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

Located on the shores of Lake Wakatipu in Queensland, The Rees Hotel is a world famous resort which should be on everyone’s bucket list to visit for a romantic getaway. The luxury New Zealand property enjoys a stunning, natural location, nestled in a playground which appeals to all adventurers, especially couples seeking a getaway from it all. And fortunately for guests of The Rees, Queenstown and neighbouring Wanaka tick all the right boxes for fun, adventure and more. For a start you’ll have luxury accommodation with a view, along with a lineup of activities to enjoy whatever the season. Here’s part two of our top pick for couples seeking out the good life away from home in the autumn, winter and year-round.

Autumn 

If you love getting out on two feet, or two wheels, The Rees is surrounded by trails and paths ideal for biking and hiking. Guests of The Rees can rent a bike to explore the local terrain and scenery with local trail options including Queenstown Hill, Ben Lomond and Moke Lake Loop. And if you want to get started on arrival, the Cycle The Rees package transfer option is ideal. You’ll be collected from the airport and guided along the scenic Frankton track to hotel on mountain bikes, where friendly staff and a glass of bubbles or beer await you. If the cooler weather has you thinking about a spot of pampering, The Rees offers on site Body Sanctum Spa Treatments to help you unwind or look your best, from couples’ massage or a hot stone body wrap to a rejuvenating hydrating facial.

Wine tasting is a popular leisure activity in these parts for good reason, thanks to world class local wineries and cellar doors. Besides The Rees’s Ultimate Queenstown Heli Wine Tasting tour for two, which includes a scenic flight along the Gibbston Valley and Kawarau Gorge, the Grape Escape package is also an experience worth considering. In addition to a three-night stay at The Rees, you’ll go on a private tour in a luxury vehicle with local guides, who will provide information about New Zealand wines, and take you to four of the region’s best wineries

At any time of year, a visit to charming Arrowtown is also a must. A gold rush village located just 25 minutes from Queenstown, it’s nestled below the beautiful peaks surrounding the Arrow River and in autumn it’s a wonderful place to view the striking autumn foliage or go on a historic tour. If you need a caffeine break, or you’re looking for some unique mementos, head to Arrowtown’s Patagonia Chocolates. It has over 50 handcrafted chocolate products on offer, beautifully packaged chocolate gift boxes, and it serves its own blend of freshly roasted coffee.

Winter

Queenstown enjoys one of the longest snow seasons in the southern hemisphere, welcoming skiers and snowboarders from June to October. The Rees has partnered with Snopro Ski Rental Delivery to offer its guests convenient and hassle free ski hire; Snopro delivers and custom fits ski rentals in the comfort of your accommodation, with a follow up service and collection included. And when it comes to world famous ski fields, guests of The Rees are spoiled for choice; the closest run, Coronet Peak, is located only 20 minutes from the resort by car. Other options include heli-skiing, which comes with the bonus of a spectacular helicopter flight up the Southern Alps, and for those who want to explore Queenstown’s spectacular scenery and enjoy luxurious food and wine, The Rees’ Soho Experience includes a day of cat-skiing at Soho, including a gourmet three-course lunch with Amisfield wines on the deck of the Alpine Hut. 

The Queenstown Winter Festival is one of New Zealand and the southern hemisphere’s biggest celebrations of winter. Held over four days in late June, thousands converge on Queenstown to venues from the lake shore to the mountain tops to enjoy a diverse collection of events including live music, competitive mountain exploits, comedy, fireworks, culinary creativeness, and polar lake plunging. There’s also the Winter Pride festival, held in late August, with on-mountain and off-mountain events and parties.  

Another pastime to tick off your list at any time of year, but especially during the spectacular winter months, is an Apres Ski dinner and wine tasting in the True South Dining Room. Headed up by Executive Chef and rising culinary star, Ben Batterbury, this award-winning dining venue creates menus each month which showcase the spectacular produce available in Central Otago, coupled with a wine list combining the fine wines and vintages of France, Italy and Australia with the famous producers of New Zealand. 

Year round 

Food and wine experiences are popular among visitors to this part of New Zealand year round, thanks to abundant local produce and wineries. But you don’t have to venture far to enjoy the best that the region has to offer thanks to The Rees Culinary Dinners. A series of intimate gatherings held throughout the year, you will be able to taste paired dishes at The Rees’ award-winning True South Dining Room created by Ben Batterbury, as well as sample some of the top wines from local winemakers. Scheduled for November 2019, An Evening With Taittinger Champagne And True South is an extra special event, where guests will enjoy five courses from a hand-crafted menu to match a selection of five Taittinger Champagnes.

Also one to put on your list whatever the season is a scenic ride in the iconic Skyline Gondola. The steepest cable car lift in the southern hemisphere will sweep you 450 metres above Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu to the top of Bob's Peak to enjoy 220 degree panoramic views taking in Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, Walter and Cecil Peaks and Queenstown. If you prefer being on the water, a day drip on the 106 year old steam ship, the TSS Earnslaw is also an option. The ship goes on a leisurely 90 minute cruise across Lake Wakatipu multiple times a day, showcasing some of Queenstown’s spectacular alpine scenery and offering you the opportunity to explore a piece of Queenstown’s living history.

And finally there’s golf, with Queenstown surprising many visitors as a year-round golfing destination, as well as being home to some of the most spectacular courses in New Zealand. The Rees’ Bespoke Birdie package includes luxury accommodation combined with play on one of the city’s top golf courses - Jack’s Point. You’ll travel in style to the course, with a backdrop of the spectacular Remarkables mountain range and stunning lake panoramas, and experience golfing terrain suitable for beginners through to pros. Then, at the end of the day, you can celebrate your win back at The Rees’ Bordeau Wine Lounge, enjoying in-season local produce, vegetables, cheeses and condiments paired with fine wines from New Zealand and Bordeaux.