With mirror surfaced lakes and crenulated mountains as its neighbour, Blanket Bay is smack in the middle of Lord of the Rings country though you don’t need to be a Tolkien fanatic to be wowed by this stone and timber lodge with a 30 foot high Great Room as its centrepiece. Rooms are understated with the emphasis purely on the balcony views out over Lake Wakatipu though the natural fibre carpets and beautiful stone fireplaces add some homely touches. Staff can arrange anything from helicopter rights to private heli-skiing trips and the terrace overlooking the lake is a sublime spot for a late night cocktail or two.

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