Azur Lodge

Azur Lodge exudes modern New Zealand style, with open fires and cosy corners perfect for relaxing and enjoying the superb service that Azur prides itself on. The lodge benefits from stunning lake views and yet is only a five minute drive to Queenstown with its eclectic range of restaurants, cafes, galleries and shops.

Each open plan villa at Azur Lodge is furnished in a chic luxurious way, with floor to ceiling windows designed to make the most of the stunning alpine scenery. Built from silver beech and weathered stone, the villas feature comfortable furnishings, modern comforts and a private deck where you can enjoy your breakfast in the mountain air. Your bathroom has a rainforest shower and a double spa bath positioned under the folding window, which can be drawn back to take in the amazing vistas.

After a day of adventure, Azur offer complimentary transfers into Queenstown at your leisure so that you can take advantage of the superb dining options. However, if you want to sit back and relax, the team at Azur can bring all of that to your door, from sumptuous suppers to world-class local wines, all served up in the comfort of your villa.

Each of the nine freestanding private villas has a unique aspect but all have outstanding views from the floor to ceiling picture windows throughout, double spa baths and large sun decks. The villas are open plan in design with a lounge with gas fireplace and a dining area - all with the latest in technology to complement this decadent, sleek, contemporary environment.

Children are very welcome at Azur and one extra child can be accommodated in their parents' villa and all villas can be arranged as either twins or doubles. There are no specific facilities available for children at Azur except for babysitting which can be arranged on request but the nearby town of Queenstown has plenty of family friendly activities and places to eat.

Breakfast, afternoon tea and pre-dinner drinks with canapés are all prepared in the fabulous open plan kitchen although breakfast can also be enjoyed in your villa. There is also a cosy lobby, breakfast room, courtyard and stunning guest lounge with open fire, computer, CDs, DVDs, books and games. In room massage and mini spa treatments are available on request.

From Azur Lodge, fly fishing, hiking, visiting Milford Sound, golf, skiing and snow boarding, jet boating and numerous adrenalin activities such as bungee jumping, sky diving, rafting and parasailing are all easily accessible. Queenstown has wonderful galleries, craft markets and artists studios as well as over 150 eateries to suit all tastes and the award winning wine of Central Otago.

Azur offers all of its guests a complimentary shuttle service between the hotel and downtown Queenstown which is a 5-minute drive away. This operates from 7am to 11pm. Azur staff are always on hand to help with dining recommendations and reservations and can create a personalized itinerary of activities and dining arrangements suited to you.

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.