The Rees Hotel Queenstown: A Resort For All Seasons, Part One

The Rees Hotel is one of those bucket-list New Zealand luxury resorts everyone should visit at least once for a lineup of great reasons. For one, it’s located in scenic Queenstown, straddling the shores of crystal-clear Lake Wakatipu with a dramatic backdrop of mountain ranges. And it combines a stunning location with a natural playground which appeals to adventurers of all types; especially couples seeking a romantic getaway from it all. You’ll stay in luxury accommodation, and have a menu of adventure-filled activities to fill your days, whatever the season, because Queenstown and neighbouring Wanaka tick all the boxes for romance, outdoor fun and more. Here’s part one of our top pick for couples seeking out the good life away from home in the spring and summer months.

Spring

Queenstown has one of the longest seasons in the southern hemisphere, and stable weather, welcoming skiers and snowboarders from June to October, and making early spring skiing on the agenda for guests of The Rees. The region is home to a number of world famous ski fields, with true alpine terrain and virgin snow. It’s also convenient, with the closest run, Coronet Peak, located only 20 minutes from town by car. Queenstown also offers thrills for the truly adventurous including heli-skiing, which includes a spectacular helicopter flight up the Southern Alps. 

If you prefer being up in the air for longer, a scenic flight is also ideal during the spring months. The Milford Extended fight with Glacier Southern Lakes Helicopters is a breathtaking helicopter adventure; it takes you along Lake Wakatipu and above Queenstown, where you will fly the length of the scenic fiord before landing on a secluded west coast beach. Another tempting heli-experience is The Rees’s Ultimate Queenstown Heli Wine Tasting tour for two. It begins with a luxury transfer to the local airport along with a glass of champagne, from where you will be whisked away by the Helicopter Line along the famous Gibbston Valley and Kawarau Gorge to Mt. Difficulty Winery for your first tasting and lunch. Afterwards, you’ll fly to the award-winning Rippon Vineyard to taste some organic wines overlooking spectacular Lake Wanaka, and on the way to Queenstown there’s a pitstop at Cardrona Valley to enjoy a drink at the historic Cardrona Pub.  

Back on the ground, guests of The Rees can rent a bike and go cycling to explore the region at their leisure, experiencing the local terrain and scenery, and to view the colourful spring flowers. If you fancy getting out on Lake Wakatipu, fishing is also on the agenda, and for those who prefer a touch of pampering, you can head for Onsen Hot Pools which is situated high on a cliffside overlooking the Shotover River. Besides gorgeous alpine scenery, the pools are warm and sheltered on cool or rainy days, with retractable picture windows and a roof, converting your pool room from indoor to outdoor and back again at the touch of a button! 

Summer

Queenstown is a year-round golfing destination, as well as home to some of the most spectacular golf courses in New Zealand, but the courses really start to come alive in summer, making it an ideal leisure activity for visitors to The Rees. There are seven golf courses to choose from, all within a 45 minute drive of the property, which will appeal to every level of golfer. Whether you’re wooed by the lush, groomed greens of a resort course, or love the idea of a simple fairway with a backdrop of rugged mountain peaks there will be a course to suit. Options include Frankton Golf Centre, a nine-hole course with a driving range, Jack’s Point Golf, a championship golf course, and Over The Top Golf-Fly/Drive/Putt, which enjoys a picturesque location of 4500ft and a par three golf hole. Meanwhile Queenstown Golf Club is an 18 hole course located on the Kelvin Peninsula surrounded by Lake Wakatipu, and Arrowtown Golf Club is a more challenging 18-hole course without bunkers. Finally Millbrook Resort is home of the ISPS Handa New Zealand Open, and there’s yet another championship course in The Hills Golf Club. In Queenstown, golf services include tours and transfers and club hire.

Mountain biking and hiking trails also come to life in summer in this neck of the woods, with options including Queenstown Hill, Ben Lomond and Moke Lake Loop, all around Queenstown. Besides renting a bike from The Rees, you can also get started on two wheels right from the beginning of your visit with the Cycling The Rees package, making the journey from the airport one to savour. You’ll be collected from the airport on arrival, and guided along the scenic Frankton track to The Rees Hotel on brand new hard-tail Merida mountain bikes. On arrival at the resort you'll be greeted by friendly staff, and enjoy a glass of bubbles or beer, with your bags having been safely tucked away in your accommodation prior. 

And finally, for those who like even more adrenaline packed activities, Lake Wakatipu is right on your doorstep and never more inviting than in summer months. Jet boating is suitable for all ages and levels of fitness; all you have to do is sit back, buckle yourself in and feel the acceleration, and Queenstown offers a number of alluring options, taking you on an adventure through diverse waterways, pristine lakes and secret canyons. They include the braided Dart River, which ventures deep into Mount Aspiring National Park, and winds its way through Lord of the Rings filming locations and grand alpine wilderness. Also, just a short drive from Queenstown is the turquoise Shotover River, which travels through towering canyons and huge rocks, and the Kawarau River, which flow eastwards from lake Wakatipu, which is famous for dramatic gorges, strong currents and bright blue colour. Other adrenaline activities to whet an adrenaline-fuelled appetite include sky diving, paragliding, whitewater rafting and luging. Queenstown is also famously the birthplace of bungy jumping with the first jump being from the historic Kawarau Bridge near the town. Today you can still enjoy a freestyle bungy from 47 metres high, combining a heart-stopping experience with epic Queenstown views.

The Rees Hotel, Luxury Apartments & lakeside Residences is located at 377 Frankton Rd, Queenstown, New Zealand, www.therees.co.nz.

Check back here soon for part two of this special feature!