Eichardt’s Private Hotel is continuing to undergo extensive refurbishments across the heritage hotel as well as the private apartments to unveil a refreshed aesthetic and new guest experiences maintaining its status as Queenstown’s most iconic, luxury property.
The famous Queenstown’s address first opened in 1861 and is known as the country’s most awarded private hotel offering a collection of highly curated suites, penthouse private apartments and three- bedroom residence, all on the banks of the famous Lake Wakatipu.
As part of the refurbishment, the collection of four luxury private apartments underwent a floor-to- ceiling makeover with each repainted and fitted with new New Zealand wool carpets, luxury bedding and an updated lounge area. The new floor and wall design gives prominence to soft cream and neutral tones, drawing attention to the darker living room furniture and stone firebox. The dynamic follows through the sunroom, where the large window wooden frame contrasts against the dark floor and grey stone walls.
Guests of The Penthouse will also discover a new design on the exterior deck, perfect for relaxing lounging après ski and alfresco dining, with its own BBQ and newly stained furniture alongside the existing barrel hot tub famous for its incomparable sweeping views across the lake and neighbouring mountains. Within the original building, updates have been made to the first floor’s staircase and hallway, renovated, and fitted with new carpet.
The property, a long-standing icon, successfully completed its renovation while keeping its doors open. Eichardt’s new atmosphere champions the use of New Zealand materials wherever possible and shines a spotlight on local artisans with New Zealand-made cabinetry and other inclusions scattered around the property.
To complement the refurbishment, extensive focus into guest experiences has also taken place with an array of new activities available for guests. A new partnership between the property and Queenstown’s helicopter tour company Over The Top will provide set and bespoke itineraries to discover iconic South Island highlights including remote locations which are traditionally inaccessible. Over The Top’s fleet of helicopters boasts some of the quietest aircrafts available with spacious cabins and large windows, extending the Eichardt’s luxury experience into the skies. 
At the property’s doorstep, water lovers will be delighted to step onboard the hotel’s 80-foot yacht Pacific Jemm, re-entering service after a light refit. The yacht is available for private events, half-day and full- day excursions around Lake Wakatipu. The vessel is perfectly suited for all types of occasions, from intimate weddings and corporate functions to adventure-packed excursions with its broad range of gear and equipment, enjoying the best of what the lake has to offer.
Kylie Hogan, General Manager of Eichardt’s parent company Imperium Luxury Collection said the refurbishment is perfectly timed for the first full winter ski season post pandemic.
“This is a very exciting time for Eichardt’s as we continue not only as custodians of a very beautiful and timeless 150 year old building, but as ambassadors of the Imperium brand of luxury experiences. The many projects have been a pleasure to be part of as we collaborated with local craftsman and NZ’s best suppliers to ensure the hotel is elevated into a new era of luxury. This refurbishment has been curated to see Eichardt’s continue to stand as one of Queenstown’s most luxurious offerings,” she said.
A true icon in the national hospitality landscape, Eichardt’s luxury service extends to the Eichardt’s Bar, an intimate place with its fireplace, tapas-style dining and locally inspired cocktails, and The Grille by Eichardt’s – a crossover between a New York City bistro and a French brasserie. The sister brand of Eichardt’s Private Hotel, The Spire Hotel and No5 Church Lane Restaurant and Bar, has also undergone a soft refurbishment through the foyer, whilst No5 Church Lane is scheduled to relaunch prior to the upcoming ski season.
For more information, visit eichardts.com
