D is for Design
No expense has been spared to deliver the ultimate luxury escape, with luxe interiors and a curated art collection reflecting the absolute premium location.
The Cottage interiors are light and bright, with the tranquil wetlands, lake and mountains taking centre stage through expansive picture windows that capture the views and morning sun.
Designed and built by local award-winning Assembly Architects and Form Construction, The Cottages are a rustic yet refined retreat, reflecting the historic farm setting, with an attention to detail and perfect quality finish, winning a New Zealand Institute of Architects award for Small Project Architecture in 2021.
The entrance lobby of the cottage leads into the central living area, with generous private en-suite bedrooms at each end of the cottage.
The living room has a large window seat and is the perfect spot to take in the awe-inspiring views. An additional 2 children can be accommodated on the window seat – the size of which was designed to be equivalent to two single beds, allowing each cottage to sleep up to a maximum of 6 guests.
There is also a large sofa and cosy wood-burner stove.
The circular dining table can seat up to 6, with a bar area opposite.
The bespoke kitchen features fully-fitted cabinetry with a slate worktop, and is well-equipped including a large fridge-freezer, dishwasher and oven.
The bedrooms can be arranged as a super king, or as twin king singles. Each bedroom has a large en-suite shower room, it's own terrace with outdoor seating and access to the private raised garden.
Three of the cottages have hot tubs within their private garden terraces.
Each cottage has private parking, and a practical utility space which includes a woodstack, a laundry, a separate drying room plus storage for golf and ski gear. There is also a bike shed with an additional storage area.
The Cottages are furnished to the highest standard with Sealy beds, furniture from US Restoration Hardware and fabrics from Europe, supplemented by fine local touches.
Each cottage features a curated art collection, commissioned exclusively for The Cottages from New Zealand artists. THE ART PROJECT completes the ultimate luxury retreat.
The pinot pit, designed as a quatrefoil to take in the 360 degree views, is the perfect spot to enjoy a glass of local wine with fellow guests by the fire.
No expense has been spared to deliver the ultimate luxury escape, with luxe interiors and a curated art collection reflecting the absolute premium location.
What our guests had to say
My favorite Queenstown accommodation The Cottages has an amazing view. I could just sit by the window all day. Very relaxing. I love it is a little bit further away from crowded Queenstown tourist area but not far if you want to go to the town or Arrowtown for good food. Perfect for families...
JungyonKim29
I recently had the pleasure in staying a couple of nights at the Lake Hayes Cottages. What an absolute treasure this place is. The cottage we stayed in was first class, the bed was extremely comfortable, the interior was absolutely beautiful, inviting, and most importantly restful. Lake...
Aimee
We loved it!! We were so thrilled when we arrived at our cottage and saw the beautiful setting and gorgeous lake views.We were equally excited when we went inside, it is a fab, modern and tastefully decorated space. We were given a very warm welcome and left to enjoy our stunning view, crisp...
Overpackhack
Great base to explore We had a great stay in the very well designed cottages, that provided privacy and space. The location meant everything was super easy - direct access to the lake and loop track walk, a close drive to the most beautiful parts and restaurants of the Arrowtown and Queenstown...
Rich T
We stayed at Hope Cottage for three nights. The cottage is very comfortable and the decor is superb. Having a private spa tub was excellent and it was a great way to end the day, soaking in the tub watching the sun go down, while enjoying some great Pinot Noir. The outlook to Lake Hayes is...
Jennie
Did NOT want to leave Absolutely loved the cottages! Chilled bubbles in the fridge, chocolate and a handwritten welcome note. Hot tub was amazing, the gardens, clean place and comfortable. Just what we needed. Everything was awesome! Thank you!
CV2DV
Fabulous spot for friends, family, and couples! Loved staying in the relaxing and stylish cottages!! They have thought of everything and you really feel at home. Fabulous spot for friends, family, and couples. Close to everywhere in the Queenstown region. Can't wait to stay again!
TamaraMiles
Such a paradise! Sometimes Instagram does not live up to reality. I had been following the cottages at Lake Hayes thinking how wonderful they looked. They are even better in reality! Impeccably designed to the incredible views, they are so comfortable and feel like you want to live in one...
Ro
A Wonderful stay We had high expectations of the cottages from word of mouth recommendations and they did not disappoint. Very tastefully furnished, high quality everything throughout and fantastic attention to detail, a very luxurious stay and one we highly recommend.
Benna McC
Brilliant execution! We had two cottages with friends and family. It’s a gorgeous location. It has been very thoughtfully planned and built. This made our stay a real pleasure - it’s far from a standard, “beige” holiday rental. We left some personal items in a drawer and...
luciej2025