Hotel Review: Hilton Queenstown Resort & Spa
Fun fact: Before my husband joined the military, he went to film school in Wellington, New Zealand. I had then chance to spend a month on the North Island with him one summer, but not the South Island. For 18 years, he’s talked about how much he loved Queenstown and wanted to go back!
Queenstown is known for adventure, jaw-dropping scenery, and unforgettable views and the Hilton Queenstown Resort & Spa is right in the middle of all of it.
Nighttime views from the restaurant.
For this trip, I specifically booked our travel dates in Queenstown around the availability of the King Hilton Relaxation Room. Why? Because this room features a private hot tub on the deck overlooking Lake Wakatipu - and it absolutely lived up to expectations.
The Location
View from the lake dock, looking at the Hilton Queenstown Resort & Spa.
From the moment we arrived, the resort felt calm and upscale without being stuffy. The Hilton Queenstown Resort & Spa is beautifully positioned right on the edge of Lake Wakatipu, offering sweeping lake and mountain views that immediately set the tone for a relaxing stay. We arrived on a perfectly clear day, with snowy days ahead of us, and every day was a treat when it came to stunning scenery.
Water taxi prices and time schedule in Queenstown, New Zealand, listed in New Zealand $
This location strikes a great balance of being close enough to everything, but far enough away to feel peaceful. The resort is about a 5 minute drive from the airport and 10-15 minutes to downtown Queenstown. A shuttle service isn’t available, but a water taxi stops at the Hilton dock that will take you into Queenstown. It’s a 25 minute boat ride and a great way to see the area - I could get used to using water taxis daily!
The Room – King Hilton Relaxation Room
King Hilton Relaxation Room bed room.
The King Hilton Relaxation Room is spacious, thoughtfully designed, and ideal for couples. The king-sized bed was extremely comfortable, and the layout made it easy to truly unwind after long days exploring Queenstown. We regularly ate dinner at the seating area in our room next to the fireplace.
Large windows and sliding doors open onto a private deck with a hot tub overlooking Lake Wakatipu - the standout feature of this room. Soaking in the hot tub while watching the lake and surrounding mountains was easily one of the most memorable parts of our stay and the reason we intentionally planned our dates around this specific room.
Inside the room, you’ll find:
Plush king-sized bed
Cozy seating area with fireplace
Flat-screen TV
Minibar
Nespresso machine
Everything about the space felt intentional and relaxing, perfectly matching the “Relaxation Room” name.
Resort Amenities & Features
The view from the restaurant one cold, snowy morning.
Spa & Wellness
The on-site spa offers massages and wellness treatments which are ideal after hiking, sightseeing, or adventure activities. Even if you don’t book a treatment, the spa atmosphere adds to the overall relaxing vibe of the resort.
Pool & Fitness Center
The heated indoor pool at the Hilton Queenstown.
There’s a heated indoor pool with lake views, a sauna, and a modern fitness center. Whether you want to unwind or stay active, the facilities are well-maintained and easy to access.
Dining
The resort features an on-site restaurant serving locally inspired cuisine, along with room service options. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are available. I highly recommend booking the breakfast & room option - unless you’re a Diamond member, and you’ll already receive it! The breakfast buffet was well rounded with English, American and Middle Eastern foods. My husband and I both thoroughly enjoyed the breakfast each morning and there was enough on the buffet that my kids would’ve eaten as well.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Standing at the Hilton water taxi dock in Queenstown, New Zealand
Does the King Hilton Relaxation Room have a private hot tub?
Yes. The room includes a private deck with a hot tub overlooking Lake Wakatipu, which is the main reason we chose this room and planned our dates around its availability.
Is the Hilton Queenstown Resort & Spa family-friendly?
Yes, the resort does welcome families, but the King Hilton Relaxation Room is especially well-suited for couples seeking a quiet, relaxing stay.
How far is the resort from downtown Queenstown?
The resort is approximately a 5–10 minute drive from downtown Queenstown. Water taxi, ubers, and rental cars make transportation easy.
Are there on-site dining options?
Yes. The resort has an on-site restaurant and offers room service. There are also a couple of other restaurants in the area that are convenient but can be pricey.
Does the hotel have a spa and fitness center?
Yes. Guests have access to a full-service spa, heated pool, sauna, and modern fitness center.
Can I request a room with the best view?
Absolutely. Views and proximity to amenities can vary, so it’s worth requesting a lake-facing or view-focused room when booking.
The path from our room to the restaurant and lake dock.
Our stay at the Hilton Queenstown Resort & Spa was the perfect blend of luxury, comfort, and scenery. Booking the King Hilton Relaxation Room was absolutely worth it, and the private hot tub overlooking Lake Wakatipu made this stay feel truly special.
If you’re visiting Queenstown as a couple and want a relaxing retreat with unforgettable views, this is a hotel—and a room—I would recommend without hesitation.
