After many years of working in the tourism industry we now bring our own unique blend of Kiwi energy, passion, enthusiasm and relaxed professionalism to a new venture - opening our Country Lodge. The experience we have gained as Nature Guide, Lodge Managers, Tourist Operator Managers and currently Captain/Chef/Hosts on an American Charter Motor Yacht cruising the Mediterranean, Bahamas and North America has allowed us to clearly identify what type of service we want to offer.

"A unique warm, welcoming and personalized country experience, combining the superb comfort and luxury of a boutique lodge with the peace and tranquility of a stunning rural setting"

Set on 11 acres (5 hectares) of pasture and trees between Queenstown and historic Arrowtown, Queenstown Country Lodge has spacious indoor and outdoor living areas. Spectacular Mountain views dominated by the world renowned Remarkable Range, landscaped gardens and farmland with sheep and lambs help provide a wonderful setting to relax, unwind, enjoy and discover - "Our lodge is your private rural retreat"

Guest accommodation consists of four spacious stylishly appointed bedrooms featuring king-size beds and hydrotherapy ensuites. All the facilities expected of a luxury lodge are provided - heated towel rails, TV/DVDs, turn down service, pillow menus, cotton linen, library, fire, outside private spa and BBQ.

Our love of cooking and extensive experience in this field guarantee that dining at Queenstown Country Lodge will be a highlight. We carry a good selection of New Zealand and imported wines, ales and spirits and would like to share our love of the local award winning wines with you. Breakfast can be served alfresco on the patio, on a tray to your room at a time of your choice or in the dining area. A menu selection, available by arrangement for lunch and dinner reflects the home grown fresh produce available. International options or your "good old favourite" dishes can also be offered. Hosting you for an evening meal is a lovely part of our "experience with you" although we do realize the attraction of the many superb Queenstown and Arrowtown restaurants.

Local wine tasting with nibbles each evening is included in the tariff.

John is only too happy to share his passion and knowledge for the outdoors and the natural environment with you. As a geography specialist and a previous head nature guide for a large southern tourist company, he has had extensive experience in the Queenstown, Fiordland and Stewart Island areas. Also, if you are interested, he will help you explore the Southern Sky with telescope and binoculars, as astronomy is another passion of his.

The many attractions close to our Lodge include mountain trails, wineries, golf courses, art and craft galleries, walking tracks, four wheel drive tours, skiing in winter, fly fishing, astronomy and natural history... We are passionate about and love the activities and attractions - they have drawn us to this area for years and we look forward to sharing them with you. Remember, Queenstown (10 km away) is called the adrenalin capital of the world featuring activities such as bungy jumping, white water rafting, paragliding and jet boating.

"Allow us to help you organize your stay so that it will be a truly memorable experience"


Dr Gerry McSweeney
Wilderness lodge New Zealand
Past President Forest and Bird New Zealand

"They were both enthusiastic and skilled at managing our international guests who have high expectations for nature discovery and luxury accommodation, cuisine and wine. A key to the success of their hospitality and management strengths was their infectious enthusiasm. This meant that although the guests came usually as strangers, they virtually always left as friends and in many cases that personal relationship has been maintained."


Kim Kavin
Travel Writer/Photographer for Power and Motor Yacht Magazine

"They take the job of making all their guests happy quite seriously - in my case that included a peek at the birthdate on my passport and then surprising me with a birthday cake and a lovely shell necklace during my first night aboard..."


George Isdale
Past Commodore New York Yacht Club
And owner of M.Y. Phoenix

"The best crew any owner could ask for! Thank you for all the wonderful times, food and friendship"

Kerry King
Rhode Island
M.Y. Phoenix Italy 2007

"Amanda is a gourmet chef - I've gained 8 pounds in "delight" this week"


Tony McQuilkin
Sales manager Real Journeys
Turkey 2005

"We are walking off the boat feeling a million dollars!"


Paul Norris
Area Manager - Real Journeys

John would be one of the best examples of a nature guide we have in New Zealand. His ability to relate to people of all ages and nationalities and his ability to get all people involved, as well as making time to treat everyone as an individual, are skills very few people have.


Kirstie Bedford
International Media Advisor - Tourism New Zealand

There was one thing that really stood out and made the experience (Overnight cruise on the Navigator in Doubtful Sound) particularly memorable and that was Skipper John... he was informative and professional.
I would love for him to meet every International Journalist we send to New Zealand. It really was nice to meet someone so passionate about what they do.


Mary, New York - guest onboard M.Y. Phoenix
Greece 2005

"John your sailing skills have impressed me, not to mention your vast knowledge of many subjects and the spirit of learning that fuels your pace makes one believe that you will never out grow life.
Amanda your cooking has been a real treat, more delicious than ever expected - done with such ease and enjoyment but your big heart shows through everything. This is what I will remember more."


Ron Boss
Rhode Island
M.Y. Phoenix 2006 Croatia

"Wonderful humor and hard work with a smile = deepest new friendships, Amanda and John you are tops - thanks"

www.queenstown-nz.co.nz

At this stage we expect the Lodges Dbl/Twin rate to be approx. NZ$375 per night which includes Continenal/Cooked breakfast and local wine tasting/ nibbles each evening.



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