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Blanket Bay

Queenstown • Lake Wakatipu • OVER THE TOP

avg. $1,456 / night

Includes $77 / night in cash back

Cash back is redeemable via Virtual Visa, Venmo, or bank transfer starting 24-48 hours after check-out

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5% cash back on all completed stays (redeemable via Virtual Visa, Venmo, or bank transfer starting 24-48 hours after check-out)

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Free breakfast

Breakfast-included rate options available

Room upgrades

Complimentary room upgrades (subject to property availability)

Extend your stay

Early check-in and late check-out (subject to property availability)

Part of Relais & Châteaux

Location

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PB hotel design editorial

Where Lake Wakatipu's glacier-fed waters meet the base of the Remarkables, on a 1,100-hectare high-country sheep station forty-five minutes from Queenstown, the building that houses Blanket Bay was conceived not as a hotel but as an exceptionally large private homestead — which is precisely why it works. Completed in 2000, the lodge was designed to suggest something that had accumulated over generations: schist stone walls quarried locally, recycled Oregon timber beams of the kind salvaged from demolished American barns, and steeply pitched roofs that echo the agricultural vernacular of the surrounding Otago landscape. The aerial view confirms how deliberately low the structure sits against the mountainside, almost absorbed by the treeline rather than asserting itself against it. Inside, the seventeen suites and chalets carry that same unhurried register. Soaring cathedral ceilings expose the full texture of the reclaimed timber framing, while wide-plank hardwood floors are layered with antique Oushak-style rugs in faded rose and cream. Upholstered seating groups anchor each room around the lake views rather than the bed, giving the spaces the proportions of a well-lived-in sitting room. The pool terrace extends the schist stonework outward in dry-laid courses, flanked by weathered timber pergolas that frame a direct sightline across the water to Cecil Peak. On the dining terrace, the same local stone forms a low balustrade, the Remarkables rising behind every table.

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About

This stunning backcountry retreat sits on the lakeshore 45 minutes outside Queenstown in the Southern Alps New Zealand. Lofty beamed ceilings, rock fireplaces and vast picture windows frame the heroic stone and timber lodge housing the Great Room, Den, Game Room, Gym, spa and several indoor/outdoor dining venues.Thirteen rooms offer every conceivable amenity. Activities include an outdoor lap pool, bush walks, fly-fishing, jet boating, horse riding and scenic heli-flights

Amenities

Restaurant

Internet

Free Internet

Free Parking

Free Wifi

Fitness center

Pool

Wheelchair Access

Suites

Bar/Lounge

Blanket Bay Reviews

321 reviews

"We stayed at Blanket Bay Lodge with high expectations due to its reputation and price point, but unfortunately our experience fell short. During our stay, we interacted with a staff member named Tom Butler. Several interactions were difficult and left us feeling uncomfortable due to the tone and handling of certain situations. Specific requests were not handled in a way we expected for a property of this standard. Overall, we felt that the service was inconsistent and did not match the level of hospitality we were anticipating. While the location and surroundings are beautiful, the guest experience did not reflect the premium positioning of the lodge. We hope management reviews internal communication and guest service standards to ensure a more consistent experience in the future."

A Tripadvisor traveler review

Mar 24, 2026

"Extremely disappointing experience due to unprofessional staff"

A Tripadvisor traveler review

Mar 24, 2026

"We spent five glorious nights at Blanket Bay our first stop in our tour of New Zealand and what a way to begin. The drive from Queenstown airport is nothing short of spectacular and a fabulous introduction to New Zealand. What we loved.. 1. The location of the property is not to be believed, glorious views from everywhere. 2. We stayed in one of the villas and it exuded comfort and luxurious style. The nighttime sky was nothing sort of spectacular with amazing views of the Milky Way. 3. Its location close to Glenorchy , The Route burn Hikes and Milford Sound make it an ideal spot for touring. You must visit all three places and make sure to take a helicopter ride to Milford sound. 4. In Glenorchy stop at Mrs. Woolsey for lunch , Noble and Childs Merino sweaters( the softest and best quality )and make sure to go to the fresh fruit ice cream store afterwards.. 5 . The staff at the lodge is warm and welcoming under Andrew’s leadership 6. We especially enjoyed the daily cocktail hour a great opportunity to meet other guests. 7. Was very nice to have a breakfast buffet which supplemented delicious hot meals from the menu. Dinner was fantastic."

A Tripadvisor traveler review

Feb 21, 2026

"… wow what can we say … from the moment we arrived we were looked after, welcomed by the entire team upon arrival, welcome champagne we were took to our room which was amazing like an old epic ski lodge, everything and I mean everything was taken care of the entire experience from the restaurant which tbh is Michelin level easily to the games room to being toured around Queenstown and shown the sights .. if only the rest of Queenstown provided service to this level… we can’t even begin to fully describe the hospitality we received… Thank you team, much love and respect.."

A Tripadvisor traveler review

Jan 26, 2026

"Retired Levi's exec, Tom Tusher saw the future of S Island, NZ more than 35 years ago. The property he purchased has been developed into a spectacular fishing, hiking, heli oasis. Originally conceived as a Montana fishing lodge, the recycled NZ bridge timbers create an entirely unique NZ lodge look and feel. The attention to detail extends to every employee, who enjoys employer built lodging. This enables Blanket Bay to provide world Class food & beverage service from a dining room and patio with dramatic Lake Wakatipo and mountain views. From the moment Andrew greets you at the front door of the massive lodge, you feel special. We stayed in a Chalet - it had the largest window and best view of any hotel I have ever stayed in. Want your heli to pick you up in the front yard? No worries. Want to play Shuffleboard after a great day hunting trout on the Caples or Greenstone river? Check out the lounge downstairs! Need a pack lunch for the Routburn Track - no worries mate! Expensive? Yes! Worth every penny, absolutely! A truly priceless experience!"

A Tripadvisor traveler review

Nov 19, 2025

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Blanket Bay | Best Design-Driven Stays in Queenstown