Minaret Station Alpine Lodge

We have traveled all over the world and have had many life changing experiences. We consider ourselves fortunate and grateful travelers. We are not jaded but also not easily surprised nor overwhelmed by experiences. That said, Minaret Station stands as one of the finest, most hospitable stays of our lives. The crew phenomenal. The food, almost beyond belief. And the experiences offered and natural remote surroundings, a healing balm for body and soul. It is not accessible to everyone due to cost and remoteness, but if looking for what may be one of the great world class experiences, without the fussy, high end hotel environment, this place is a stunner. When we left after three days my wife was in tears over how moved she was, and Minaret has boiled the essence of New Zealand care of the land and generosity to a finely tuned edge. Truly words fail, and are at best a rough approximation of impact, but if you can afford it, and take advantage of its spectacular outings, you will not be disappointed. The place is a marvel. As proof of their consistency, and having stayed at many world class lodges, I have never seen a “guest book” filled with so many lengthy multi page testimonials, poems, drawings, paintings and expressions of gratitude. It’s an extraordinary culture that has been created. We consider ourselves deeply fortunate to have stayed and will carry the people, landscape and animals in our memories for the rest of our lives.

We absolutely loved our stay here. The staff was among the most friendly, helpful and knowledgeable of all our travels in NZ. The location is remote and stunning, allowing for a completely relaxing experience. And Chef Ivan’s food left you smiling and full at every meal, ready for whatever adventure the day brings. We highly recommend a stay for anyone seeking a unique experience in NZ nature with all of the luxurious creatures comforts you could dream of.

An amazing place in an amazing location. 0ur family of five with teenage kids stayed for three nights and loved it. The helicopter transfer in is stunning. Great service on arrival meeting us at Queenstown airport and taking us around to the helicopter terminal. The individual lodges are excellent. We loved the hot tub and used it a couple of times a day. Very comfortable beds. The food was superb at every meal and chef Ivan was a wizard. The included wines were also very good with the Valli Pinot Noir our favourite. We walked to both of the waterfalls and had a great time and had it all to ourselves. We did the Fiordland Heli Traverse. It’s not cheap but it was an amazing day. We landed high up in the mountains by a lake and saw a Kea. The highlight was probably the helicopter picking up the lobster pot from the sea and returning with a dozen lobsters and an eel. Quite spectacular.

Experiences: The helicopter experience we had was too long. Less is more. Great pilots and guide but the long helicopter rides were painful. We flew to Dusky Sound on one day and decided to cancel the Mount Cook experience another day. Yes it was non-refundable. Food: They had limited ability to cater to food requirements outside of menu. We needed some food catered to children. Accommodation: the lodge is good but it’s a mountain lodge not a luxury lodge.