Hilton Hotels & Resorts today marked its entry into New Zealand’s South Island with the opening of Hilton Queenstown. The opulent 178-room Hilton Queenstown features the first New Zealand location of eforea: spa at Hilton, the rapidly growing global spa introduced by Hilton Hotels & Resorts in late 2010. Hilton Queenstown joins the 98-room boutique Kawarau Hotel, managed by Hilton in the Hilton Worldwide-managed Kawarau Village retail and dining precinct set within the year-round international resort town.

“We identified Queenstown as a strategically significant location for Hilton Worldwide and feel this project represents a development of the highest quality and world-class design. In addition to our award winning properties in key gateway cities such as Auckland and Taupo, this development will form an essential part of our growing network of hotels in New Zealand,” said Martin Rinck, area president, Hilton Worldwide, Asia Pacific.

The newly-built properties will be two of the most anticipated hotel openings in New Zealand this year. The exceptionally designed hotels are the only ones in Queenstown positioned directly on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. Both Hilton Queenstown and Kawarau Hotel managed by Hilton deliver glorious views of the lake or surrounding mountains, including the landmark The Remarkables Mountain Range. Each Hilton Queenstown guestroom includes Schist fireplaces, floor-to-ceiling window, a separate lounge area and private balcony or deck. There are 12 Relaxation Rooms featuring hot tubs on private lakefront decks, and 18 one bedroom Suites. Pieces of art by New Zealand artists on display throughout the hotel evoke the spirit of local culture.

Hilton Queenstown offers four dining options; Signature restaurant the Wakatipu Grill, overlooking the lake and helmed by renowned Chef Peter Thornley features the drama of an open kitchen and rotisserie, two magnificent circular fireplaces and outdoor fire pit. Cru Wine Bar & Lounge is an iconic destination for après-ski or an intimate evening. Beyond the hotel, Kawarau Village boasts restaurants, cafes, bars and specialty stores at your doorstep and is where you will find the hotel’s The Lake Counter (specialty grocer, café and deli) and Stacks Pub.

“The expansion of our brand and continued growth of Hilton Worldwide in Australasia now brings a world class Hilton hotel and our innovative eforea: spa at Hilton concept to vacationers exploring New Zealand’s South Island. We continue to set the standard through thoughtful design, signature amenities and our authentic Hilton hospitality,” said Dave Horton, global head, Hilton Hotels & Resorts.

Part of the central Otago region, Queenstown is known for its majestic alpine setting and is recognized as one of New Zealand’s premier domestic and international leisure destinations. A center for adventure tourism, it boasts a vibrant nightlife and an exciting food and wine scene. Queenstown is also rapidly gaining popularity as a destination for luxury travelers and honeymooners. Four world-class golf courses and five ski fields are in close proximity.

General manager Hilton Queenstown, Kawarau Hotel Managed by Hilton, and the Kawarau Village, Marlene Poynder, said: “Our properties’ incredible location in the Kawarau Village will add a new and exciting dimension to the South Island hotel offering. The irresistible style, sophistication and comfort of Hilton combined with the iconic beauty of Queenstown is unsurpassable.”

Hilton Queenstown outstanding features include:

  Gas fireplaces built of local schist stone in every room
  44-52 sqm sumptuously furnished rooms in four distinct categories, including lake front Relaxation Rooms with private hot tubs on the decks
  Queenstown’s largest spa and New Zealand’s first eforea: spa at Hilton - a three level spa with 10 treatment rooms featuring signature eforea products and treatment journeys
  Gymnasium, steam room, sauna and 25 metre indoor heated lap pool
  Signature lakeside restaurant Wakatipu Grill, headed by renowned New Zealand chef Peter Thornley, plus an intimate bar called ‘Cru Wine Bar & Lounge’
  Meeting and event facilities include eight conference rooms, catering for up to 230

Kawarau Hotel, Managed by Hilton distinctive features:

  Upscale, contemporary rooms with mountain or lake views sleeping up to two adults and two children
  Fully fitted kitchenette with oven, microwave, fridge and freezer in each room
  Full service hotel and onsite tour desk
  Me + Mee Noodle Bar and Lobby Bar & Lounge
  Access to eforea: spa at Hilton in Hilton Queenstown
  A cinema room for up to ten guests
  The Milford conference and meeting room for up to 150 guests

Each hotel features the highest quality materials and furnishings and world-class interior design by Stewart Harris of Martin Hughes Architecture Interiors Auckland. The interiors throughout both hotels are bold and tactile where the Hilton Queenstown is distinguished by richly colored furnishings and textured wall finishes, local schist stone, slate and timber design features. The hotel also boasts a striking New Zealand art collection expected to become a hallmark of the hotel. Exteriors echo the architectural styles of the world’s leading alpine resorts and the whole Kawarau Village development is seamlessly landscaped in to the lakeside foot hills of The Remarkables Mountain Range.

Kawarau Village is approximately ten kilometers (15 minutes’ drive) to Queenstown Town Center, just over two kilometers from Queenstown Airport, and approximately ten kilometers from The Remarkables Ski Area. Both hotels will run their own shuttle services by water and road into Queenstown center.