Minaret Station

Accessible only by helicopter, Minaret Station is New Zealand's first luxury tented lodge. With an aching beautiful location at the head of a picturesque glacial valley, in the heart of the Southern Alps, Minaret Station brings an unheard of level of comfort and style to the wilderness. Located on 65,000 acres, in classic 'Lord of the Rings' territory, Minaret Station is set at an elevation of 915m above Lake Wanaka.

This could be classed as camping, but not as you know it. The heart of the lodge is the mountain kitchen where guests can relax in front of two roaring log fires and chat to fellow 'campers'. Meals are served in the dining room or outside on the deck surrounded by the alpine panorama, if you prefer, meals can also be served in your private tented suite. For rainy days there is a well-stocked library.

Just 4 tented suites mean this is an exclusive and intimate experience. All are furnished with super-king beds, possum throws, duvets and soft sheepskin carpets - from the headwater sheep that are farmed on the station ensure you will be warm and cosy, whatever the weather. Ensuite bathrooms, with endless hot showers powered from the waterfalls above the station, also boast under-floor heating. Each tented suite has a private deck and hot tub to enjoy the sunset and the incredible southern night skies. All meals, beverages both alcoholic and non-alcoholic and the services of a guide for on-property activities are included.

Depending on your level of skill and inclination there is a range of hiking options available from a gentle waterfall walk to advanced alpine climbing. During the summer months guests can enjoy assisting with the sheep mustering and indulge in alpine picnics at one of the old station huts or high on a mountain top. Due to the alpine location heli touring is a popular option with Fiordland and the West Coast easily accessible, heli mountain biking and heli skiing are also available.

This is a unique and luxurious high country retreat like nothing else in New Zealand.

All images © Minaret Station.

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