There are some places where the landscape is every bit as much part of the stay. Hidden within the spectacular Ahuriri Valley in Otago, The Lindis Lodge sits almost unnoticed within the 6,500-acre Ben Avon Station, surrounded by rugged mountains, braided rivers, wetlands and native beech forest.
The architecture is absolutely striking, and the lodge’s rather special approach to luxury hasn’t gone unnoticed, with The Lindis being awarded Two Michelin Keys in 2025.
It’s remote in the very best way. Around two hours by road from Queenstown, the lodge feels worlds away from everyday life, with the vast high country landscape stretching out in every direction. And rather than compete with its surroundings, the lodge has been designed to almost disappear into them.
Its distinctive curved, slatted roof follows the contours of the land, while inside, Spotted Gum timber, Bluestone masonry and huge floor to ceiling windows echo the colours and textures of the valley outside. It’s warm and luxurious, but with the landscape always taking centre stage.
A room with quite a view
There are just eight accommodation options at The Lindis, which keeps the experience intimate. Within the main lodge are two Master Suites and three Lodge Suites, each with sweeping views across the valley, super king beds and beautifully considered interiors. The Master Suites also have indoor and outdoor seating and bathtubs, while the lodge itself includes inviting shared spaces such as the Great Hall, bar, lounges and games and billiards room.
For a little more seclusion, there are three architecturally designed glass Pods nestled into the landscape a short walk from the main lodge.
At just 18 square metres, they’re compact but cleverly designed, with mirrored glass walls, a king bed, ensuite, private deck and an outdoor bathtub looking across the valley. Sitting away from the main lodge, they offer the kind of privacy that makes you feel as though this enormous landscape is temporarily all yours.
A stay includes breakfast, lunch, nightly pre dinner drinks and canapés and a multi course dinner, along with a complimentary minibar, turndown service and access to the lodge gym, outdoor hot tub and walking trails.
From the river to the mountains
As tempting as it might be to settle into the lodge and simply admire the view, The Lindis has made exploring its surroundings a central part of the experience.
Within Ben Avon Station, guests can head out horse trekking from The Lindis Stables, try fly fishing in the Ahuriri River, hike, e bike, take a guided buggy tour or give archery and clay target shooting a go.
Further afield, adventures can take you deep into some of the South Island’s most remote landscapes. Heli hiking in the Southern Alps, glacier landings around Aoraki/Mount Cook, heli picnics, backcountry fly fishing and West Coast excursions can all be arranged.
In winter, the valley becomes an alpine playground, with heli skiing and heli hiking among the seasonal experiences on offer.
Then there are the nights. The property borders the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, putting some of the world’s clearest night skies overhead. You can simply look up or make an evening of it with guided stargazing and astrophotography.
Dinner is part of the experience
Food at The Lindis is not treated as an afterthought to the scenery. Its chefs were named Luxury Lodge Chefs of the Year at the 2025 Cuisine Good Food Awards, with menus built around a contemporary interpretation of seasonal New Zealand cuisine.
Produce is sourced locally where possible, seafood is sustainably caught and ingredients are also harvested from the lodge gardens, with dinner served as a multi course experience each evening.
Those wanting to take things a little further can head to The Black Diamond, a striking private dining space tucked away within the valley. Here, culinary experiences range from a private chef prepared BBQ to Champagne and caviar as the sun sets over the high country. There’s also the option of arriving at The Black Diamond by horseback, while alpine picnics can be set up in secluded spots elsewhere in the valley.
Perhaps that sums up The Lindis Lodge best. It’s not simply a beautiful hotel dropped into a spectacular location. The architecture, food and experiences have all been shaped around the landscape itself.
For somewhere that sits so quietly within the landscape, it certainly knows how to make quite the impression.
Check out The Lindis Lodge online for bookings and more info.