Otahuna Lodge

The food alone is hard to put into words. Jimmy and his team use local produce, including vegetables from their own market garden, to serve outstanding dinners night after night. The dishes feel wholesome but have plenty of sophistication and hidden layers of flavor. It was the best food we've had at any lodge in New Zealand. Our suite was spacious and comfortable, true to the period it was built in, with the modern touches you'd expect from a luxury lodge. Housekeeping felt like a personal valet service, with thoughtful surprises and exacting standards. The whole team's service was warm and genuine, from the owners and managers to the team leaders. You can see the culture of personal service they've built, and experience it as a guest. It's rare and deserves recognition. Otahuna Lodge makes you feel the staff's warmth and care as soon as you arrive, and leaving feels like saying goodbye to an old friend. We're already planning another visit, hopefully with our best friends, so they can experience the magic and intimacy of Otahuna Lodge, Christchurch. Magnificent.

The food and staff were amazing, and there were lovely surprises, thoughtful extras, and support at every turn. This was the highlight of our time in New Zealand, a 10 on a 5-point scale. We'll be back, and next time we're staying 2-3 weeks.

We were upgraded to the Rhodes suite through our Virtuoso travel agent, Molly Nunnelly of Heirloom Travel. What a room, with a turret sitting room and office flanking an ultra-luxurious bedroom and its original fireplace. Apparently King Charles stays here when he visits the south island of the Commonwealth! This Lodge is a beautifully cared-for piece of New Zealand history. It was once the largest home built in NZ and now has seven luxurious rooms in Queenstown. Evening cocktails set the mood before a personal four-course dinner of chef Jimmie's unusual combinations of fresh proteins and vegetables grown at Otahuna. The wine cellar is included and second to none in NZ. A perfect start or end to a visit to NZ.

Five stars really doesn't cover it, 20-plus feels closer. Miles & Hall, your team is fantastic. We had such a great time staying at your wonderful Otahuna Lodge that we still have to pinch ourselves.