While 2021 may not be the year a hotelier would wish for, there is reason to smile at Matakauri Lodge as two of the world’s most revered travel magazines have shined the spotlight on the boutique lodge on the edge of New Zealand’s Lake Wakatipu.

First, it was Travel + Leisure announcing their prestigious World’s Best Awards 2021, ranking Matakauri Lodge the “#1 Resort Hotel in Australia and New Zealand”.  This coveted list has recognised the top hotels, islands, cities, cruise lines, airlines, spas, and more around the globe for 26 consecutive years, and is a trusted source for inspiration and guidance as travellers from around the world once again make plans to travel.

Travel + Leisure commented on Matakauri Lodge’s #1 prominence by saying “Most guests choose the property for the calibre of the experiences the staff can arrange, including private wine tours, heli-skiing, and mountain treks. The effect is that of a private alpine hideaway, but with all of Queenstown proper just seven minutes away". As one Travel +Leisure reader summed it up, "the location is like no other”. 

Hot on the heels of this wonderful accolade, Conde Nast Traveler unveiled the results of their 2021 Reader’s Choice Awards, naming Matakauri Lodge #5 Best Hotel/Resort in the Asia Pacific region. Matakauri was the highest ranking New Zealand property in the list.

Conde Nast commented to their readers about their award-winning selections saying, “As the world begins to reopen and readjust, the results reflect the kinds of properties you longed to visit when you couldn’t travel and the ones you returned to first once you could”.
 
“Such recognition keeps us positive during challenging times,”, said Jay Robertson, CEO, Robertson Lodges. “We are so proud of our lodge team for their hard work and superior guest service and are excited and ready to welcome local and international travellers, as soon as we can, to showcase Matakauri Lodge and this great corner of New Zealand.”

The World’s Best Awards 2021 featured in the October issue of Travel + Leisure. To view the final rankings for each category, and specifically “The Best Resorts in Australia and New Zealand,” please visit http://www.travelandleisure.com/worlds-best.

For the full results of the Conde Nast Traveler Reader’s Choice Awards visit https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/australia-south-pacific-top-resorts