Luxury used to be measured in thread counts and marble bathrooms. Today, travellers are searching for something deeper. The new luxury is about connection, immersion and stories worth telling. It is about how a place makes you feel, not just how it looks.

Experiences Are the New Luxury

The next generation of travellers seek more than a beautiful room with a view. They want to taste the region, meet its people, and take home memories that cannot be found elsewhere. Experiential travel is about weaving the essence of a destination into every moment of the stay, from food and culture to wellness and nature.

Waimarino Lodge: Designed Around Experiences

At Waimarino Lodge, we believe true luxury is a balance. We will still offer the touches you expect, refined design, comfort above expectation, and attentive service, but our focus goes beyond that. What matters most is not only how well you slept, but what stories you are going to go home and tell.

That is why every aspect of Waimarino is being designed with experiences at its heart. We are not replicating the standard Queenstown line up of skiing, biking or scenic flights that most high-end lodges can arrange. Instead, we are crafting moments you will not find anywhere else.

Imagine sitting down to a private dinner created with ingredients foraged that morning, hearing stories from the local producers themselves. Picture an after hours adventure that opens doors usually closed to the public, or a wellness ritual that draws inspiration from the land and its traditions. These are the experiences that will shape your time with us.

A Word From Our Founder

“We’re not just building a lodge. We’re crafting a series of moments that connect our guests deeply with this land, its people and its stories. Every experience is an invitation to slow down, feel present, and take home more than memories.”
- Andrew McIntosh, Owner of Waimarino Lodge

More Than a Stay

While our property is still being built, we are already dreaming up and designing these experiences from the perspective of travellers ourselves. We seek out the unique, the memorable, and the meaningful when we travel, and we are having a great time planning the same for our guests.

We cannot wait to welcome you to Waimarino Lodge and share these unforgettable experiences with you.