Blanket Bay
new zealand, new zealand · ★★★★★
The Verdict
Worth it for your honeymoon?
Blanket Bay is the iconic alpine lodge of New Zealand — a stone-and-timber sanctuary on the shore of Lake Wakatipu near Glenorchy, surrounded by the snow-capped Humboldt Mountains used as the backdrop for the Misty Mountains and Isengard in the Lord of the Rings films. With just 12 suites and chalet rooms across a working high-country sheep station, Blanket Bay delivers the quintessential South Island honeymoon: vast wilderness, polished hospitality, and a setting too beautiful to feel real.
- ✓Prioritise spa & wellness
- ✓Are willing to invest in once-in-a-lifetime
- →Need a strictly adults-only resort
- →Have a budget under $1,000/night
- →Want a direct beachfront
- →Prefer boutique & intimate properties
Score Breakdown
91/100
Book Your Stay
Check availability
Direct booking only
Blanket Bay is an ultra-luxury private lodge that does not sell through booking platforms. The map above shows nearby honeymoon hotels in new zealand. To book Blanket Bay, contact the lodge directly via their official website.
Track Blanket Bay
We'll email you when the price drops.
Avg: 3 weeks · Free · Unsubscribe any time
Flights to New Zealand
We compare Kiwi, Aviasales and 700+ airlines — no extra cost for you.
✈ Best price guaranteed by Kiwi.com — no booking fees added.
At a Glance
Room Recommendation
Which room to book
The Lodge Suites in the main stone-and-cedar building have private balconies looking across Lake Wakatipu to the Humboldt Mountains — the property's signature view. The Chalet Suites are larger detached options with stone fireplaces and outdoor hot tubs ideal for honeymooners. The Owner's Cottage is the most exclusive: a private freestanding three-bedroom residence with chef on call.
No Surprises
True cost breakdown — 7 nights for two
Based on mid-range rooms, premium-economy flights from Europe, full dining and signature experiences. Adjust for your actual travel profile.
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Room (7 nights avg $3,150/nt) | $22,050 |
| Flights (2 pax, economy/premium) | $2,400 |
| Airport transfers / seaplane | $200 |
| Dining & drinks (beyond room) | $33,075 |
| Excursions & experiences | $700 |
| Spa / signature treatments | $300 |
| Tips & service (8%) | $4,410 |
| Total estimated | $63,135 |
Day by Day
Your 7-night honeymoon itinerary
Arrival & Lakeside Welcome
Fly into Queenstown Airport, then a 45-minute scenic drive along the western shore of Lake Wakatipu to Glenorchy and Blanket Bay. Pre-dinner drinks by the great stone fireplace in the main lodge before the multi-course dinner of New Zealand lamb, Fiordland crayfish, and Central Otago Pinot Noir.
Dart River Wilderness Jet
Glenorchy is the gateway to Mount Aspiring National Park — board a Dart River wilderness jet boat for the high-speed run up the braided river through the Lord of the Rings filming locations of Paradise, Isengard, and Lothlorien. The trip combines forest walks through ancient beech and the dramatic glacial scenery of the upper Dart Valley.
Routeburn Track Heli-Hike
Helicopter from the lodge's private pad to the high alpine sections of the Routeburn Track — one of New Zealand's Great Walks — landing at the Routeburn Falls or Harris Saddle for a guided walk with panoramic views over the Hollyford Valley to the Tasman Sea. Picnic lunch on the high country before the return flight to the lodge.
Horseback Riding & Working Sheep Station
Blanket Bay is part of a working high-country station — a half-day horseback ride through the property's pastures and beech forest, learning about merino sheep farming and the heritage of the South Island runholders. Afternoon spa treatments in the Wai Spa with mountain views.
Milford Sound by Helicopter
The lodge's signature excursion: helicopter from the lawn over the Southern Alps to Milford Sound, landing on a glacier or the sound's shore for a champagne picnic. The flight crosses Mount Aspiring National Park with views of glaciers, hanging valleys, and waterfalls invisible from the road. Return via a different route for varied views.
Fly Fishing the Dart & Rees Rivers
Glenorchy's twin rivers — the Dart and the Rees — are world-class brown trout fisheries. A guided day with one of the lodge's fishing guides, often combined with a helicopter drop into a remote backcountry stream. Streamside lunch and return for a private dinner in one of the lodge's intimate alcoves.
Final Lake Walk & Departure
A morning stroll along Lake Wakatipu before checkout. The drive back to Queenstown Airport along the lake is itself one of New Zealand's most beautiful — many couples linger for lunch in Queenstown before the onward connection or continue to the North Island for a contrasting honeymoon segment.
Honest Assessment
What to know before you book
Blanket Bay is genuinely remote — Glenorchy is 45 minutes from Queenstown on a single winding lakeside road; couples needing easy access to towns or restaurants beyond the lodge should consider Matakauri or Eichardt's instead.
The lodge does not appear on Booking.com or major OTAs — direct booking through the lodge website or a luxury travel agent is the only option, with deposits and minimum-night stays in peak season.
Activities are extra — helicopter excursions, fishing guides, and Dart River trips can easily double the daily cost; couples should budget for the full Blanket Bay experience rather than the room rate alone.
Pre-Arrival
Email to send the hotel
Subject: Honeymoon inquiry — Blanket Bay Dear Blanket Bay reservations team, We are planning our honeymoon [DATE]-[DATE] and would like a Chalet Suite. Please advise on availability, helicopter excursions to Milford Sound, fly fishing arrangements, and any honeymoon inclusions. Thank you, [Your names]
Send 2 weeks before arrival. Fill in names, dates, and preferences. Hotels respond to personalised requests.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Good for honeymooners?
Blanket Bay is one of the great honeymoon lodges of the world — the combination of wilderness, polished service, and the Lord of the Rings landscape creates an unforgettable romantic backdrop. The Chalet Suites with private hot tubs and stone fireplaces are particularly suited to couples wanting privacy within a small lodge community.
Best time to visit?
December through March is summer — long alpine days, wildflowers, and full activity programmes. June through September is winter — snow on the Humboldts, log fires in the great room, and access to Cardrona and Treble Cone heli-skiing. April-May offers spectacular autumn colours; October-November sees lambing season on the working station.
Book in advance?
Blanket Bay books out 6-12 months ahead for peak summer; the Owner's Cottage often a year in advance. The property accepts a maximum of 24 guests across all suites, so availability is genuinely limited. Direct booking only — the lodge does not list on Booking.com or other OTAs.
Adults-only?
Blanket Bay is not adults-only but the price point, activity programme, and remote location attract primarily adult couples and small groups. Children are welcomed in the Chalet Suites and Owner's Cottage but the main lodge atmosphere is naturally adult.
Best room type?
Chalet Suites are the romantic honeymoon choice — detached cabins with stone fireplaces, outdoor hot tubs, and the privacy that the main lodge suites cannot offer. Lodge Suites in the main building have the property's iconic Humboldt Mountains view but share the building with other guests.
How to get there?
Queenstown International Airport is 45 minutes by car along the lake to Glenorchy and the lodge. Direct flights from Auckland, Christchurch, Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane reach Queenstown. The lodge arranges private transfers; helicopter transfers from the airport are also available for the scenic arrival.
Same Vibe, Different Destination
More lake hotels
Also In new zealand
