Minaret Station

Minaret Station is a family-run, entirely isolated South Island retreat that strives to give its guests an authentic taste of life in the real New Zealand wilderness; one they simply will not find elsewhere.

Dotted along a mini valley on the banks of Lake Wanaka, a picture-perfect body of water in New Zealand’s Otago Region, Minaret Station’s main lodge is then surrounded by four deluxe chalets connected by wooden walkways, with dominating, dramatic snow-dusted mountains as its backdrop.

Idyllic year-round, this intimate New Zealand lodge is set up for all weather conditions, with irresistible roaring fires in winter and large verandas to enjoy the summer evening sunshine too; this is boutique South Island living at its very best.

The restaurant, for example, is a delight of fine dining, locally-sourced cuisine that certainly showcase the best of New Zealand’s ingredients and wine varieties, yet inspiration for the menu’s flavour combos are taken from Asia to Europe, the Med, and beyond.

Inside the chalets, you’ll find the same level of care and consideration, though displayed in an entirely more rustic fashion, as each is designed and adorned to be homely and welcoming, all comfortable sofas, sheepskin throws and a wood-burning fireplace.

Don’t be entirely fooled, however, as a private deck, Jacuzzi, kitchen and countless in-room mod-cons remind you that this is every bit the boutique luxury South Island lodge too!

Then, in a country famed for its inventiveness, and with travel experiences being no different, the Wallis family (headed by Sir Tim Wallis) who run Minaret Station led the way with their heli-sightseeing and heli-skiing adventures, both now-popular pastimes all over adrenaline-loving New Zealand.

And as Minaret Station boasts decades of experience plus a real passion for what they do, here you can be sure to encounter a truly unique New Zealand experience both for that unbeatable location and the countless activities on offer; jet boating, hiking, biking and more.

The exclusive nature of Minaret Station also means that your exact activity schedule will be completely bespoke, whether being dropped off amid the mountains for a memorable bike ride or perhaps a more laidback gourmet picnic without a soul in sight, the team here have it covered. And upon your return, gourmet cuisine or a glass of champagne in the hot tub awaits, under starry night skies, of course; such is the magnificence of time spent at the one and Minaret Station Alpine Lodge.