Inside the luxury New Zealand lodge you can only reach by helicopter By Jessica Hamilton Published: 16:16, 19 August 2024 | Updated: 16:18, 19 August 2024 e-mail Advertisement 'This is not your normal hotel transfer.' That's how Minaret Station Alpine Lodge, a luxury resort in New Zealand , describes the journey to its ultra-secluded retreat. The five-star lodge is nestled at the head of a glacial valley on the western shores of Lake Wanaka.
Surrounded by mountains and national parks, there are no roads to get there. The only way to reach the property is by helicopter. On the way, guests will enjoy 'one of the world's finest scenic flights' that soars through 'spectacular mountain valleys, over snow-capped peaks, and across braided alpine rivers'.
The lodge sits 3,000 feet above sea level on a 50,000-acre working farm that's home to deer, sheep and cattle. According to Minaret Station's website : 'There are few, if any, places quite like this in the world.' The accommodation features four chalets, all equipped with king beds, ensuite bathrooms and a private deck with a hot tub.
There are also common areas for guests, including two separate living rooms, a library and a dining room with 'first-class facilities'. Minaret Station's sister company, Alpine Helicopters, operates a fleet of Squirrel AS5350 and MD500E helicopters that offer daily departures flying from Queenstown and Wanaka heliports. 'These comfortable and very reliable machines have been very specifically chosen for their suitability for mountain flying,' Minaret Station's website says.
In addition to Queenstown and Wanaka Airports, the helicopters can transfer guests from almost any location in New Zealand, door to door, including alternative luxury lodges, airports and private properties. Guests can also book helicopters for a range of activities and excursions during their visit for an additional cost. The lodge offers 'spectacular guided tours' across Fiordland National Park and Aoraki (Mount Cook) - located in the Southern Alps and at 3,724m (12,217ft), it's New Zealand's highest mountain.
There's also the option to go heli-skiing - off-trail, downhill skiing where skiers reach the top of the mountain by air rather than via ski lift - in the Southern Lakes area. The charter can also transport guests to various land-based activities, from fishing in the backcountry to horse riding across Minaret Station's farm. Minaret Station's chalets accommodate between one to four guests with rates varying from $3,350 (£1,561) and $4,450 (£2,073) per night.
Exclusive use of all four chalets ranges from $13,400 (£6,244) to $17,000 (£7,922) per night. Helicopter transfers cost $2,900 (£1,351) per person from Queenstown and $2,600 (£1,211) per person from Wanaka on scheduled departures. For more information visit - minaretstation.
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