Eichardt's Private Hotel
new zealand, new zealand · ★★★★★
The Verdict
Worth it for your honeymoon?
Eichardt's Private Hotel sits directly on the Lake Wakatipu shoreline in the heart of Queenstown — an 1860s gold-rush hotel transformed into a 12-suite boutique property where every room faces the lake and the snow-capped Remarkables mountain range. It is the rare luxury lodge that puts couples in the middle of a town rather than a remote wilderness, perfect for honeymooners who want adventure access without sacrificing dining variety and atmosphere.
- ✓Prioritise spa & wellness
- ✓Are willing to invest in once-in-a-lifetime
- →Need a strictly adults-only resort
- →Want a direct beachfront
- →Prefer boutique & intimate properties
Score Breakdown
88/100
Book Your Stay
Check availability
We compare Eichardt's Private across partners and redirect to the cheapest option.
At a Glance
Room Recommendation
Which room to book
The Lakefront Suites occupy the historic 1860s building — high ceilings, marble bathrooms with double vanities, gas fireplaces, and floor-to-ceiling lake views over Lake Wakatipu. The Lakeside Apartments next door are larger contemporary one and two-bedroom suites with full kitchens. For honeymooners, a Lakefront Suite in the original heritage building captures the property's romantic gold-rush soul.
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 $2,050/nt) | $14,350 |
| Flights (2 pax, economy/premium) | $2,400 |
| Airport transfers / seaplane | $200 |
| Dining & drinks (beyond room) | $21,525 |
| Excursions & experiences | $700 |
| Spa / signature treatments | $300 |
| Tips & service (8%) | $2,870 |
| Total estimated | $42,345 |
Day by Day
Your 7-night honeymoon itinerary
Arrival & Queenstown Lakefront
Fly into Queenstown Airport — one of the world's most spectacular airport approaches, threading between the Remarkables and Lake Wakatipu. Settle into the Lakefront Suite, then walk the lakeside promenade for evening drinks at Eichardt's Bar — the property's legendary 1867 champagne bar with the famous fireplace and lake views.
Milford Sound Day Trip
An early start for the spectacular full-day excursion to Milford Sound in Fiordland National Park — drive or fly through the Hollyford Valley to the fjord, then a two-hour cruise beneath the 1,000-metre cliffs of Mitre Peak with cascading waterfalls and pods of dolphins. Helicopter return offers aerial views of the Southern Alps.
TSS Earnslaw & Walter Peak
Cross Lake Wakatipu on the historic 1912 steamship TSS Earnslaw — the last coal-fired passenger steamer in the southern hemisphere — to Walter Peak High Country Farm. Sheep shearing demonstrations, a gourmet barbecue lunch in the colonial homestead, and horseback rides through the high country before the steamship returns at dusk.
Routeburn Track Day Walk
One of New Zealand's Great Walks, the Routeburn Track crosses the Southern Alps between Mount Aspiring and Fiordland National Parks. The day-hike option from the Routeburn Shelter takes you through ancient beech forest to Lake Sylvan or further to Routeburn Falls Hut for unforgettable alpine views. The hotel arranges transfers and packed lunches.
Gibbston Valley Wineries
The Gibbston Valley, 25 minutes from Queenstown, is the world's southernmost commercial wine region — its cool climate produces exceptional Pinot Noir. Tour at Gibbston Valley Wines, Mt Difficulty, and Felton Road, with lunch at Amisfield's vineyard restaurant. Return via the AJ Hackett bungy bridge — the original commercial bungy site since 1988.
Heli-Skiing or Heli-Hiking
In winter (June-September) the Remarkables, Cardrona, and Coronet Peak offer world-class heli-skiing on virgin snow — Eichardt's concierge arranges private operators. In summer, swap for heli-hiking on the Earnslaw Burn glacier or a scenic flight over Mount Aspiring National Park. Return for spa treatments and the property's tasting menu at The Grille.
Lakeside Stroll & Departure
Final morning in Queenstown — coffee on the lakefront, last visit to the historic 1860s buildings of the town's gold-rush quarter, before the short transfer back to Queenstown Airport for the next leg of the honeymoon. Many couples continue to Glenorchy or Fiordland from here.
Honest Assessment
What to know before you book
Queenstown is New Zealand's adventure capital — the town can be busy and noisy with backpackers and adventure tourists; honeymooners seeking absolute seclusion may prefer Matakauri or Blanket Bay nearby.
Eichardt's is small (only 12 suites in the heritage building plus apartments) and books out far ahead; the historic building has some original quirks — small bathrooms in some rooms, occasional street noise.
There is no on-site pool or extensive grounds — the experience is urban-luxury rather than resort-luxury; couples wanting a swimming pool should look at Matakauri Lodge or Azur Lodge.
Pre-Arrival
Email to send the hotel
Subject: Honeymoon inquiry — Eichardt's Private Hotel Dear Eichardt's reservations team, We are planning our honeymoon [DATE]-[DATE] and would like a Lakefront Suite in the heritage building. Please advise on availability, dining at The Grille, and any honeymoon packages or 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?
Eichardt's is a wonderful honeymoon choice for couples who want the energy of Queenstown — restaurants, bars, adventure activities — combined with luxury hotel privacy. The lakefront suites with fireplaces and lake views are deeply romantic, and the property's heritage gold-rush atmosphere gives the stay a sense of place that resort hotels lack.
Best time to visit?
December through March is summer — long days, wildflowers, hiking, and lake activities. June through September is winter — snow on the Remarkables, world-class skiing at Coronet Peak and the Remarkables, and the romantic atmosphere of fireside drinks at Eichardt's Bar. April-May and September-November shoulder seasons are quieter with autumn colours or spring snowmelt.
Book in advance?
With only 12 suites in the heritage building, Eichardt's books out 4-6 months ahead for peak summer and ski season. Lakefront Suites are the first to go. The hotel's central location and reputation mean it is consistently among Queenstown's most coveted addresses.
Adults-only?
Eichardt's is not formally adults-only, but the heritage suites, fine dining, and quiet champagne bar attract primarily adult couples. The Lakeside Apartments accept families; the historic Lakefront Suites are predominantly an adult environment.
Best room type?
A Lakefront Suite in the heritage 1860s building is the romantic honeymoon choice — gas fireplace, marble bathroom, and the floor-to-ceiling lake-and-Remarkables view that defines the property. The Lakeside Apartments offer more space but less of the heritage character.
How to get there?
Queenstown International Airport is 10 minutes from the hotel — direct flights from Auckland, Christchurch, Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. The hotel arranges transfers, and the central Queenstown location means most restaurants and the lakefront promenade are walking distance.
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