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
Everything was perfect! We stayed here for 4 nights and it was amazing! Beautiful part of the area but still close to Queenstown, Arrowtown and the local wineries. The Lake Hayes walking path is right out the front of the cottages. There is an open fire, underfloor heating, divine throw rugs...
Kerry
What a beautiful to stay at!!! One of aotearoa treasures, this place is definitely a "Must stay at" in Queenstown. The cottages are absolutely stunning, with attention to detail shown throughout the whole interior, and that view - wow!!!! Thank you, thank you, will definitely be back xx
Aimee
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
A luxury stay The Cottages at Lake Hayes was the perfect accommodation booking I have ever chosen. The immediate reply when enquiring about my stay made is simple and clear. The communication was available the entire stay and the quality of each cottage was 100% best value. The decor and...
Taane
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
Stunning stay on beautiful Lake Hayes What a spot. This is an absolute gem, perfectly positioned for our family ski trip between Queenstown, Cardrona, Coronet Peak and the Remarkables. The cottage was beautifully designed and appointed, and was incredibly cosy with its heated floors and wood...
Richard F
Loved it! Stunning spot! We stayed in Alta, one of the five cottages they offer. We absolutely loved everything about it. Amazing setting and clever layout to offer the incredible scenery. Had a few fresh nights and the cottage kept us nice n snug. Fresh eggs, handwritten postcard, the...
Vinny
Amazing experience!! Amazing place to stay, highly recommend. They have thought of everything with lots of lovely finishing touches, also great beds and linen which we love! our kids loved the hot tub and fire pit. This place was the ideal location too
Perryfamily530
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
Simply Beautiful What an incredibly special place, I absolutely adored our stay. I would say it really is the best of both worlds, beautifully located between the city and in the country. The cottage itself is something you would find in House and Garden magazine; so beautifully appointed...
HouseGarden