Editors' Picks

Alpine Lodge at Minaret Station

Remote, authentic, foodie haven

W Wanaka Rd, Cattle Flat 9382, New Zealand

64-3-443-5860

See Website

Indagare Adored

At a Glance

Set 3,000 feet up a glacial valley on 65,000 spectacular acres of private farmland, Minaret Station (accessible only by helicopter and featuring just four chalets) allows guests to take advantage of its secluded location and rugged beauty—and to explore by foot, bike, boat, helicopter or skis. While food and wine are an integral part of the experience here, guests really come for the chance to experience New Zealand’s profound sense of nature and adventure. Farm tours, hunting, fishing, hiking, skiing, stargazing, strolling isolated beaches and landing on glaciers all make the extensive list of available activities. Spending a day in Fiordland’s glorious wilderness before returning to the comfort of your lodge for a delicious meal (and perhaps a nightcap) is one of the most exclusive ways to see the country. New Zealand’s magnificence is at its zenith here, where water meets mountain, lake meets farmland and the rest of the world feels millions of miles away.

The Standout: The Fiordland Heli Traverse, during which guests can experience the world in a day— with glaciers, alpine lakes, wildlife, Fiordland National Park and a fresh lobster for lunch along the way

Don’t Miss: Hiking, backcountry fishing, heli-skiing, heli-biking through the southern hemisphere with your own private and specialized guide

Indagare Loves

  • The cabin-style chalets that provide a sense of authenticity.
  • The top excursions for hikers, hunters, fishers and heli-skiers
  • The lodge’s dedication to serving top-notch and locally sourced cuisine and wine

Review

One of New Zealand’s most epic wilderness experiences is set on 65,000 spectacular acres of private farmland in the middle of the remote Fiordland. Accessible only by helicopter, Minaret Station takes advantage of its secluded location (a 25-minute flight from Queenstown) and rugged beauty. Visitors can stay in one of four luxurious alpine-style chalets and explore by foot, boat, helicopter, ski or ATV.

Individual chalets are comfortable and modest, featuring sheepskin carpets, private decks with hot tubs and ensuite bathrooms. The main lodge offers ample cozy public space with a stocked library, lounge area, open fireplace and fabulous dining room run by the lodge’s world-class chef.

While food and wine are an integral part of the experience here, guests really come for the chance to explore New Zealand’s profound sense of nature and adventure. Farm tours, hunting, fishing, hiking, surfing, skiing, exploring isolated beaches and landing on glaciers are among the long list of available activities. Spending a day in Fiorland’s glorious wilderness before returning to the comfort of your lodge for a delicious meal and a whiskey night cap (yes, the owners also distill their own whiskey, which is served over a block of glacier ice that has been branded with the Minaret Station crest) is one of the most unique and exclusive ways to experience the country. New Zealand’s magnificence is at its zenith here, where water meets mountain, lake meets farmland and the rest of the world feels millions of miles away.

Who Should Stay

Couples seeking dramatic, unspoiled natural landscapes and those who appreciate a sense of exclusivity and remoteness. Adventurers looking for epic, off-the-beaten-path excursions will also be happy here. Those who appreciate a sense of authenticity and uniqueness will be impressed by the lodge, its owners and the variety of special experiences offered.

Written by Sasha Feldman

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