Now Open: Meet The New Queenstown Stay Bringing Resort Style To The Adventure Capital

Among the Urban List team, Queenstown is always top of mind for its adventure-packed ski scene, thriving nightlife and jaw-dropping scenery in every season. But now there’s another reason to add this South Island city to your travel itinerary: Avani Queenstown.

Swinging open its doors this month on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, the premium lifestyle hotel marks Avani’s Aotearoa flagship and second property in the country. It follows an impressive transformation of the former Oaks Shores Resort, bringing a contemporary 120-room stay with all-day dining, a luxe spa and alfresco hot tubs to the lakefront.

Step inside and the first thing you’ll notice is the view. Avani Queenstown sits directly on Lake Wakatipu, delivering panoramic vistas across the water to the Southern Alps and The Remarkables. And you won't forget it easily, either. The hotel's various shared spaces and apartment-style rooms and suites (with one-, two- and three-bed configurations) feature floor-to-ceiling glazing that frames the tranquil landscape at every opportunity. 

An extension of the alpine scenery, the minimalist interiors feature natural materials (think timber bedheads and veined marble tabletops) and soft neutral tones, creating a welcome refuge from the ski-field action and thriving nightlife beyond the hotel doors. Start the day watching the sunrise over The Remarkables from the privacy of your own suite, then return from the slopes for an après-ski soak in one of the alfresco hot tubs or a mulled wine by the communal fireplace. 

At Six to Midnight, the onsite all-day diner and social hub, menus built around New Zealand produce span breakfast, lunch and evening à la carte dining, alongside high tea and après-ski drinks. Expect plates such as Cardrona Valley lamb shoulder and Southland blue cod, alongside Gibbston Valley pinot noir by the glass, Southland cheese boards, Otago craft beers and desserts showcasing Central Otago stone fruit.

Wellness is woven throughout the property, and nowhere is this more evident than at AvaniSpa. The inhouse sanctuary may quickly become your go-to stop after a day spent skiing, hiking, biking or winery-hopping, as it's dedicated to switching off and recharging with bespoke treatments and massages. Rounding out the wellness offering, AvaniFit offers a modern fitness studio with cardio equipment, free weights and guided stretching sessions.

Above all, Avani Queenstown is an ideal base for exploring Queenstown, putting you within easy reach of the city’s restaurants, bars and lakeside paths, as well as ski fields, cellar doors and adventure operators. Whether you’re chasing fresh powder, planning a summer escape or seeking an elevated stay to slow down between adventures, this is shaping up to be one of the city’s most exciting new places to check in. 

Keen to check in? There’s an opening offer worth knowing about: score up to 30% off your stay, plus up to $150 dining credit when you book direct. T&Cs apply. 

Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by Avani Queenstown and proudly endorsed by The Urban List. To find out more about who we work with and why, read our editorial policy here.

Images: Supplied.