Description
Accessible only by helicopter, Minaret Station offers a level of comfort and style never before available in the New Zealand mountains. Minaret Station draws its name from the distinctive Minaret Peaks, which stand tall on the western shores of Lake Wanaka at over seven thousand feet. Bounded by two large rivers, Mount Aspiring National Park and New Zealand’s fourth largest lake, Minaret Station has a peaceful sense of isolation within its glacially carved valleys, surrounded by stunning mountain peaks, tussock grass, native bush on the hillsides, Wild Deer and Chamois clambering on the surrounding slopes and cheeky Kea birds.
You are hosted under canvas in luxuriously furnished tented suites, complete with wall to wall sheepskin carpets, king beds, a private deck set with its own hot tub, full en-suite and endless hot showers. On-site facilities include the ‘Mountain Kitchen’ with its well-stocked library, dining room, living area, open fires, first class chef and private mountain guides.
Activities include hiking the many trails, experiencing the life of high country farming, spotting for wild game animals on the adjacent slopes, taking a helicopter to explore the rugged Fiordland West Coast, accessing incredible fly-fishing rivers or simply relaxing with a book on your private deck. Whatever you decide, the experience of staying at Minaret Station will be both moving and inspiring.
Accommodation
Minaret Station has just four luxury tented suites, each with wall to wall sheepskin carpets, super king size beds with luxurious possom throws, and spacious en-suite bathrooms with heated floors, double vanities, and unlimited hot showers powered by the waterfall above the lodge. Each lodge also enjoys its own private and undisturbed decking with hot tub. An additional child's bed can be added upon request. Guests also have use of the separate mountain kitchen lodge which boasts large fireplaces and seating areas, a library with books and DVDs, wifi, flat screen TV and a computer, meals are also served in this lodge at a large dining table or guests can receive meals in the privacy of their own suite.
Activities
There are numerous activities available for you to partake in during your stay at at Minaret Station and these include hiking, spotting for wild game, helicopter trips to the rugged Fiordland West Coast and fly-fishing.
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
Central Otago and the Southern Lakes, New Zealand
Minaret Station is New Zealand’s first luxury tented camp, located at the head of stunningly picturesque glacial valley in the heart of the Southern Alps. Surrounded by the Minaret Peaks, which stand tall on the western shores of Lake Wanaka, on the South Island. Accessible only by helicopter.
How to get there
Scenic helicopter transfers are available from Wanaka airport (approximately 15-minutes each way) or Queenstown.
