The Experience

Matakauri Lodge

Experience the very best of New Zealand – The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs, The Farm at Cape Kidnappers & Matakauri Lodge – with one special family of properties.

Three unique lodges in three stunning locations, The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs, The Farm at Cape Kidnappers & Matakauri Lodge collectively provide guests with the very best New Zealand has to offer.

All three properties are owned by New York financier and philanthropist Julian Robertson and family and managed by son Julian ‘Jay’ Robertson.  There are some of the most awarded and acclaimed luxury destinations in the world.

Spectacularly situated on Lake Wakatipu, Matakauri Lodge offers stunning views from every angle of the Remarkable, Cecil and Walter Peak mountain ranges. Just seven minutes drive from Queenstown, Matakauri Lodge is an alpine lakeside retreat nestled in one of the world’s most serenely beautiful landscapes.  The Lodge and adjoining suites, originally constructed in 2000 with a contemporary New Zealand design, reopened in August 2010 after undergoing extensive refurbishment and new interior design by acclaimed New Zealand Interior Designer, Virginia Fisher.

At the end of another superb day exploring this world-renowned region, come home to your Matakauri Lodge accommodation, one of eleven luxurious suites.  Select from eight outlying suites, two lodge suites and one lodge room.   Every suite offers its own private porch, bedroom with sitting area and open fireplace, walk-in wardrobe and bathroom with twin vanities and oversized bath tub.   The suites are nestled in a native forest overlooking Lake Wakatipu and the mountain panorama.   Each suite features high speed wireless Internet, fully-stocked mini-bar*, room-controlled air conditioning, flat screen LCD TV, DVD player, CD player with iPod connection and security safe.

At Matakauri Lodge, we pride ourselves on showcasing the finest local wines and produce in a luxurious setting.  Our Executive Chef Dale Gartland’s oversees the modern European cuisine which showcases local seasonal produce with clean, fresh flavours. After a long day of adventuring, enjoy our daily changing Lodge menu.   As always our team is fully committed to making the most of your stay with us, so feel free to take advantage of our stunning options for private dining; or take our chefs the product of your day’s fishing and let our team turn your hard-won catch into a gourmet experience.  Choose from a variety of dining spaces. Private dining can be arranged on request.  

Matakauri Lodge has a range of facilities designed to help you relax and enjoy your stay.   The common areas of our boutique New Zealand lodge offer numerous welcoming and comfortable spaces in which to relax, including stylish lounges featuring roaring open fires, our Remarkables Patio, Library and courtyard all offering comfortable spaces to relax in.  

Matakauri Lodge has a Luxury Spa facility, nestled in the pines adjacent to the guest suites. With two stunning treatment rooms, the view takes you across Lake Wakatipu to the beautiful Remarkables Mountain Range and Cecil Peak. Enjoy these views during a selection of glorious signature treatments or, choose from a variety of other Spa treatments such as body wraps, massage, facials, manicures and pedicures.   The Gym consists of a complete spectrum of exercise equipment and free weights. Yoga, Pilates and Personal Training are available by appointment.

The luxurious outdoor heated infinity pool is situated at the Spa/Gym complex. Relax by the pool or in the Jacuzzi with spectacular views of the lake and mountainside.

Terms & Conditions

All accommodation rates and package rates are quoted in New Zealand dollars and exclude applicable 15% Govt Goods & Services Tax

Rates are quoted on a per person per night basis based on double/twin occupancy in each room (with the exception of the Owners Cottage which is quoted per night based on maximum 4 guests)

A holiday season surcharge of NZD $200.00 + 15% Govt Goods & Services Tax per person per night applies to guests staying 24th December – 3rd January (inclusive).  

A two night minimum stay applies to the high season 15th December – 31st March.  

Interconnecting rooms are available and must be booked in conjunction with relevant suite (with the exception of the Lodge Room at Matakauri Lodge which can be reserved independently)

Rates subject to change and will be confirmed at the time of reservation

Children and Families:

Infants & Children under the age of 5 are free of charge when occupying adults room using existing bedding.  Cribs are available complimentary for children up to the age of 2.  Additional Beds can be arranged for Deluxe Suites at Matakauri Lodge, Lodge & Ridge Suites at Cape Kidnappers, and Deluxe Suites at Kauri Cliffs only and a charge will apply.

Alternate dining arrangements will be made for all children under the age of 12 after 7PM

Cancellation Policies

FIT Reservation Cancellation Policy (3 rooms or less)

Outside 90 days prior to arrival – No Charge

90-31 days prior to arrival –           $250.00 transaction fee

30-14 days prior to arrival –           50% charge for the room nights cancelled

Inside 14 days prior to arrival –     Full charge for the room nights cancelled

Holiday Season Cancellation Policy (3 rooms or less)

Applies to reservations 24 December – 3 January

Outside 90 days prior to arrival – No Charge

90 – 60 days prior to arrival –       50% charge for the room nights cancelled

Inside 60 days prior to arrival –    Full charge for the room nights cancelled

Group Bookings (4 rooms or more)

Please contact our reservations team at reservations@matakaurilodge.com for full details

We encourage all valued guests to take travel insurance in the event that circumstances outside of their control cause late cancellation of their booking

As Seen in Travel Folio

Few places can claim such a coveted alpine locale as Matakauri Lodge. Just seven minutes from Queenstown, the lodge sits along Lake Wakatipu with uninterrupted views of the remarkable surroundings, including Cecil and Walter Peak ranges. You can soak in the panorama from the infinity swimming pool, the inviting courtyard and any of the 11 warmly stylish suites with fireplaces and private porches. The holistic spa takes full advantage of local ingredients in its healing treatments, as does Head Chef Jonathan Rogers in preparing his exquisite seasonal cuisine — enjoy it with an impressive selection of local wines.
In the Know
Definitely have your concierge arrange a heli-flip tour of Milford Sound. Talk about an adrenaline rush! –Ann Lipschitz La Jolla, California Distance from Queenstown Airport (ZQN): 20 minutes

Travelwizard.com Guests Receive:

  • Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
  • Daily full breakfast, for up to two in room guests
  • $100 USD Spa Services credit, to be utilized during stay
    • (not combinable, valid on services only, not valid on products, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
  • Early check-in/late check-out
    • subject to availability
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