For years, Queenstown has been known as New Zealand’s adrenaline capital.
Surrounded by dramatic mountains and sitting along the shores of Lake Wakatipu, the South Island destination has attracted travelers from around the world with its skiing, hiking, bungee jumping, and outdoor adventures.
But Queenstown is entering a new era—one where adventure meets relaxation, wellness, and elevated hospitality.
This September, Avani Hotels & Resorts will introduce Avani Queenstown, a new lakeside retreat that reflects the destination’s growing appeal as a year-round escape.

🌊 A Lakeside Stay in the Heart of Queenstown
Located along the shores of Lake Wakatipu, Avani Queenstown is designed to connect travelers with the natural beauty that makes the region unforgettable.
The hotel has been transformed from its previous identity as Oaks Shores Resort into a lifestyle-focused property featuring contemporary design, social spaces, wellness offerings, and locally inspired experiences.
With its lakefront setting and views of the surrounding landscape, the hotel provides a comfortable base for travelers looking to explore one of New Zealand’s most iconic destinations.

🏔️ Adventure by Day, Relaxation by Night
Queenstown has built its reputation on adventure.
Visitors can spend their days exploring mountain trails, skiing nearby slopes, taking scenic drives, or discovering the region’s famous outdoor experiences. But after a day of exploring, the ability to slow down becomes just as important.
Avani Queenstown is designed around that balance, offering spaces where guests can recharge, from AvaniSpa wellness experiences to AvaniFit fitness facilities.
The goal is simple: create a stay that works just as well after an action-packed day as it does during a quiet weekend escape.
🍽️ A New Gathering Place
Food is becoming an increasingly important part of Queenstown’s travel experience, and the new hotel will introduce Six to Midnight, an all-day dining destination designed as a social hub for both visitors and locals.
The restaurant will highlight local and seasonal ingredients through globally inspired menus, evolving throughout the day from breakfast and lunch to afternoon tea, après-ski gatherings, and evening dining.
It reflects a broader shift in travel: today’s visitors aren’t just looking for a place to sleep. They want spaces where they can connect, gather, and experience the personality of a destination.

🌿 More Than a Winter Destination
While Queenstown has long been famous for its ski season, the region’s appeal extends far beyond winter.
Warmer months bring opportunities for hiking, biking, wine tasting, lake activities, and exploring the surrounding landscapes. The result is a destination that offers something different in every season.
That year-round appeal is part of why Queenstown continues attracting travelers looking for both adventure and a slower pace.

✨ A Fresh Chapter for Queenstown
Some destinations are defined by one experience.
Queenstown has always been adventurous—but it has also always been beautiful, welcoming, and full of moments worth savoring.
With new hospitality offerings like Avani Queenstown, travelers have another reason to experience the destination in a different way: balancing outdoor exploration with comfort, wellness, and time to simply enjoy the view.
Because sometimes the best adventures are the ones that leave room to slow down.
Also on Coast to Coast
-
WHERE ANCIENT FORESTS MEET INDIGENOUS STORIES
-
A Grand Weekend at San Francisco’s Iconic Fairmont Hotel
-
LOOK UP: BIG BEAR’S STAR-STUDDED SUMMER CELEBRATION
-
REPACKAGING SUMMER SAFETY: NEW TESTING PROVES DECADES OF BEACH UMBRELLA ADVICE WRONG
-
Discover Milan from above: HIGHLINE Milano launches new Tarot-inspired exhibition