ski run is 750 vertical meters. Harris Mountains Heliski are specialists in private heli-ski charters. This is the ultimate in heli-skiing – a helicopter exclusively for your use; your own guides and thousands of vertical metres of untracked snow to explore within the Southern Alps. Costs are based on the numbers in the group and the helicopter hours flown. The number of runs acheived is dependent upon the number of heli-skiers in the charter group, their level of ability, and the helicopter flying time used. Charter groups often ski 10 to 15 runs per day.


Horse Riding

Our experienced guides, Ruth Anne and David Anderson, offer expert instruction and extensive local knowledge, only 5 minutes from Blanket Bay. There is a choice of superbly schooled quarter horses to suit all riders. All riding is on immaculately maintained Western saddles, with safety and comfort top-of-mind. Our privately guided rides take in the beach at the head of Lake Wakatipu and across our very own 4046-hectare Wyuna High Country Station. Here just you and your horse share this magnificent farm with the sheep, cattle and deer, and the occasional wild goat. Rides can vary from as short as 1.5 hours to a full morning or afternoon. Longer rides take you to the 100 year-old Scheelite Mines high above the lake into The Richardson Mountains. The views are spectacular with snow-capped Mt. Earnslaw dominating the shimmering lake, crystal clear rivers and secluded forest reserves. Horse riding is easily arranged by Blanket Bay’s Front Office team at the Lodge.



Arts Trail

New Zealand’s art and the artists themselves offer a refreshing insight into how kiwis continue to make a name for themselves on the world stage. Locally we are fortunate to have some of New Zealand’s most interesting and respected artists in residence; to be able to visit them in their own studios is one of the great attractions of the region. The Southern Lakes region has attracted huge interest for its remarkable ‘New World’ wines, with the local varietals like Pinot Noir being rated amongst the world’s best. Some of the local wineries, like the award winning Amisfield Winery & Bistro and Gibbston Valley winery also boast restaurants and tasting facilities in spectacular settings with cuisine to match. Here is the perfect opportunity to relax, have lunch and enjoy local flavours and superb scenery. For those guests who would like to experience some of the rich local culture, the team at Blanket Bay can organise your day, whether self-drive or with a chauffeur driven car, sampling the local wine, enjoying a fabulous lunch at Amisfield Bistro and Gibbston Valley winery while meeting the artists at their studios.



Golfing

With a backdrop of 2300 vertical metres of the razorback Remarkables mountain range and an armchair view of an outstanding lake and mountain panorama, Jack’s Point Golf Course is not only one of the most spectacular in the world, but as an 18 hole par 72 championship course it offers golfers of any calibre a challenging and unforgettable experience. The course works with nature, not against it. Designed with minimal excavation, the 6538 metre (7150 yard) course is built on the most spectacular of Jack’s Point terrain, weaving through tussock grasslands, dramatic rock outcrops, steep bluffs and swathes of native bush to the edge of Lake Wakatipu. Just as the rough-hewn stone walls adjacent to the fairways evoke its high country farming heritage, so the entire Jack’s Point Golf Course has been designed to take full advantage of its history and terrain – raw, dramatic and wild. With preservation and restoration of surrounding wetlands, matagouri and native bush, each hole has been carefully aligned to a magnificent backdrop, offering the player a full 360 degree experience of the high country landscape.



Adventure Activities

Jet Boat on the Dart River: It’s more than a jetboat ride – it’s a World Heritage eco-journey into the heart of wilderness New Zealand. Navigating deep into the alpine corridor of Mount Aspiring National Park, the challenging grandeur of the mountains and valleys will leave a lasting impression. Discover ice-capped mountains and glaciers, cascading waterfalls and crystal clear streams and pools, all while enjoying the thrill of being aboard your purpose built jetboat that picks up and drops off at Blanket Bay’s private jetty. Funyaks: Begin the adventure with a Dart River Jetboat trip upstream, remove the sound of the V8 and replace it with bird song and cascading waterfalls as you paddle to Paradise in your inflatable canoe. Glaciers, rocky peaks, dense rainforest, crystal blue waters and shady chasms can be enjoyed from the serenity of your canoe. An adventure perfect for a family. Bungy Jumping: For over ten years people have been thrilled at this Queenstown icon either by jumping themselves, or as official spectators. Bungy Jump (or watch) from the world’s first commercial site, or choose between four other heart stopping jumps ranging between 42 metres and 102 metres. Guaranteed to be an unforgettable experience. Mountain Biking: Blanket Bay has four Trek 6500 Mountain Bikes with aluminium frames of varying sizes for your use. Jump aboard and head off along the beach, or take a picnic lunch and venture further a field into the Rees Valley National Park or Paradise itself. Rafting: Experience the exhilaration of rafting on either the Shotover or Kawarau Rivers. No previous experience required- professionally trained guides will provide instruction and give a safety briefing. The more challenging Shotover River begins over peaceful waters, heading towards the exhilarating rapids of the lower Canyon. Flowing through the beautiful Kawarau Gorge, passing beneath the Gibbston and Chard vineyards, the Kawarau River offers a mix of gentle floating water and mighty rapids.

Chat with one of our expert travel designers today to begin planning your perfect vacation

Call: +852 9465 4577

Email: travel@theluxevoyager.com

OVERVIEW

Blanket Bay Lodge New Zealand

An elegant, luxury lodge, with a natural, rustic edge, Blanket Bay is framed by the crystal clear Lake Wakatipu and New Zealand’s majestic Southern Alps. Here you can indulge in a plethora of outdoor activities knowing that the relaxing lodge awaits. In this haven of peace and tranquillity on the pristine shores of Lake Wakatipu lies the luxury lodge Blanket Bay. The views are out of this world – around you, snow-capped mountains hold court over wild rivers and hillsides of golden grasslands, and ancient forests huddle up to crystal clear lakes. Blanket Bay has five intimate Lodge Rooms, three generous Lodge Suites and four stand-alone Chalet Suites

Here you can enjoy pre-dinner cocktails and refined cuisine in a choice of dining venues both indoors, outdoors and even underground in the wine cave. The lodge’s chefs use the best regional produce New Zealand has to offer and produce contemporary food full of flavour and style that has won Blanket Bay many awards and accolades. All rooms and suites at Blanket Bay are filled with sumptuous furnishings and elegant rugs and creature comforts are never lacking. Back at the lodge a comforting Jacuzzi, sauna or dip in the lap pool await and in-room massage could be just what you need to revive you before cocktail hour begins.

ROOMS

With just 12 rooms, ranging from Lodge Rooms to Chalet Suites, the hotel, which is unsurprisingly a member of the exclusive Small Luxury Hotels of the World group, never feels crowded. Rooms are individually designed, but in keeping with the hunting cabin-style décor. Polished wooden floors are covered with stylish rugs, and attractive antique wardrobes reveal televisions. The furniture is so tasteful, and it feels so elegant, especially when returning to a crackling fire and babbling radio. Naturally, those unbelievable views are at the forefront of each room’s design.

Blanket Bay Lodge Main Lodge

Main Lodge

The Lodge at Blanket Bay sits within sprawling grounds on the bush-clad fringes of Lake Wakatipu. Built in the grand style of the finest alpine Lodges and finished with native New Zealand timber and stone, the Lodge is a sanctuary of comfort. The long driveway meanders across green pastures dotted with grazing sheep. To the north, magnificent views of Mount Earnslaw. Further along, stunning views of Lake Wakatipu open up on your left, and looming ahead across the lake is the grandeur of the Humboldt mountain range. It’s here where the world famous Greenstone and Routeburn tracks begin.

Blanket Bay Lodge Blanket Bay Villa

Blanket Bay Villa

Four king suites comprising bedroom, bathroom and sitting area feature individual fireplaces and boast magnificent views. Shared spaces within the Villa are centered around the grand lounge and bar. Relax, entertain and dine by the formidable open fire. Wandering out to the terrace, the fire-pit and lounges enjoy the incredible backdrop offering a superb setting throughout the afternoon and evening. Continuing on to the lawn twin hot tubs await. Wherever you find yourself, the lake and mountain views are virtually inescapable. Clever design optimises both morning and afternoon sun, with many private terraces and dining options to choose from. Personal helpers are accommodated in the security suite, ensuring seamless service for Villa guests. Resting within sympathetic landscape design the Villas thousand square meters is scaled beautifully.

Blanket Bay Lodge Owners Residence

Owners Residence

The Owners residence at Blanket Bay sits nearby the main Lodge offering seclusion and privacy in a magic setting. The stone and timber buildings nestled elegantly amongst established gardens capture the intimacy of unsurpassed lake and mountain views. Located off it’s own private driveway, the main house boasts two large bedrooms, both with en-suite bathrooms. The master bedroom has a large stone fireplace, wooden floors and overlooks Lake Wakatipu towards the Humbolt mountain range. Fully self contained, the main house includes and additional guest wash room and a rustic country kitchen overlooking the stone courtyard and delightful gardens. The main lounge and dining area look through the picture window to uninterrupted lake views. A large stone fireplace centered in the main lounge is an ideal spot for cozy romantic winter evenings.

Blanket Bay Lodge Lodge Room

Lodge Room

Resplendent is polished wood and fine fabrics, the Lodge Rooms offer sweeping views across the lake towards the Greenstone Valley and it’s surrounding peaks. The lakeside Lodge Rooms each feature a private balcony or terrace, super king size bed, sitting area and armoire. The en suite bathrooms are lavishly appointed with granite topped double vanities, separate shower and bathtub.

Blanket Bay Lodge Lodge Suite

Lodge Suite

Luxuriate in the sumptuous splendor of the Lodge Suites. The three gracious 700 square foot suites feature an additional 400 square foot private balcony, as well as stone fireplaces, walk-in closets and spacious bathrooms with separate steam showers and bathtubs.

Blanket Bay Lodge Chalets Suite

Chalets Suite

The Chalets Suites reflect New Zealand colonial architecture and complement the main lodge with the use of schist stone and old steamer wharf timber beams.

Blanket Bay Lodge Chalet Stateroom

Chalet Stateroom

The Chalet Staterooms offer an ideal luxury retreat. Each Chalet Suite can be combined with an additional spacious living room to create the 1400 square foot stateroom.

DINING

From 6pm to 7pm, drinks and canapés are served in the Den. During this time, the choices for the evening’s five-course menu will be explained, and wine selected based on the preferred courses. The second decision is where to dine. Choose from the low-lit dining room complete with roaring fireplace; the secluded wine cave with stonewalls, medieval candelabras and velvet chairs; or the outdoor terrace, kept warm by the fire, with immaculate views of the twinkling stars. The menus are delightfully light, even with all five courses, and it changes daily. Expect the likes of flavoursome Portobello mushroom soup, with a touch of brandied mascarpone, to start, followed by infused feta, scattered among some charred broccoli stems and pecan nuts. A salad dish might be spruced up with citrus tones before a main of New Zealand lamb arrives doused in a velvety Pinot Noir sauce. To finish, lemon and rhubarb crème brulee tart with a potent sorbet side might be washed down with the last of the excellent wine. Breakfast is served in the dining room and comprises a buffet of fruit, cereals and juices, and the à la carte menu offers omelettes, eggs Benedict and pancakes, among other things. The chef’s pastries of the day will be delivered to your table.

Blanket Bay Lodge at Dining
Blanket Bay Lodge Bar

Dining at Blanket Bay

Dinner is served on individual tables in the elegant Evening Dining Room with it’s beamed ceiling and stone fireplace. For a more intimate affair, reserve the Wine Cave, an ideal venue for private dining for up to six people. On warmer evenings, under a clear southern sky, The Terrace is a magnificent setting with the fire behind and the mountain and lake vistas unfolding. Breakfast and lunch are served in the Breakfast Dining Room and delectable Pacific Rim cuisine is served for dinner at individual tables in the Evening Dining Room, outdoor terrace or wine cave. Pre-dinner cocktails are served in The Den and The Great Room is a wonderful place filled with antiques to relax and unwind by the fire.

FACILITIES

Canoes are available for trips out on the lake, or bikes can be rented for the downhill sprint into town. A heated pool, walled for privacy, is a short walk from the main lodge, or the small fitness room can be found on the ground floor. A steam room, therapy room and whirlpool tub are also available. For rainy days, the games room is stocked with DVDs, games as well as a pool table, shuffleboard and self-serve bar. The activities on offer here surpass expectations: enjoy a helicopter trip over Milford Sound, go horse riding among sheep fields, or heli-ski down a nearby mountain.

Blanket Bay Lodge New Zealand Pool

Pool

There is also a Games Room, self service bar, gym, steam room, Jacuzzi and heated outdoor lap pool open in the summer months.

Tierra Chiloe Hotel and Spa Pool
Blanket Bay Lodge Spa

Spa

A steam room, therapy room and whirlpool tub are also available.

Blanket Bay Lodge Gym

Gym

Area & Location

Area, Country
Southern Lakes, New Zealand
Nearest Airport
Queenstown Airport, Queenstown
Local Currency
New Zealand dollar (NZD)
Time Change
GMT +12
Language
English
Best time to go
November through April

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