Staying at Eichardt’s Private Hotel in Queenstown: Lakeside Luxury

Planning a stay at Eichardt’s Private Hotel in Queenstown? Tucked right on the waterfront of Lake Wakatipu, Eichardt’s feels less like checking into a hotel and more like slipping into a beautifully curated story—heritage charm, contemporary comfort, and one of the best addresses in town.

If you’d like, we can build Eichardt’s into a seamless Queenstown itinerary—paired with the right dining, experiences and transfers.

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.

This is boutique in the truest sense: a small number of suites and apartments, an intimate atmosphere, and service that feels personal rather than “big hotel” formal. Staff are attentive and discreet—present when you need them, never intrusive.

Rooms and Suites: Lake Views and Cozy Fireplaces

Accommodation at Eichardt’s suits travellers who appreciate both style and comfort. Many suites look out over Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountains—those lake-and-peak views are a highlight in any season.

Typical in-room features include:

Plush king beds with quality linens
Gas fireplaces (especially welcome in winter)
Spacious bathrooms, often with deep soaking tubs and premium amenities
Thoughtful touches like fresh flowers, curated minibars and quality tea/coffee setups

The design is understated and timeless—neutral tones, classic furnishings and soft textures. For couples, the lakeside suites are particularly romantic; for families or friends travelling together, the apartments and private residence offer extra space and privacy while still accessing hotel services.

Location: Right in the Heart of Queenstown

Eichardt’s location is genuinely hard to beat. Step outside and you’re on the lakefront promenade. Within a few minutes’ walk you’ll find:

Queenstown’s best cafés, restaurants and bars
Departure points for lake cruises and on-water activities
Boutique shops and local galleries
The famous Fergburger queue, if you’re curious

Because you’re so central, it’s easy to structure your days with zero friction—morning walk and coffee, a relaxed late start, then out again for lunch or an afternoon experience. You don’t need a car to enjoy Queenstown from here, and for ski fields, golf and day trips, transport is straightforward to arrange.

Dining: Eichardt’s Bar and Beyond

Eichardt’s Bar is a Queenstown institution in its own right. Overlooking the lake, it has a welcoming, club-like atmosphere—roaring fireplace in winter, open windows and light in summer.

Expect:

Seasonal dishes showcasing local produce
A well-curated wine list (including Central Otago highlights)
Classic and house cocktails in an intimate setting

It’s ideal for a pre-dinner drink, a relaxed meal, or simply lingering with a glass of wine while watching the lakefront come and go.

Experiences: Adventure or Relaxed Luxury (and everything in between)

Queenstown can be as high-adrenaline or as slow-paced as you want—and Eichardt’s makes it easy to do both.

If you’re building days around experiences, start here:

Activities – New Zealand

Adventure highlights may include:

Jet boating on the Shotover or Kawarau River
Bungy jumping, canyon swings and ziplining
Scenic flights and Fiordland day trips
Hiking and biking, from easy lake walks to more ambitious trails

Winter skiing
In winter, Coronet Peak, The Remarkables and Cardrona are all within comfortable driving distance. We can help coordinate the moving parts—transfers, timing, equipment and anything else that makes ski days effortless.

Relaxed indulgence
For a softer pace, Queenstown is brilliant for:

Lakefront walks and the Queenstown Gardens
Central Otago wine tasting in Gibbston Valley and beyond
Private tours, helicopter flights, alpine picnics and special-occasion moments

Eichardt’s is especially well-suited to honeymoons, anniversaries and milestone trips: beautiful suites, personalised service, and a front-row lakefront setting.

Service: Discreet, Personal, and Attentive

What separates a truly high-end stay from a merely “nice” one is service—and Eichardt’s is strong here. Because the property is boutique, the team can be personal and detail-oriented while still polished and professional.

You can expect:

Recommendations tailored to your style (casual favourites through to special reservations)
Help with bookings for activities, transfers and tours
Careful handling of dietary needs, celebrations and in-room preferences

Those small touches—remembering what you like, checking in thoughtfully after an outing—create the sense that you’re a guest, not a room number.

Who Eichardt’s Is Perfect For

Eichardt’s Private Hotel is a great fit if you:

Value character and history alongside modern luxury
Want a central, lakefront location you can walk from
Prefer intimate boutique properties over large resorts
Are planning a romantic getaway or special occasion
Care about food and wine and love being close to Queenstown’s dining scene

It’s less about flashy, “look-at-me” luxury and more about quiet refinement, atmosphere and a genuine sense of place.

Plan your Queenstown stay

If you’re considering Eichardt’s, we can recommend the best room style for your travel dates, then build a smooth Queenstown itinerary around it—skiing, golf, wine, scenic flights or simply enjoying the lakefront from the best address in town.

Explore:

Or contact Luxury Adventures to tailor your trip.

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