Stunning New Accommodation Offer - a four bedroom private 'Cottage'  with private jacuzzi, kitchen, grand courtyard and 'Remarkable' views

Matakauri Lodge, New Zealand's much acclaimed lakeside retreat in Queenstown, announces the opening of its new 5,000 square foot, NZ$5million dollar Owner's Cottage. The four bedroom private hideaway is now the property's highest level of accommodation and is available for guest bookings from January, 2014.

With stylish interiors by renowned New Zealand designer Virginia Fisher, the new Matakauri Lodge Owner's Cottage offers some of the most spacious accommodation and spectacular views in the South Island.  Accommodating up to eight guests in four suites as a four-bedroom reservation (and also available in a two-bedroom format), the freestanding residence is in a league of its own in Queenstown and the only lodging of its kind. Guests can consider it as their own lakeside home, ideal for families, couples or friends travelling together, and special celebrations.

There are six separate outdoor spaces, including a fabulous courtyard and private outdoor jacuzzi. There is also a full kitchen where guests may choose to cook their own meals or benefit from the services of an expert private chef. Each suite has a private balcony and floor-to-ceiling views of the aptly named Remarkable Mountains on Lake Wakatipu.

Nightly rates range from NZ$8,250 for a two-bedroom suite to NZ$12,000 per night for a four-bedroom house and include: full breakfast, pre-dinner drinks and canapes, dinner, complimentary in-suite refreshments and bar, Wi-fi and use of the Lodge facilities.

Design:
The Owner's Cottage was created by Sumich Chaplin Architects and acclaimed Auckland-based interior designer, who have collectively been part of the design and building process since August 2010.

The Owner's Cottage celebrates the destination and prime location of the Lodge, while considering what guests have defined to be truly special about the Matakauri Lodge experience.

Uninterrupted views of the Remarkables are enjoyed at every turn - from the central living room, on-suite balconies, outdoor jacuzzi and bathrooms.  Further enhancing the appeal for family travellers, the Owner's Cottage offers a private self-contained comfortable layout with a study, laundry room and even drying room for adventure gear, such as ski boots, after a Winter's day on the slopes.

The interior maintains the bright, contemporary feel of the main lodge with rustic, wide-plank wooden floors and locally sourced materials, including custom-made kitchen appliances, furniture, decor items and New Zealand wool carpets created by the Lord of the Rings costume designers.

With the completed Owner's Cottage, Matakauri Lodge will now be able to cater to up to 32 guests at a time. The expansion will allow for more diversity when hosting special events, including weddings, milestone birthdays, and cocktail receptions.

About Matakauri Lodge:

Owned and operated by the Robertson family since 2010, Matakauri Lodge is nestled in one of the world's most serenely beautiful landscape settings. It is just a seven-minute drive from all the attractions of Queenstown, the adventure capital of the southern hemisphere, yet seemingly world's away. Positioned on the edge of Lake Wakatipu, the lodge has gobsmacking, panoramic view of the lake and the Remarkable Mountains. Other accommodation comprises 12 rooms: one Lodge room, four Suites, and seven Deluxe Suites.

Under the direction of Head Chef Jonathan Rogers, the menu at Matakauri Lodge changes daily and many of the ingredients are supplied from the on-property garden. Homemade cookies and brownies are delivered to guest rooms daily.

The lodge team at Matakauri Lodge personalises activities for guests, including:

• Family: a Dart River jet safari, gold mining in the Arrowtown River, biking and skiing;
• Romance: multi-course picnics on a private mountain or at the edge of a waterfall arrived upon by helicopter;
• Adventure: helicopter is the preferred mode of transport for heli-skiing, fishing or tours over Milford Sound as well as heli-golf - hitting biodegradable balls off a 6,000 foot-high glacier;
• Wine and Food: meet and work with local winemakers and have lunch at a vineyard in the famed wine region.

Since opening in 2010, Matakauri Lodge has garnered a string of international awards including being named on the Conde Nast Traveler Magazine 2010 HOT LIST, and as one of Tatler Magazine's '101 Best Hotels in the World'. Travel + Leisure Magazine listed it on its prestigious GOLD LIST 2011 and The Australian WISH Magazine named it New Zealand & Australia's Best Luxury Lodge.

About Queenstown: 

Located on the South Island of New Zealand, Queenstown attracts both thrill seeking and city-savvy visitors and is a wonderful place to visit year-round. Adventurers need not venture too far to partake in Queenstown's outdoor activities, including trout fishing, hiking, biking, and a not to be missed visit to AJ Hackett Bridge, the birthplace of bungy jumping. For travellers looking for an indulgent experience, Queenstown is home to some of the most highly regarded pinot noir wineries in the world. Visitors can explore more that 200 vineyards, enjoying tastings and learning about the locally-produced wine.

To book the new Matakauri Lodge Owner's Cottage, contact Matakauri Lodge phone +64 3 441 1008, email reservations@matakaurilodge.com or visit www.matakaurilodge.com

* Rates quoted in NZ dollars per person and exclusive of 15% Govt. Good & Services Tax.

For media information contact: Betsy Pie

Betsy Pie Communications |  Public Relations – Australia and New Zealand |  betsypie@bigpond.com

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