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Nearly all of the best hotels in New Zealand’s South Island are perched amongst insanely beautiful views out every window. Is it a green screen? A page out of a coffee table book? Could be…but this time I was able to witness them in person on different trips to the southern hemisphere. I love a good rating so I took a page out of hotels.com book and did a little review for each below.

5 Best Hotels on New Zealand’s South Island

Kamana Lakehouse

Overall rating: 9/10

Location: 8/10

Price: $$

Highlights: The views here are insane at this swanky, eco-certified property and the Mediterranean cuisine at Nest Kitchen + Bar is delicious.

Do: Book a hot tub that looks out at Lake Wakatipu (reserve in advance). Enjoy a spa treatment, a gym session or a 30 minute walk into downtown Queenstown.

Don’t: Book a non-lakeview room. YOLO.

Rees Hotel & Luxury Apartments

Overall rating: 9.2/10

Location: 8.5/10

Price: $$$

Highlights: I’ve stayed here 5 times now because The Rees doesn’t disappoint. The 20 minute walk into town along the lake is stunning, and there’s always the hotel shuttle if you aren’t up for the hike. Choose from hotel room, apartments or residences. 

Do: Book a Lakeview room or apartment with a view and balcony.

QT Hotel

Overall rating: 9.4/10

Location: 8.5/10

Price: $$

Highlights: I love the funky, eclectic vibe here! It feels young and modern, seen in the room decor, bar and amenities. While the view is a little obstructed, the location can’t be beat with only a 5 minute walk to the center of town.

Do: Eat breakfast here because it’s what buffet dreams are made of.

Mt. Cook Lakeside Retreat

Overall rating: 9.5/10

Location: 10/10

Price: $$$$

Highlights: This place is more of a retreat than a hotel room, hence the name. All villas come with a welcome cake (!), hot tub with a view, and in-room breakfast. A tennis court is available for use that would even make Serena Williams jealous. It’s located in an international Dark Sky Reserve where stargazing can be booked on a clear night.

Do: Book the wine cellar and stargazing activity on a clear night! Walk the hiking trails, play a game of tennis and visit the lush garden.

Don’t: Assume this is around the corner from Mt. Cook National Park. Reserve 45 minutes drive to get there from here.

Honorable Mention: Rosewood Matakauri

Overall rating: ???

Location: 8.5/10

Price: $$$$

Highlights: I have yet to stay here…but I’m putting it out into the universe that on my next visit, I have a reservation here for a few nights. It’s a Rosewood property after all so its reputation precedes it (which is one of the reasons the property made its way onto this list without me having ever visited). The outdoor pool, accommodations, bar, restaurant and service all look top-notch. While it’s not situated in the thick of the town center, it’s a short 7-minute drive away. A small factor when it’s this lovely.

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