A stone’s throw from Wakatipu
A modern hotel feels more like a home away from home in the world’s adventure capital, writes Brittany Baker.
The setting
Just five minutes from the Queenstown airport, the winding Peninsula Rd leads through Kawarau Village to the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel. The brick and grey stone-coloured building was formerly The Kawarau Hotel in the Hilton Queenstown complex. A selection of places to eat and drink are scattered in the area and within the neighbouring Hilton Queenstown Resort & Spa.
The space
The snazzy entrance looks like a jazz club in the daylight – purple lights shine from the ceiling and an S-shaped black sofa separates the front doors from the service desk. Tucked behind the main entrance is a Qbook, where guests can let someone else alleviate the stress of planning, and a lounge area with table-top football, a pool table, TV and bar.
Room
The King guest room is sleek. Interior tones mimic the simple, modern exterior walls. A small kitchen in the entry is fitted with an oven, microwave and fridge. The lounge is cosy with a couch and an LCD TV. Wall-length windows showcase a lakeside view. A spacious bedroom, separated by a single sliding door, has a bed more comfortable than the one most have at home. Then there’s the bathroom – a somewhat standard hotel bathroom if it weren’t for the view. The sheer curtain can be swept to the side to take in the sunset while soaking in the tub.
Food
Located in-house, Me&Mee serves up Chinese favourites ‘‘with a twist’’. Such items include the prawn wontons and bok choy spring onion soup, the sweet and sour pork ribs, and the honey lemon chicken. To satisfy a sweet tooth, the deep-fried icecream is a must. Halfway down the stairs towards the jetty is the Stacks Pub, a casual yet gourmet spot to grab lunch or dinner. A freshly made pizza tastes even better next to the fire, and the calamari salad might just be the best salad ever served.
For something more casual, The Lake Counter next door is a cafe plus corner store. Central Otago wines and miscellaneous grocery items are available.
At the bottom of the steps and closest to the water sits the luxurious fine-dining restaurant, Wakatipu Grill. The restaurant has an ever-evolving menu and the chef chooses a new flavour of the month each month.
A nightcap and a light nibble can be found in a swanky, dark amber room in the Hilton Hotel lobby. The Cru Wine Bar & Lounge has a wide selection of single malt whiskys, local wines and light tapas. Happy hour from 5pm to 7pm offers $15 specialty cocktails.
Stepping out
It’s easy to wander, and get lost, in Kawarau Village. A relaxing day can be had with a visit to eforea spa or the pool and sauna next door in the Hilton Hotel. At the bottom of the stairs near the water is ChargeAbout Queenstown, a hybrid electric mountain bike hire shop offering eBikes that have a small motor to help conquer the hills.
The hefty 20 kilometre ride to Arrowtown has the Thomas Brown Gallery and the Millbrook Spa along the way. Take the Arrow River bridges ride back and cross four bridges, ending with the 80 metre Edgar suspension bridge. For an easier ride, a smooth 10km pedal around Lake Wakatipu heads straight to the centre of town. But Queenstown is really all about adventure – it isthe adventure capital after all. Bungy jumping, jet boating, whitewater rafting, skiing, snowboarding and skydiving – the to-do list is endless. For a calm night in, the hotel has its own private cinema.
The verdict
Queenstown is for adventure and luxury, and the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel accentuates this reputation.
Getting there
Direct fights operate from Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington. The hotel is a short taxi ride away, and this may be the easiest option unless you have a rental car. A shuttle is also available but should be confirmed through the hotel.