Matakauri Lodge | moody waters

moody waters at Matakauri (c) 2019 by David Ourisman, all rights reserved

Did I ever say that Queenstown was beautiful? Obviously a rhetorical question, Queenstown is indeed beautiful, both when it's bright and sunny ... and when it's dark and cloudy. As many a landscape photographer will attest, clouds like those in the picture above make for dramatic photographs. I captured this image at dawn. The thick clouds meant no rosy sunrise colors, but the texture of these cumulous clouds hanging low over the water was a special early-morning treat.

bathtub view at Matakauri (c) 2019 by David Ourisman, all rights reserved

Our first night in Queenstown found us at Matakauri Lodge. About 7 minutes outside of town, the lodge is located in a beautifully secluded location right on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. If you love a bathtub-with-a-view, this is a hallmark of Virginia Fischer interiors.

There are two secluded Virtuoso lakeside resorts in the Queenstown area — Matakauri and the equally beautiful Blanket Bay. Matakauri is close to town while Blanket Bay is about 45 minutes away at the northern end of the same lake. The lodges are quite distinct; Matakauri's elegant feminine decor contrasts with Blanket Bay's elegant hunting lodge ambience. I've spent one evening at both lodges and loved each one ... for different reasons.

You can't make a wrong choice in Queenstown. No matter where you stay, you'll enjoy the gorgeous views, luxurious accommodations, and incredible food.

copyright (c) 2019 by Ourisman Travel LLC. All rights reserved. We provide Virtuoso and other Preferred Partner amenities as an affiliate of Brownell, a Virtuoso® Member. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.

New Zealand | 12 days of scenic beauty and luxurious lodges

beautiful view from Blanket Bay

The latest issue of Virtuoso Life included the itinerary of a heavenly two-week trip to New Zealand designed by Virtuoso onsite Southern Crossings. The article brought back some great memories of my visit a number of years ago. Thought I'd pass along the highlights of this suggested tour.


Bay of Islands — 3 days
fly from Auckland to Kerikeri with a three night stay at Eagles Nest

• dolphin-spotting in the Bay of Islands or golfing at Kauri Cliffs

Taupo — 2 days
fly to Taupo, collect a rental car, and spend two nights at Huka Lodge

• trout fishing, visit Rotorua's geothermal pockets, or soak in Taupo's hot springs 

Hawke's Bay — 2 days
drive to the wine region of Hawke's Bay, and spend two nights at The Farm at Cape Kidnappers

• guided bike tour with stops in small towns, wine tasting at Mission Estate

Christchurch — 2 days
fly from Napier to Christchurch on the South Island, and enjoy two nights at Otahuna Lodge

• enjoy downtime and enjoy Miles' and Hall's hospitality at what was once the country's largest private home

Queenstown — 3 days
finish your trip with three nights at the absolutely gorgeous Blanket Bay

• helicopter sightseeing over the Southern Alps and Milford Sound

When you book any of these New Zealand luxury lodges through a Virtuoso travel consultant, the Virtuoso amenities bring you value-added perks, all for the same price you'd pay booking on the web.

New Zealand (search here on Google)

copyright (c) 2013 by David Ourisman LLC. All rights reserved. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.