Closeburn Queenstown, New Zealand
Renovated
2023
Price
$$$$
Rated for
Luxe Design LocalOutside the door
The house
RosewoodAlpine lakeside refuge
Lodge life unfolds quietly along Lake Wakatipu, where fireside lounges and native timber frame sweeping views of the surrounding peaks.
“With just 24 guest rooms, suites, and villas, set on the shore of Lake Wakatipu, it feels remote…”
What it’s good at
Remarkable
Dedicated hosts arrange alpine helicopter excursions and private fireside tastings of Central Otago wines.
Notable
Virginia Fisher frames Lake Wakatipu through panoramic glass, warm merino wools, and native timber.
Notable
Central Otago lamb, foraged regional produce, and guided southern night sky stargazing ground the stay.
What they say
Two Michelin Keys
Michelin
Forbes Recommended
Forbes Travel Guide
2026
Also in Condé Nast Traveler, The 50 Discovery and AFAR.
this hotel features interiors that rival, in their sheer luxuriousness, the finest city hotels and the most exclusive resorts.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Tucked along the Closeburn shoreline, the lodge sits ten minutes west of Queenstown between Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables.
The rooms
Detached lakeside suites feature open fireplaces, warm wool textiles, and deep soaking bathtubs positioned right beside panoramic picture windows.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
The heated outdoor infinity pool sits along timber decking, looking straight across the water to Cecil Peak.
Spa and hot tub
Treatment rooms open onto private decks for pounamu greenstone massages, steps from an outdoor hot tub facing the lake.
Restaurant
The Dining Room
Floor-to-ceiling glass looks across Lake Wakatipu. Menus draw on produce from Double Rock Farm, regional lamb, and on-site hives.
It feels subtle instead of showy. They know the real star is the natural surrounding and have done everything to be worthy of the company rather than steal the spotlight.
At the table
The Remarkables Terrace serves Central Otago pinot noirs and open-air meals under a pergola facing the water.
How it began
Julian and Josie Robertson acquired the lodge in 2009, overseeing an extensive redesign before Rosewood assumed management in 2023.
“light-filled rooms complete with fireplaces and a calm colour palette of taupe and terracotta channel a home-from-home design language”
Good to know
Stay here
Rosewood Matakauri
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Queenstown
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.