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This review was a long time coming! I had the privilege to spend four nights at the Matakauri Lodge in May. Upon arrival, I was upgraded to a ginormous suite facing Lake Watatipu. Overall, I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect stay. The room was beyond comfortable. It was so relaxing that I easily would’ve been content hanging out by the window or on the patio all day.
Being about 10 minutes outside of town, I liked that the property was full board and included mini bar items. I wish all properties would just tack on a fee and include items to the room rate. Food in the dining room was excellent. You could order ala carte or opt for the tasting menu, which allows you to sample a little bit of most of the menu. I definitely have to praise the F&B team in taking the care to ensure my items were gluten free. The only thing that can be improved is their god-awful coffee, which tasted like jet fuel. Davide, the GM, discussed this. Among all my stays at various properties around the world, very few know how to really do coffee, which is too bad since som much effort is put into wine and alcohol programs.
Before you arrive, be sure to contact the concierge and they can arrange all sorts of excursions and transfers for you. There are hiking trails right outside the door of the property, so the active visitor will always have plenty to do.
Thank you, Davide and team, for making my stay at the Matakauri Lodge a memorable one.
Date of stay: May 2024
Trip type: Travelled solo
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Davide Barbero, General Manager at Rosewood Matakauri, responded to this review
Responded 28 Jul 2024
Dear Mark,
Thank you for the great review of our hotel! We are glad that you enjoyed your stay and hope to see you again very soon.
Sincerely,
Davide Barbero Director of Operations
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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The Matakauri lodge is a beautiful quaint lodge with outstanding views. From the staff to the rooms, I cannot say enough wonderful things about it. If you can, please stay here. Its beautiful.
Date of stay: August 2023
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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.
Davide Barbero, General Manager at Rosewood Matakauri, responded to this reviewResponded 15 July 2024
Dear FreedomsRider
Thank you for the great review of our hotel! We are glad that you enjoyed your stay and hope to see you again very soon.
Sincerely,
Davide Barbero Director of Operations
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The venue itself is STUNNING. The setting is next level beautiful. Views forever. Roaring fireplaces, immaculate seating areas. Service flawless. The food - impeccable. The chefs amuse bouche was one of the best I'd every had ANYWHERE. The crayfish soup was far too salty and missing finesse but everything else was fantastic. Would actually STAY at Rosewood next visit and dine there breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Run don't walk!
Room tip: FLAWLESS ...THE best offering in Queenstown for those with high standards or just wanting a truly 5 star experience.
Date of stay: June 2024
Trip type: Travelled with friends
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Davide Barbero, General Manager at Rosewood Matakauri, responded to this reviewResponded 8 July 2024
Dear TheLuxeCritic,
Thank you for the great review of our hotel! We are glad that you enjoyed your stay and we have taken good note of your feedback, sharing it internally with our chefs.
We hope to see you again very soon.
Sincerely,
Davide Barbero Director of Operations
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Our friends from the UK had to cancel their NZ trip at short notice and couldn’t get a refund from Rosewood Matakauri, so since we live in Sydney, they offered it to us. My wife jumped at the offer for a full board weekend in Queenstown. We arrived Saturday afternoon and from the moment we arrived, the service was excellent. Welcome drinks, late lunch, pre dinner drinks and Canapés, an excellent dinner, then breakfast next morning and all over again the next day, the food was impeccable. The room, in 5e lodge was cosy and well appointed. We used the gym, hot tub, pool, sauna..made the most of our weekend there. The bed was comfy, the room has Great Lake views, well appointed bathroom, The staff were fantastic, helpful and always willing to chat. We’d definitely recommend this place to anyone, although I guess it’s pretty expensive. Ideal place for something celebratory.
Date of stay: March 2024
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
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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.
Davide Barbero, General Manager at Rosewood Matakauri, responded to this reviewResponded 2 April 2024
Dear em_be53 - Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review!
We’re thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your experience with us. Providing excellent service and memorable stays is always our top priority.
Your feedback is greatly appreciated, and we hope to welcome you back again soon for another fantastic stay.
Warm regards,
Davide Barbero Director of Operations
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This is a nice location but the lake is just to look at, no lake amenities like kayaks or paddle boards. The food is good but during our 2 night stay the service was terrible. Everyone was pleasant but it took an age to get anyone to take an order and just as long to get the food or drinks. Rooms and public areas are what you would expect but still over priced. Modest swimming pool and good Jacuzzi. Great gym. I wouldn't recommend this lodge.
Room tip: Don't bother
Date of stay: February 2024
Trip type: Travelled with friends
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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.
Davide Barbero, General Manager at Rosewood Matakauri, responded to this reviewResponded 26 March 2024
Dear Martinw - Thank you for sharing your feedback with us.
We’re truly sorry to hear about your disappointing experience with us.
Please know that this does not reflect the standard of service we aim to provide. We take your concerns seriously and will address them internally to ensure we make the necessary improvements.
We truly hope to welcome you back!
With regards,
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We recently completed a two-week luxury tour of North and South New Zealand. It was wondrous in every aspect. We stayed at the best lodges including Huka, Cape Kidnappers, Otahuna, Matakauri, and Eichardt’s private hotel. For the ultimate experience, book your trip through Marchay. Now for the review!
Located ten minutes from Queenstown, this is another hotel sold by the Robertson Brothers to Rosewood which took over in December. Located on the third biggest lake in NZ, Lake Wakatipu, it offers breathtaking views of the lake and mountains. Only 16 suites, all on the lake.
The lodge features a nice swimming pool and spa, small gym and two treatment rooms. I had an amazing 75-minute massage, reserve well in advance. There is a nice walking trail to the lake and if you are inspired, a difficult walking and biking trail that goes forever.
The main building is rather small and offers a too small seating area for canopies and drinks. The main dining room is small too especially if the lodge is full. Coveted window tables are on a first-come basis. Like Cape Kidnappers, outdoor seating is an afterthought. The view of the lake is hidden by plants and the few tables are basic and not inviting. The Robertson Brothers surely had issues with outdoor dining and I hope Rosewood resolves this.
Food is good but not spectacular like Huka or Otahuna. The daily menu was very limited but the chef prepared most anything you wanted.
Staff is attentive and friendly. We were fortunate to have Locky serve us drinks on our first night and at only 22 years old, one of the best in the hospitality business. He made the second night memorable.
Overall: A step up over Cape Kidnappers but still operates like a chain that lacks personal touches. I do think over time Rosewood will update the property and bring it to world-class standards. Excellent for two nights.
Date of stay: January 2024
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
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Davide Barbero, General Manager at Rosewood Matakauri, responded to this reviewResponded 26 March 2024
Dear LGspartan - Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review!
We’re happy to hear that you enjoyed your experience with us overall.
Providing excellent service and memorable stays is always our top priority. Your feedback is greatly appreciated, and we hope to welcome you back again soon for another fantastic stay!
Warm regards,
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC
