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Minaret Station Alpine Lodge is the epitome of comfort and luxury in the wilds of the Southern Alps. Accessible only by helicopter, Minaret Station treats guests to an exclusive and authentic experience framed by the rugged beauty of this secluded mountain landscape. Guests will enjoy a level of comfort and style never before available in New Zealand's wilderness. Guests are hosted in one of just four luxuriously appointed Chalets. With our own helicopter fleet, guests can choose from a myriad of activities in this spectacular environment from hiking on site to sharing in the working deer, beef & cattle farm activities of Minaret Station itself. Our heli adventures allow guests to experience the otherwise inaccessible breathtaking wilderness of the Southern Alps, Fiordland, Milford Sound, the Mt Aspiring National Park & glaciers and the southern West Coast of New Zealand.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Hidden Gem
Quaint
Location
10 Lloyd Dunn Ave Wanaka Airport, Minaret Station, Wanaka 9343 New Zealand
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We absolutely loved our stay here. The staff was among the most friendly, helpful and knowledgeable of all our travels in NZ. The location is remote and stunning, allowing for a completely relaxing experience. And Chef Ivan’s food left you smiling and full at every meal, ready for whatever adventure the day brings. We highly recommend a stay for anyone seeking a unique experience in NZ nature with all of the luxurious creatures comforts you could dream of.
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Date of stay: February 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:By nature, this is a remote location. We absolutely loved that aspect but travelers should know...
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We have traveled all over the world and have had many life changing experiences. We consider ourselves fortunate and grateful travelers. We are not jaded but also not easily surprised nor overwhelmed by experiences. That said, Minaret Station stands as one of the finest, most hospitable stays of our lives. The crew phenomenal. The food, almost beyond belief. And the experiences offered and natural remote surroundings, a healing balm for body and soul. It is not accessible to everyone due to cost and remoteness, but if looking for what may be one of the great world class experiences, without the fussy, high end hotel environment, this place is a stunner. When we left after three days my wife was in tears over how moved she was, and Minaret has boiled the essence of New Zealand care of the land and generosity to a finely tuned edge. Truly words fail, and are at best a rough approximation of impact, but if you can afford it, and take advantage of its spectacular outings, you will not be disappointed. The place is a marvel. As proof of their consistency, and having stayed at many world class lodges, I have never seen a “guest book” filled with so many lengthy multi page testimonials, poems, drawings, paintings and expressions of gratitude. It’s an extraordinary culture that has been created. We consider ourselves deeply fortunate to have stayed and will carry the people, landscape and animals in our memories for the rest of our lives.
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Date of stay: February 2024
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:A perfect second day of excursions following something spectacular like The Fiordland Experience...
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.
An amazing place in an amazing location. 0ur family of five with teenage kids stayed for three nights and loved it.
The helicopter transfer in is stunning. Great service on arrival meeting us at Queenstown airport and taking us around to the helicopter terminal.
The individual lodges are excellent. We loved the hot tub and used it a couple of times a day. Very comfortable beds.
The food was superb at every meal and chef Ivan was a wizard. The included wines were also very good with the Valli Pinot Noir our favourite.
We walked to both of the waterfalls and had a great time and had it all to ourselves.
We did the Fiordland Heli Traverse. It’s not cheap but it was an amazing day. We landed high up in the mountains by a lake and saw a Kea. The highlight was probably the helicopter picking up the lobster pot from the sea and returning with a dozen lobsters and an eel. Quite spectacular.
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Date of stay: January 2023Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip:Beware sandflies and apply the bug spray.
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This was the most unique and amazing experience we have ever had as a family. It was a splurge for us on our trip to New Zealand, and one that we debated a lot before deciding that we don’t know if we will make it back to NZ for a while, and ultimately settled on “going for it”. We are all so glad that we did.
We had never been in a helicopter before, and the journey to the station (large farm) was gorgeous. We were so lucky with good weather and sunny views over the mountain ranges surrounding the valley. Blair, our pilot, and Hillary, our guide, were wonderful throughout the travel, and landing at the lodge was unreal.
We were met by Lonnie who showed us around the main lodge and then down to our chalet. Chef Dave made exquisite food for locally sourced dinner, and the next day we did a guided hike with Hillary that included a packed lunch (all included with our stay). I’m not sure how much weight she carried for the five of us, but she made it look effortless, all while entertaining us and our two kids (9 and 6) throughout the hike.
The team leading up to our arrival was also fantastic. I mostly worked with Anna, Chainey-Lee, and Penny, and they were all incredibly responsive to all of my repeated inquiries in the months of preparation. Since this was such a big endeavor for us, and wanting a memorable experience for my family, I was naturally wanting to make sure everything was as controlled as possible. I added several layers of difficulty, not realizing how truly difficult I made things because of my planning choices. But all along everyone was so kind and helpful and reassuring. After we arrived, I realized that I had been in good hands all along, and my worry was not necessary, but everyone still entertained my concerns and alleviated them rather than simply waving them away.
From the moment we arrived I realized that all of the worry (and cost) was worth it. We have been fortunate to do a lot of traveling, though nothing quite like this, and the people at Minaret Station provided service that was something that I have never experienced and couldn’t have imagined.
We can hope to be fortunate enough to make a return visit.
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Date of stay: December 2024Trip type: Travelled 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.
Experiences: The helicopter experience we had was too long. Less is more. Great pilots and guide but the long helicopter rides were painful. We flew to Dusky Sound on one day and decided to cancel the Mount Cook experience another day. Yes it was non-refundable. Food: They had limited ability to cater to food requirements outside of menu. We needed some food catered to children. Accommodation: the lodge is good but it’s a mountain lodge not a luxury lodge.
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Date of stay: December 2022
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip:There are very long helicopter rides for some experiences. For us it was too long.
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 travelled for the Mountain Kitchen lunch - wow, what a spectacular treat. From the super professional helicopter flight and commentary to the the stunning service and food. Minaret, you are total class in a low key way but where every need is catered for. We didn't want to leave - thank you for the spectacular treat and being everything and more than we could have anticipated.
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Date of stay: March 2022
Value
Cleanliness
Service
Trip type: Travelled on business
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.
This was a recommendation from our travel agent, and I didn't know much about it in advance. OMG. It was amazing. We had two of the four luxury tends for us and our two kids. From the deep pile carpet, to the electric blankets and possum fur throws, and fixed, luxury bathrooms these are super luxury tents to die for. Gorgeous setting, which you arrive in by helicopter over Lake Wanaka. You feel remote and privileged. The main lodge is great, super food cooked by the chef and wine and canapés flow each evening as the sun sets. The scenery is just amazing - walk with the hosts to the ruined shepherds cottage. Wonderful birds and wildlife viewing and the Southern Alps and the night sky are just amazing. Woken by the kias each morning. Nothing too much trouble for our lovely hosts. The weather up here can be changeable so, if you are thinking about the heli tour to Milford Sound! and the weather looks good, don't hesitate. Yes, it's expensive but it is probably the most amazing thing we have ever done (and we've done a lot). Moved to tears by the experience of low flying over the alps, up and down the Sutherland falls and chasing a pod of dolphins from the air over the Tasman sea. Stopped to catch lobsters and visit the seals, flew up to the top of a mountain to barbecue the lobsters for lunch, perched on the top of the world. Then a stop on the glacier and back to our amazing lodge. This will stay with us for ever. My 10 year old daughter then decided to swim in the ice cold stream in the valley - enormous fun, great pictures and thank goodness for the hot tub on the deck of every tent. This place is unique and very, very special indeed. We were summer visitors, I would love to see it in winter. And the 10 year old is determined to return as a chalet girl in her gap year! Hats off to the Wallis boys (and girls) for continuing a spirit of pioneering, adding a huge slab of luxury and creating a fabulous, fabulous place.
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Date of stay: February 2013
Value
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Location
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Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip:Any tent will be fantastic. But there are only four or so .....
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.
From the initial fly in by helicopter, to the amazing tents, to the hospitality of the Wallace brothers, this place can't be beat!! We were also impressed by the meals. Would highly recommend if you like a bit of adventure. DP, Minnesota
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Date of stay: February 2013
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
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.
What a wonderfully unique place and experience.Hot tubs in nature ,food excellent and very friendly staff .The hunting and fishing guide is a legend.Tents are awesome ,Glamping at its best with full adventure starting with the heli ride.
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Date of stay: November 2013
Value
Rooms
Service
Trip type: Travelled 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.
I'm hesitant to give Minaret Lodge such a great review because other people might find this secret place in the mountains and it will become too popular! This place seriously is one of the most magic spots in New Zealand. Located in the Southern Alps, this was my 4th visit and I will keep going back. Its beautiful, unique, they go out of their way to make your stay special. And the food is out of this world... I can't say much more; if you are looking for somewhere remote to have a special experience, this is the place. Thanks for having us.
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Date of stay: March 2014
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled 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.
There are more places to choose from in the Wanaka area.
PRICE RANGE
$3,390 - $4,518 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
New ZealandSouth IslandOtago RegionWanaka
NUMBER OF ROOMS
4
Prices are provided by our partners for one room, with variable occupancy rules as provided by the property, and reflect total costs of the stay, including all taxes and fees known to our partners. Please see our partners for more details.
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