‘This is not a normal hotel transfer.’
This is how Minaret Station Alpine Lodge, a luxury resort in New Zealand, describes the journey to its ultra-secluded retreat.
This five-star lodge is situated at the head of a glacial valley on the western shore 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.
Along the way, guests will enjoy “one of the world’s most beautiful scenic flights” that soars through “spectacular mountain valleys, over snow-capped peaks and across braided alpine rivers.”
See the Minaret Station Alpine Lodge in New Zealand, only accessible by helicopter
The lodge (above) sits 3,000 feet above sea level on a 50,000-acre working farm that is home to deer, sheep and cattle.
Along the way, guests will enjoy “one of the world’s greatest 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 is home to deer, sheep and cattle.
According Minaret Station Website“There are few places like this, if any, in the world.”
The accommodation features four chalets, all equipped with king-size beds, private bathrooms and a private terrace 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 offering daily departures from Queenstown and Wanaka heliports.
The five-star lodge is situated at the head of a glacial valley on the western shore of Lake Wanaka.
According to the Minaret Station website: “There are few, if any, places like it in the world.”
The helicopters used for the transfers “have been chosen very specifically for their suitability for mountain flying”
In addition to Queenstown and Wanaka airports, helicopters can transport guests from almost anywhere in New Zealand, door-to-door, including alternative luxury lodges, airports and private properties.
Minaret Station’s sister company, Alpine Helicopters, operates a fleet of Squirrel AS5350 and MD500E helicopters offering daily departures from Queenstown and Wanaka heliports.
“These comfortable and highly reliable machines have been specifically chosen for their suitability for mountain flying,” Minaret Station’s website states.
In addition to Queenstown and Wanaka airports, helicopters can transport guests from almost anywhere in New Zealand, door-to-door, including alternative luxury lodges, airports and private properties.
Guests can also book helicopters for a variety of activities and excursions during their visit for an additional fee. The lodge offers “spectacular guided tours” of Fiordland National Park and Aoraki (Mount Cook), located in the Southern Alps and at 3,724 m (12,217 ft), is New Zealand’s highest mountain.
There is also the option of heli-skiing (off-piste alpine skiing, where skiers reach the top of the mountain by air rather than using a ski lift) in the Southern Lakes area.
Dreamy: Minaret Station chalets can accommodate between one and four guests
All chalets are equipped with king-size beds, private bathrooms and a private terrace with a hot tub.
The charter can also transport guests to a variety of land-based activities, from fishing in the countryside to horseback riding around the Minaret Station farm.
Minaret Station chalets can accommodate between one and four guests and rates range from $3,350 (£1,561) to $4,450 (£2,073) per night. Exclusive use of the 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, please visit: minaretstation.com.
The lodge offers a heli-skiing experience in the Southern Lakes area.
Helicopter transfers cost $2,900 (£1,351) per person from Queenstown and $2,600 (£1,211) per person from Wanaka on scheduled departures. Above: One of the helicopters on a tour
Minaret Station offers backcountry fishing expeditions and horseback riding on the farm.