Staying at Eichardt’s Private Hotel in Queenstown: Lakeside Luxury
Tucked right on the waterfront of Lake Wakatipu, Eichardt’s Private Hotel is one of those places that feels less like checking into a hotel and more like slipping into a beautifully curated story. Set in the heart of Queenstown, directly across from the lake and just steps from the town’s buzzing restaurants, bars, and adventure operators, Eichardt’s blends heritage charm with contemporary luxury in a way that’s hard to forget.
A Historic Icon with Modern Comforts
Eichardt’s dates back to the gold rush era of the 1860s and has long been a landmark on Queenstown’s lakefront. The original building’s historic façade remains, but inside you’ll find elegant, modern interiors that respect the history without feeling dated. Think high ceilings, ornate fireplaces, rich fabrics, and a warm, intimate ambience rather than a large, anonymous resort feel.
The hotel is boutique in the truest sense of the word. With a small number of suites and apartments, it feels exclusive and private. Staff quickly recognize you, remember your name, and greet you as if you were returning home, even if it’s your first visit. That “small but world-class” atmosphere is a big part of what makes staying here special.
Rooms and Suites: Lake Views and Cozy Fireplaces
Accommodation at Eichardt’s is designed for those who appreciate both style and comfort. Many of the suites offer sweeping views over Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountains, and waking up to that glassy blue water framed by peaks is a highlight in itself.
Rooms are typically appointed with:
- Plush, king-sized beds with high-quality linens
- Gas fireplaces that make evenings feel especially cozy, particularly in winter
- Spacious bathrooms, often with deep soaking tubs and premium amenities
- Thoughtful touches like fresh flowers, curated minibars, and quality coffee and tea setups
The design language is understated luxury: neutral tones, soft textures, and classic furnishings that feel timeless rather than trendy. If you’re traveling as a couple, the lakeside suites are particularly romantic, with fireplaces and seating areas that encourage you to slow down and simply enjoy the view. For families or groups, Eichardt’s also offers apartments and a private residence, providing more space and privacy while still tapping into the hotel’s services.
Location: Right in the Heart of Queenstown
One of Eichardt’s biggest advantages is its unbeatable location. Step out the front door and you’re immediately on the lakefront promenade. A few minutes’ walk in any direction brings you to:
- Queenstown’s best cafés, restaurants, and bars
- Departure points for lake cruises, jet boating, and fishing trips
- Boutique shops and local galleries
- The familiar Fergburger queue, if you’re curious about the hype
Because you’re so central, it’s easy to structure your days however you like. Head out early for a lakeside walk or a coffee; return to your room for a late-morning relax; then wander out again for lunch or an afternoon adventure. You don’t need a car to enjoy Queenstown if you’re staying at Eichardt’s, and if you are heading to ski fields or golf courses, transport is easy to arrange.
Dining: Eichardt’s Bar and Beyond
Eichardt’s Bar is something of a Queenstown institution in its own right. Located at street level, overlooking the lake, it has a welcoming, club-like atmosphere with a roaring fireplace in winter and big open windows in summer.
Here you’ll find:
- Refined, seasonal dishes that showcase local produce and New Zealand flavors
- A carefully curated wine list, including Central Otago pinot noirs and other regional standouts
- Classic and house cocktails in an intimate setting
It’s the kind of place where you can comfortably linger for a pre-dinner drink, a full meal, or just a glass of wine and a shared plate. Because it opens onto the street and lakefront, you’re perfectly positioned for people-watching and taking in that famed Queenstown energy.
Breakfast, typically included with your stay or available in-house, continues the theme of quality over quantity: well-prepared dishes, fresh ingredients, and attentive service in a relaxed environment—an ideal start to a day of exploring or skiing.
Experiences: From Adventure to Relaxed Luxury
Queenstown is often called the adventure capital of New Zealand, and staying at Eichardt’s makes it easy to tap into whatever kind of experience you’re after.
Adventure activities
From the hotel, you can quickly access:
- World-Class Golf Courses
- Jet boating on the Shotover or Kawarau River
- Bungy jumping, canyon swings, and ziplining
- Day trips to Fiordland for scenic flights or Milford Sound cruises
- Mountain biking and hiking trails, from lakeside strolls to more serious climbs
In winter, ski fields like Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, and Cardrona are all within comfortable driving distance. The hotel can help coordinate transfers, passes, and equipment rentals so your ski days are as seamless as possible.
Relaxed indulgence
If your idea of a perfect Queenstown stay is more about relaxation and scenery than adrenaline, Eichardt’s is equally suited:
- Take a leisurely walk along the lakefront or through the nearby Queenstown Gardens
- Book a massage or spa treatment nearby (the concierge can arrange this)
- Spend an afternoon tasting local wines at Gibbston Valley and other Central Otago wineries
- Arrange private tours, helicopter flights to alpine picnics, or gourmet experiences
Eichardt’s is particularly appealing for couples celebrating honeymoons, anniversaries, or special occasions. The combination of beautiful suites, personalized service, and that stunning location provides all the ingredients for a memorable romantic escape.
Service: Discreet, Personal, and Attentive
What sets high-end hotels apart, beyond decor and location, is the quality of service—and this is where Eichardt’s really shines. The team is small enough to be personal but professional enough to feel polished. They’re there when you need them, without hovering or feeling intrusive.
Expect:
- Thoughtful recommendations tailored to your interests, whether it’s a casual local spot or a fine-dining reservation
- Help with bookings for activities, transfers, and tours
- Attention to detail with in-room requests, special celebrations, or dietary needs
Because the property is boutique, it’s easy to feel like a valued guest rather than a room number. Little touches—like remembering how you take your coffee or checking in on how your day out went—contribute to that feeling.
Who Eichardt’s Is Perfect For
Staying at Eichardt’s Private Hotel is ideal if you:
- Value character and history as much as modern luxury
- Want a central, lakefront location within easy walking distance of everything
- Prefer intimate, boutique properties over large resorts
- Are celebrating a special occasion or planning a romantic getaway
- Enjoy high-quality food and wine, with an appreciation for local produce and regional wines
It’s less about flashy, in-your-face luxury and more about quiet refinement, atmosphere, and a sense of place. You feel grounded in Queenstown’s history and landscape, while still enjoying every modern comfort.
Final Thoughts
Eichardt’s Private Hotel offers one of the most distinctive stays in Queenstown: a blend of lakeside location, heritage charm, and contemporary luxury wrapped in genuinely warm service. Whether you’re here for adrenaline-fueled adventures, long days on the ski slopes, or slow, indulgent mornings watching the light shift across Lake Wakatipu, Eichardt’s gives you a front-row seat to the best of Queenstown—with a glass of Central Otago pinot in hand and a fireplace waiting when you return.
Written by Steve McKean, Co-Owner of Luxury Adventures
Luxury Adventures has over 2 decades of crafting bespoke luxury travel experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific.
Steve is passionate about showcasing the region’s most unforgettable places, from hidden alpine retreats, sunny paradises to world-class golf courses.
A keen golfer and travel lover, he blends insider knowledge with a deep respect for local culture and sustainability. When not curating extraordinary journeys, you’ll find him exploring off-the-beaten-path lodges or teeing off at sunrise.
For more information email us: info@luxuryadventures.co.nz or follow our adventures on Instagram here
Linkedin: Connect with Luxury Adventures Directors Steve McKean & Dee McKean
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