Description
In this haven of peace and tranquillity on the pristine shores of Lake Wakatipu lies the luxury lodge Blanket Bay. The views are out of this world - around you, snow-capped mountains hold court over wild rivers and hillsides of golden grasslands, and ancient forests huddle up to crystal clear lakes.
The lodge's main building is designed to be warm and welcoming and there are plenty of cosy corners in which to relax, a games room and a den with a fully stocked self service bar. Here you can enjoy pre dinner cocktails and refined cuisine in a choice of dining venues both indoors, outdoors and even underground in the wine cave. The lodge's chefs use the best regional produce New Zealand has to offer and produce contemporary food full of flavour and style that has won Blanket Bay many awards and accolades.
All rooms and suites at Blanket Bay are filled with sumptuous furnishings and elegant rugs and creature comforts are never lacking. Natural materials are used throughout, echoing the Lodge’s natural interaction with the environment and every room is carefully designed to take full advantage of the magnificent lake and mountain vistas from every aspect whether it be the bedroom, bathroom or outside on the terrace or deck.
From Blanket Bay the choice of activities and day trips is voluminous - from heli-skiing and heli-fishing to horse riding, rafting and mountain biking there is something to suit all levels of experience and adventure. Back at the lodge a comforting jacuzzi, sauna or dip in the lap pool await and in-room massage could be just what you need to revive you before cocktail hour begins.
Accommodation
Blanket Bay's has five intimate Lodge Rooms, three generous Lodge Suites and four stand-alone Chalet Suites. Resplendent in polished woods and fine fabrics, the Lodge Rooms each have their own balcony or terrace, king-size bed and seating area. The Lodge Suites have the addition of a huge 400 sq ft private balcony, large seating area and fireplace. Chalet Suites are away from the main lodge building with private courtyard gardens and when connected with a living room form a 'Chalet Stateroom'.
Childcare
Children under the age of 13 cannot be accommodated at Blanket Bay and for older children who are welcomed, babysitting can be arranged but other than this there are no specific facilities. Teenage children will love all of the adventurous activities this region has to offer from mountain biking to rafting, bungee jumping and thrilling jet boats.
Facilities
Breakfast and lunch are served in the Breakfast Dining Room and delectable Pacific Rim cuisine is served for dinner at individual tables in the Evening Dining Room, outdoor terrace or wine cave. Pre dinner cocktails are served in The Den and The Great Room is a wonderful place filled with antiques to relax and unwind by the fire. There is also a Games Room, self service bar, gym, steam room, jacuzzi and heated outdoor lap pool open in the summer months.
Activities
Around Blanket Bay a vast choice of activities is available from hiking, fishing, skiing, heli skiing, horse riding, jet-boating, sky-diving, wine tasting and visiting Milford Sound. Within the hotel the swimming pool, sauna, gym and jacuzzi can all be enjoyed.
When to travel
The climate in New Zealand is incredibly pleasant, with warm and balmy summers and cold crisp winter months with wonderful clear, blue skies. The warmer high-season months of November to April are perfect for outdoor exploration. The colder months of June to August are the best time to ski.
Both North and South Islands are drier on the east coast, rather than on the west, where mountain ranges act as a trap for the moisture-rich winds from the Tasman Sea. It is also worth remembering that it is usually a few degrees cooler on the South Island than the North Island and as New Zealand has a maritime climate, the weather can change rapidly.
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Location and directions
Glenorchy, South Island, New Zealand
Blanket Bay is situated just outside Glenorchy, at the northern head of Lake Wakatipu, nestled amidst rugged snow capped peaks of the Southern Alps.
How to get there
Queenstown is the closest airport and offers connections to New Zealand's major international airports. Blanket Bay is only 35-minutes from Queenstown, or 50-minutes from the airport.
