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The Cottages on Lake Hayes are located in the heart of the Wakatipu Basin, between Queenstown and Arrowtown, and a short drive to the ski fields, the wineries and the adventure activities. There are 5 exclusive cottages with private parking and gardens, each named after the most beautiful high country lakes in the district - Alta, Luna, Hayes, Hope and Moke. The Cottages were completed in July 2020 and provide a rustic yet refined retreat, reflecting the historic farm setting, with an attention to detail and perfect quality finish. No expense has been spared to deliver the ultimate luxury escape, with luxe interiors and a curated art collection reflecting the absolute premium location. The living room has a large window seat and is the perfect spot to take in the awe-inspiring views. Just a short stroll from the popular Lake Hayes trail, The Cottages sit within one of New Zealand's most iconic settings.
This was our second stay at The Cottages and we know for a fact it won’t be our last! The first time we stayed in HOPE cottage as a couple and this time we were in ALTA with friends. We have to say, this is the perfect set up when travelling in a group given that both bedrooms are equally beautiful and have their own ensuites. The space has everything you need and is warm and cozy, even on those chilly -3 mornings! The incredible hosts, Kirsty & Justin, have genuinely thought of everything and go above and beyond to make your stay feel special. The view from the ‘Pinot Pit’ is unmatched and the perfect spot to enjoy a drink while toasting marshmallows. If you’re looking for somewhere modern, clean, cozy and in a great location, definitely book your stay at The Cottages!
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Date of stay: May 2023Trip type: Traveled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We stayed here for 4 nights and it was amazing! Beautiful part of the area but still close to Queenstown, Arrowtown and the local wineries. The Lake Hayes walking path is right out the front of the cottages. There is an open fire, underfloor heating, divine throw rugs and heated towel rails. So warm we slid the big windows open and enjoyed the day bed. Hot tub and outside fire called the ‘Pinot Pit’. Excellent kitchen set up, wine glasses and coffee machine. They have thought of everything! The surrounding area, road in and views are incredible. Love, love, loved it! Thank you
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Date of stay: May 2022Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We had an absolutely amazing experience staying at Luna Cottage. The location, position and presentation of the cottage exceeded our expectations. The cottage was beautifully presented and had everything we needed. The gorgeous Pinot Noir that was left for our arrival was greatly appreciated and delicious! Kirsty provided great communication before and after our stay. We enjoyed the beautiful window seat looking out at the amazing backdrop of lake and snow covered mountains. Bedroom and ensuite were lovely. It was such a quiet and tranquil base for us to explore the surrounding areas of Arrowtown and Queenstown. We highly recommend The Cottages at Lake Hayes for any guest wanting a truly unique, luxurious and comfortable stay. Can't wait to come back.
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Date of stay: May 2023
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Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Justin Crane, Owner at The Cottages Lake Hayes
Responded Jun 11, 2023
Thanks so much for staying at The Cottages at Lake Hayes and great to hear that you had a wonderful time. We look forward to welcoming you back soon.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Celebrating my mum's 70th birthday - we booked 2 of the Cottages. Oh. My. God! The Cottages are quite honestly beyond gorgeous. Everything had been taken care of by the wonderful hosts, with delicious Mora bubbles on arrival and hand-written cards .... where else do you get that?? Both of our cottages had an outdoor hot-tub each - soaking under the stars with the fresh crisp Arrowtown air around us at night was so incredibly relaxing and peaceful. Central Otago showcasing to the Max. The Cottages were so incredibly warm, just with the underfloor heating on, there is a logburner in each Cottage, but we didn't need it. The beds are to die for - so comfy and a great nights sleep was had (after par-taking in quite a few bubbles of champagne nontheless). Seriously for anyone wanting to book a romantic getaway - or in a group like us, you won't be disappointed. We'll definitely be back next year. Thanks guys, you made my mum very very happy.…
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Date of stay: May 2023
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Trip type: Traveled with family
Room Tip:Make sure you ask for a Cottage with the hot-tub - and go sit around the gorgeous firepit. The...
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Justin Crane, Owner at The Cottages Lake Hayes
Responded Jun 11, 2023
Thanks so much for choosing to spend such a big occasion with us and so glad that you all had a wonderful time.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We came to the cottages looking for luxury & our expectations were met on all levels . The property is immaculately presented & we felt at home in luna as soon as we walked in. The cottage has all the facilities you need & the views from the hot tub are breathtaking. Would definitely stay again ,highly recommended.
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Date of stay: May 2023
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Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Justin Crane, Owner at The Cottages Lake Hayes
Responded May 14, 2023
Thank you so much for choosing The Cottages at Lake Hayes to celebrate Karen's big day and we are very happy that you had a lovely stay. We look forward to welcoming you back soon.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We had the most wonderful stay at the cottages lake Hayes, Alta cottage Perfect location to explore and the area , stunning views from the cottage , Very relaxing and comfortable. Very clean , tastefully decorated with amazing local art to admire We felt so much at Home , carnt wait to visit again
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Date of stay: March 2023
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Response from Justin Crane, Owner at The Cottages Lake Hayes
Responded Mar 11, 2023
Thanks so much for staying Nichola and for your lovely review - we would love to welcome you back. The butterflies in ALTA by Anna Stichbury are my personal fav - so glad you loved the art, it's a personal passion of mine to support and showcase NZ female artists. Very much hope to see you again soon, Kindest Kirsty and Justin x
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We absolutely love staying at the Lake Hayes Cottages as they provide a relaxed, but luxurious, home away from home. You feel immersed in the landscape... a true taste of Central Otago. Be sure to visit Mora for standout food in a garden setting.. memorable!
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Date of stay: March 2023Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Justin Crane, Owner at The Cottages Lake Hayes
Responded Mar 11, 2023
Thank you so much for staying and for such a lovely review - totally agree with you more re Mora - its our go to brunch place - yum ! Love to welcome you back again - will pop a bottle of Mora bubbles in for your next stay - its our favourite. Thanks again, Kindest Kirsty and Justin x
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
The Cottages at Lake Hayes were phenomenal, and the service was exceptional. We stayed for a month and so we had plenty of time to experience their generous assistance and the many charms of the cottage and area. The cottages are private and peaceful, with expansive views of Lake Hayes and the surrounding mountains – the view never got old. The cottage is beautifully appointed with a comfortable living area, a well-equipped kitchen, and roomy baths all complemented by works of local artists. Each space was bright and airy, and we enjoyed the private patios and access to Lake Hayes Trail just outside the door. We appreciated the extras: bike storage, washer/dryer, BBQ grill and dry room. The location was perfect: easy access to biking, hiking, and running trails, local produce and markets, wineries, Arrowtown and the Queenstown Event Center (for yoga, swimming and pickleball!) The cottages are far enough away from Queenstown to avoid congestion, but within easy reach should you want/need to go there. It proved a great jumping-off point for day trips in the area: Fiordland, Wanaka, many of the Great Rides (Lake Dunstan, Otago, Alps2Ocean, Around the Mountains.) In all, the Cottages were a peaceful, private haven made especially comfortable by the owners and caretakers.…
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Date of stay: January 2023
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Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We spent 10 days at the Hope cottage just before Christmas 2022. As background we are a family of 5 with kids aged 14, 13 & 3. The entire experience was phenomenal. Our hosts Justin and Kirsty have designed the cottages with painstaking detail and an unbelievable amount of thought has gone into equipping them for pretty much all your requirements. The welcome gift of local chocolates and bubbles coupled with the designer kitchen, bathroom, living space & bedrooms provide a spectacular first impression. As you peel the layers you notice the immense thought that has gone into the cottages and a true appreciation of the hosts effort to make their guests comfortable sets in.A few highlights: 1) The wall to wall windows which frame a stunning "jaw dropping" backdrop of Lake Hayes and the Remarkables mountain range 2) Gorgeous stainless steel hot-tub to idle the days and evenings away 3) Curated local art peppered throughout the cottage 4) A designer kitchen to die for with every piece of cooking equipment you would need for a week including an integrated double drawer dishwasher and nespresso machine with plenty of pods 5) Bike and rubbish sheds right next to the main cottage and a Laundry area accessed from the outside of the cottage 6) Beautiful bedrooms and bathrooms. Feels like you are in a 5* hotel whilst being effortlessly functional 7) The superb communal pinot pit The Location could not be more perfect as the property is situated right in-between Arrowtown (10mins) and the centre of Queenstown (15mins). Lake Hayes is accessible from the cottages and has a spectacular 9km trail around it. So much to do in the area! I would not hesitated to go back and it was a real wrench to leave!!!…
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Date of stay: December 2022
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Response from Justin Crane, Owner at The Cottages Lake Hayes
Responded Feb 13, 2023
Thank you for your amazing review Tarang. We are so glad that you and your family enjoyed your stay at The Cottages at Lake Hayes and we would be delighted to welcome you back again.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Absolutely loved the cottages! Chilled bubbles in the fridge, chocolate and a handwritten welcome note. Hot tub was amazing, the gardens, clean place and comfortable. Just what we needed. Everything was awesome! Thank you!
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Date of stay: December 2022Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.