Where to Stay for the New Zealand Open 2026: Queenstown’s Best Golf-Side Escapes

From 26 February to 1 March 2026, the 105th New Zealand Open returns to the iconic Millbrook Resort in Queenstown - four days where championship golf meets spectacular alpine scenery, and the world’s best players tee off on the South Island.

And for those who prefer their accommodation to be as impressive as the leaderboard, we’ve curated a collection of luxury stays perfectly placed for easy access to the tournament, with the space, comfort, and privacy that golf week demands. Enjoy panoramic lakefront villas, hillside sanctuaries, refined interiors, hot tubs overlooking snow-dusted peaks, and plenty of room for post-round debriefs.

And for the true golf aficionados, a detour to the North Island’s Te Arai Links is a must: recently named among the world’s best courses, it’s a golfing pilgrimage that’s well worth the journey.

Below, meet the standouts.

Matariki Residence

Distance to Millbrook Resort: Approx. 20 minutes by car Sleeps: 12

Sitting high on Queenstown Hill, Matariki Residence is luxury with altitude - close enough to the action, yet blissfully removed from the bustle.

Step inside and you’ll find an entertainer’s dream: – Six king bedrooms across three generous levels – Two master suites (each with its own ensuite) – Front-facing bedrooms with cinematic lake and Remarkables views – A hidden media room behind a “secret” pantry door (perfect for families) – Dual lounges connected by an indoor fireplace – An expansive dining + bar setup ideal for private-chef dinners – Outdoor terraces framed by schist stone and native flora

And with Queenstown’s bars, restaurants, and lakefront just a short walk away, the hardest part will be choosing between a night out or a night in.

The Elms at Lake Hayes – Villa One

Distance to Millbrook Resort: 7 minutes by car Sleeps: 6

Elegantly positioned on the shores of Lake Hayes, Villa One offers lakeside luxury with a designer edge. Golden tones, plush textures, and sensational floor-to-ceiling views of the shimmering lake in all her glory.

Highlights include: – A serene master suite with its own private balcony – Direct access to the Lake Hayes walking track – A hot tub overlooking the water – Alfresco dining spaces shaded from the morning breeze – Indoor–outdoor flow for long lunches or pre-tournament relaxation

With boutique Arrowtown and the wineries of Gibbston Valley just moments away, this is a stay that offers tranquillity and style in spades.

Lake Hayes Retreat

Distance to Millbrook Resort: 5–7 minutes by car Sleeps: 12

Lake Hayes Retreat is expansive, elegant, and utterly breathtaking - panoramic views, curated art, retractable glass walls, and a sense of tranquillity woven into every detail.

Inside, you’ll find: – Multiple lounges with lakefront outlooks – A sophisticated kitchen and dining space for private chef evenings – A master suite that’s practically its own wing – Four additional bedrooms upstairs, each with individual artistic flair – A media room, beer tap, outdoor fire pit, and a sweeping terrace made for golden-hour gatherings

Close to Queenstown, Arrowtown, and everywhere you’ll want to be, it’s lakeside luxury at its finest.

Ladena

Distance to Millbrook Resort: Approx. 15 minutes by car Sleeps: 10

Set high on Queenstown Hill, Ladena feels worlds away while still being just a short drive from the action - a contemporary hideaway of cedar, curated art, and sensational views over Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables.

Step inside to: – Five beautifully appointed ensuite bedrooms – Expansive open-plan living, dining, and kitchen spaces – Contemporary interiors softened by natural textures and warm timber – Multiple terraces and balconies framing the alpine backdrop – Two lounge areas perfect for après-golf unwinding – An outdoor entertainment area with a fire pit for starlit marshmallow toasts

Wake to mountain air and lake views, enjoy a private-chef dinner overlooking the peaks, or take the short stroll down the hill into Queenstown’s buzzing dining scene. Ladena is refined, welcoming, and designed for groups who want space, scenery, and a gorgeous home base during Open week.

Te Arai Links

Not near the Open - but absolutely worth the detour.

While Queenstown hosts the championship, Te Arai Links (North Island) continues to draw global acclaim - earning two coveted places on the Top 100 Golf Courses in the World: #79 South Course and #98 North Course.

This is a truly spectacular location where rugged coastline meets architectural brilliance, Tom Doak’s North Course and Coore & Crenshaw’s South Course, sixteen ocean-view holes, and pure fescue fairways shaped by wind and time.

Stay options range from suites to ocean cottages to four-bedroom villas, each designed with serene coastal luxury in mind. Add world-class dining, wellness, and year-round activities, and it’s a must-do for anyone with golf on the brain.

Ready for the 2026 Open?

Our Travel Designers are already crafting bespoke itineraries and arranging everything from tee times to private chefs to helicopter transfers.

Spaces during the Open book fast. Reach out now to lock in your luxury base for New Zealand’s biggest week in golf.