The Cottages at Lake Hayes are five light-filled retreats perched along the shores of one of New Zealand's most iconic landscapes, a short scenic drive from both Queenstown and Arrowtown. Each two-bedroom cottage sleeps up to four guests and comes with its own private hot tub, ensuites, and a fully equipped kitchen - whether you're escaping as two or exploring as a family, there's a quiet corner of Queenstown here for you.
The setting does much of the talking. The property sits on the edge of beautiful Lake Hayes, close enough to reach world-class restaurants, wineries and adventure activities in minutes, yet removed enough that the lake and hills feel like they belong to you. Hosts describe their focus simply: to play the ultimate hosts and deliver exceptional service with warm-hearted Kiwi charm.
Days here can be as full or as slow as you like. Cycle or take a short scenic drive to the cellar doors of Gibbston Valley, chase thrills with jet boating, bungy jumping or skydiving, or do nothing at all beyond a long soak in your private hot tub - with the option of arranging a private massage right in your cottage. For larger gatherings, the sister property Hayes Lodge nearby sleeps up to seven across four bedrooms.
There's a reason Lake Hayes appears on so many postcards. The water sits in a bowl of hills between Queenstown and Arrowtown, and on its edge - close enough to hear the quiet - sit five light-filled cottages that make up The Cottages at Lake Hayes. It's the kind of place travellers search for and rarely find: genuinely lakeside, genuinely private, and only a short scenic drive from two of New Zealand's most loved towns.
Each of the five cottages is a two-bedroom retreat sleeping up to four guests, which makes them equally suited to a couple's escape or a family base. The formula inside is simple and generous: a private hot tub of your own, ensuites, and a fully equipped kitchen, so you can cook proper meals in rather than heading out every night. Light floods the spaces, and the focus throughout is on time in nature without giving up comfort.
The team behind the property put it plainly: they aim to be the ultimate hosts and deliver exceptional service with warm-hearted Kiwi charm. That ethos shows up in the details, including relaxation options like a private massage arranged in your cottage - or simply doing nothing more ambitious than a long soak as the light fades over the water.
Location is the quiet superpower here. The property sits about 15 minutes from Queenstown and 10 minutes from Arrowtown, so the region's full menu is within easy reach. Thrill-seekers can tick off jet boating, bungy jumping and skydiving; those preferring a gentler pace can choose from hiking, cycling and scenic boat cruises.
Wine lovers are especially well placed. The cellar doors of Arrowtown and the iconic Gibbston Valley are a short scenic drive away - or reachable by bike if you want to earn your pinot noir - with local, world-class wines on offer. When hunger calls, Arrowtown and Queenstown serve everything from upscale dining and winery restaurants to family-friendly casual fare.
For milestones worth remembering - wedding parties, family reunions, milestone birthdays and celebratory escapes - the sister property Hayes Lodge sits nearby on Lake Hayes-Arrow Junction Highway. It's a four-bedroom, four-and-a-half-bathroom retreat sleeping up to seven, with generous spaces and warm, refined interiors designed for groups who know how to gather in style.
Booking enquiries go directly to the hosts by phone on +64 21 805 224 or by email at [email protected], and they welcome special requests or questions ahead of a visit. A few pointers make the stay smoother: stock your fully equipped kitchen in Queenstown or Arrowtown on the way in, build at least one unhurried day around the lake itself, and leave room for the Gibbston Valley wineries - whether you pedal there or take the scenic route by car.
Whether you come for the adventures, the wines, or simply the rare luxury of waking up beside one of New Zealand's most iconic landscapes, The Cottages at Lake Hayes delivers a version of Queenstown that feels a world away from the crowds - while never actually being far from anything at all.