Known as “tahuna” in the local Maori language, the resort town of Queenstown offers some of the biggest fun in the country. With a relatively small population of 16,000, most visitors to the city come to Queenstown as tourists. What sets the city apart from many others is that Queenstown is basically a year-round resort town. In the winter months, the nearby ski mountains bring in people from all over the world to hit the slopes. In the summer months, people take to the rivers and lakes or even the skies with paragliding or sky diving. Many buildings and structures from the mid-1800s era still remain, giving the modern city a touch of historic charisma. If you’re staying in the city, check out some of these best heritage hotels in Queenstown, New Zealand.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) the property's historical and cultural significance, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on February 07, 2024.
1. Eichardt's Private Hotel & Lakefront Apartments (from USD 782)
Located in the city center is Eichardt’s Private Hotel & Lakefront Apartments. The building is one of the oldest in the area, having been built in 1867. Despite its age, the hotel remains elegant and classy, but also adds contemporary flair and modern comforts. The ornately decorated facade of the building gives guests a feeling that they’re entering a veritable heritage hotel complete with warm and comforting design choices. Guests can lounge in the parlor and enjoy a cocktail, or do a little reading by the crackling fireplace. Breakfast is offered daily, but if you don’t feel like dining in, there are plenty of restaurant options within walking distance of the hotel. Wi-Fi access is available, as well as a shuttle service and even a bike rental.
2. Hulbert House (from USD 788)
Luxury pricing with exceptional value for the experience offered.
Sumptuous accommodations, delightful canapés, and wine, luxury comforts, and historic charm.
Perfect walking distance to town, with amazing views and convenient proximity to attractions.
Delicious breakfast selections, complimentary evening canapés, and exceptional service.
Located near the downtown center of Queenstown is the gorgeous Hulbert House. The hotel is a remodeled and renovated Victorian-era villa that offers modern amenities like Wi-Fi access and on-site parking. The rooms here are all luxuriously designed with ornate wallpaper, large comfy beds with canopies, and vintage lighting fixtures. The beds themselves have Hungarian goose down blankets and Egyptian cotton pillows and bathrobes. Each suite also has a coffeemaker and grinder so you can have your cup of joe as fresh as possible. If you’d rather head to the restaurant, breakfast is served daily. The menu includes fresh jam and baked sourdough bread, as well as free-range bacon and eggs.
3. The Dairy Private Hotel (from USD 362)
Reasonably priced boutique hotel with free happy hour and complimentary snacks.
Quirky decor, outdoor spa, 24-hour dairy treats, and free happy hour drinks.
Excellent central location, within walking distance to cafes, restaurants, and attractions.
Lovely breakfast room, complimentary continental breakfast, and happy hour with NZ wines.
Located a short two-minute walk away from the vibrant downtown center is The Dairy Private Hotel. It has been around since the 1920s, starting as a corner store and the town’s first dairy shop. The guest rooms here are designed with a 1920s-era aesthetic with a touch of modern charm, and modern amenities included. Ornate wallpaper and dark wood tones mix with modern light colors and furniture, as well as floor-to-ceiling windows, for a touch of modern class. Guest rooms also offer views of the vistas and mountains, as well as a glass of sparkling New Zealand wine upon arrival. Guests are free to use the hotel’s amenities such as the pool, lounge by the fireplace, or browse the on-site library.
Nearby heritage hotels
4. New Orleans Hotel (from USD 116)
Reasonable pricing for a central location with free parking nearby.
Convenient bar and restaurant, cozy fire, and friendly, professional staff. Some rooms may need updating.
Centrally located in the heart of Arrowtown, providing easy access to attractions, restaurants, and galleries.
Excellent dining options at the attached pub, offering great meals at reasonable prices.
Built in 1866, New Orleans Hotel is one of the oldest around New Zealand. The hotel was renovated in 2019 and now features plenty of modern amenities with tons of Old World charm. The on-site restaurant serves modern fare and is one of the best restaurants in the area, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner using seasonal and local ingredients. Stop by for a pint or enjoy a cocktail on the sunny patio during the summer, or a warm drink by the fireplace in the winter. Rooms feature mountain and river views, as well as Wi-Fi access and coffee-making facilities.
5. Cardrona Hotel (from USD 277)
At first glance, Cardrona Hotel might not seem like a quintessential heritage hotel. It is small and looks a little old with its wooden Western-style facade. Cardrona Hotel is indeed one of the oldest hotels in the country and is a part of New Zealand history. The hotel was established in 1863 when Cardrona Valley was experiencing a gold rush. The rush meant more and more people came into town and the city experienced a boom in population. Cardrona Hotel offered miners and people passing by a place to stay. By the 1960s, the hotel was more known for its pub, which still remains to this day. After closing its doors in the 80s, the iconic hotel and pub were reopened in 2013. Cardrona Hotel now offers modern amenities such as Wi-Fi access and a hot tub, but it remains a simple and historic place to stay for people heading between Cardrona and Queenstown.
Cardrona Hotel
Address: 2312 Cardrona Valley Road
Historic New Zealand
Queenstown has tons of Victorian-era hotels and buildings that offer both a more quaint or more elegant experience. No matter the time of the year you’re visiting, there’s always something to do, so bring your skis or your bathing suit and check out the fun and fantastic city of Queenstown and its historic hotels.
History
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