Blanket Bay is probably the most highly-touted very high-end luxury resort in New Zealand. Suites cost over $1,600US per night (rooms slightly less) For that you get a large living area, large sleeping area, sumptuous bathroom, outdoor seating area, spectacular views of Lake Wakitupu and the Southern Alps, burnished wood paneling, a built-in music system that plays five channels of Muzak, and an ELECTRIC fireplace. (Every other place we stayed in NZ had wood-burning fireplaces in the rooms).You also get extraordinarily ordinary food (ignore the framed and claimed awards, - they don't reflect the actual meals we were served which were far and away the least impressive we had anywhere in NZ) and a corporate service attitude more suited to a golf resort than an intimate (11 accommodations) wilderness retreat. The activities are relatively limited, unless you want to spend $2,500US for the helicopter tour that was offered us during the check-in orientation. The Dart River jet boat trip at approximately $250 per couple was very enjoyable, but still pricey. The highlight of the visit to Blanket Bay was the private charter flight we took from Blanket Bay to our next stop, Grasmere in the Central Highlands. The vistas of the Southern Alps were spectacular, and we were leaving Blanket Bay.

If you want great mountain views, save yourself 20+ hours of travel and tons of money and go to Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and if you want to have a great experience in NZ, by all means go there, but stay somewhere other than Blanket Bay.

Blanket Bay is absolute perfection. Our suite was amazing, the staff was just as attentive as we wanted- present when needed but not overbearing, the food was fantastic. My husband and I had our wedding in their Great Room overlooking the lake; Judy and the rest of the staff did so much for us in the details (at no cost). Blanket Bay is truly one of the best places in the world.

One note: Blanket Bay is a 40 minute drive from Queenstown. So this is not the place for you if you plan on spending a lot of time in town. The purpose of our trip with the lodge, not to explore the resort town, so it fit our needs exactly.

My wife and I stayed there in late 2002. Upon arrival, the view from the lodge's "great room" was stunning. Our room was large with lots of nice touches. The walk-out patio was a perfect place to have coffee and take in the view of the lake and mountains. We ate all breakfast and dinners at the lodge and the food was excellent. One night, they asked us if we'd like to dine in the wine cellar which was very romantic. Prior to dinner, they offer a free happy hour. The service at all levels was professional and smart. The lodge is located a few minutes outside of Glenorchy which is a small town at the head of the Dart river. If you do go, be sure to take one of the jet boats up the Dart river; you'll see recognizable terrain from the Lord Of The Rings trilogy (and the boat picks you up from in front of the Blanket Bay lodge).

I've often wondered if there would be a property that could meet or exceed my high expectations. After spending two weeks in New Zealand and being disappointed with other luxury lodges, the perfection of Blanket Bay was a welcome surprise. The staff, accommodations, grounds, amenities, service, food, activites, etc... were all fabulous. Our suite in the main lodge was incredible. The furnishings, stone fireplace, expansive balcony and amazing views (even from the bathtub) created such a relaxing haven that it was often difficult to leave our room. The public spaces were equally as impressive and we enjoyed many of the activities offered on the property.
It is true that Blanket Bay is expensive, but after experiencing what was provided for the nightly rate, it was a great value as compared to other lodges in the area. I can't say enough wonderful things about this property and would recommend it without reservation to anyone who is considering a trip to the Queenstown/Glenorchy area.