Crystal Waters

Crystal Waters stands at 11 Crystal Lane in Fernhill, on the edge of downtown Queenstown yet set apart from it. The property looks out over Lake Whakatipu to the Remarkables range. Its pages describe it as a place where nature's beauty and comfort converge, and the design follows that idea: floor-to-ceiling glass doors draw the mountain panorama into the rooms.

There are two bedroom suites, each with a queen bed and a private ensuite. They share a full kitchen and dining area, a wood fire, and two spa pools. Wood burners and a rustic-meets-modern fit-out give the interiors a warm, settled feel. The site also lists star gazing and the Aurora Australis among its draws, and one guest wrote of catching the aurora from the balcony.

The stay is self-service. No staff are on site, though the hosts can be reached by phone or email. Guests name Josh and Allanah, and describe their seasonal touches and their local recommendations. Check-in is at 3pm and check-out at 10am, with luggage storage for early arrivals.

The setting asks a few things of visitors. The suites are reached by a flight of steps down from the parking area, which the FAQ puts at 50 and a guest estimated at about 30, so it may not suit anyone with mobility restrictions. A road runs between the lake and the foot of the property, and its noise can carry into the suites. Coaches and vehicles carrying more than 12 people are not permitted.

Town is about a 35-minute walk, either along the sidewalk or down a trail through beech forest beside the water. The airport is a 20-minute drive. Nearby are a dairy, a few cafes and restaurants, and the Fernhill Bike Park. The owners also run an alternative property, Redfern Retreat, for dates that are taken here.