Frequently Asked Questions
How many rooms do you have at Minaret Station?
Minaret Station has four private chalets, making it the perfect private getaway. Each chalet can be configured with either King or Twin bedding.
Does Minaret Station welcome children?
Yes, Minaret Station is the perfect place for families, including multi-generational family groups to enjoy time together in the outdoors. Each chalet has a fold out Queen sofa bed in the adjoining dressing room that is suitable for one child sharing a chalet with parents. Typically, families book multiple chalets and split the additional chalets into twin share as required.
Can we book the entire lodge?
Yes, of course. We have many guests who take exclusive use of the entire lodge for a special occasion, extended family, or increasingly for privacy. Guests can choose how many chalets they require from one to four, all the time being able to enjoy the lodge to themselves. Bookings of anywhere from one to twelve guests are welcome to book Minaret Station as private use, with complete exclusivity. Contact us to discuss rates for exclusive use bookings.
How many nights should we stay?
Aside from the festive season (20 Dec-5 Jan), we do not have a minimum night stay, however from experience and guest feedback, we recommend a minimum of two to three nights to get the most from your stay. This allows guests time to enjoy exploring the property and all the trails it has to offer, as well as the opportunity to enjoy at least one of our guided helicopter experiences.
What can we do while we are there?
There are many activities to enjoy whilst at Minaret Station. These include hiking on the trails from the lodge, or exploring further afield with unforgettable guided helicopter scenic experiences, back country fishing, heli skiing, mountain biking, exploring the farm or guided hunting. Minaret Station is not just for the adventurous. We receive wonderful feedback from guests who have enjoyed the sense of time and space at Minaret Station, as they recharge their batteries with a good book in amongst the mountains.
What is included in the rates?
Included in the nightly tariff is a full breakfast, lunch (to enjoy at the lodge or packed as a picnic), pre-dinner drinks and canapés, a multi course gourmet dinner along with a selection of beverages, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic , as well as a private guide for on-property activities. Additional to the nightly tariff are helicopter transfers to and from the lodge, wines from our Reserve List, as well as our guided experiences beyond the trails of Minaret Station.
Do I have to stay at Minaret Station to enjoy one of your experiences?
No not at all. Many of our guests are staying at other properties in and around Queenstown and Wanaka and just book day experiences with us. Our suite of Minaret Station Experiences may be booked by anyone, regardless of if they are staying at the Alpine Lodge or not.
What is your cancellation policy?
Click here for our full terms and conditions including our cancellation policy. We recommend all our guests have travel insurance in the unlikely event of any unforeseen circumstances
Which is the closest airport?
The closest airports to Minaret Station are Queenstown and Wanaka, both of which we have our own heliports. There are numerous flights to and from Queenstown every day connecting with Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington, as well as cities throughout Australia. Minaret Station is approximately 15-20 minutes from Wanaka Airport and 25-30 minutes flight from Queenstown Airport.
What about private and charter aircraft?
Fixed wing aircraft including private jets are able to land at either Wanaka Airport or Queenstown Airport. Please contact us for more information about private charters, contacts for ground handling, as well as arranging discrete and easy transfers direct to private planes. We can meet you airside and fly you direct to Minaret Station.
Do I have to fly there?
Yes. There is no road access to Minaret Station, so all guests (as well as staff and supplies) need to be flown into the Alpine Lodge. Getting to and from Minaret Station is a wonderful part of the Minaret experience.
I have a rental vehicle, where can I leave this?
If you have a rental or private vehicle, we can arrange for this to be stored at our Wanaka or Queenstown heliports at no additional charge for the duration of your stay or experience.
How much luggage can I bring?
Due to weight restrictions on aircraft, guests are limited to one suitcase weighing no more than 23kg per person (or 62 linear inches), plus one small bag. Secure luggage storage is available at our Queenstown and Wanaka heliports at no additional charge for the duration of your stay for any excess luggage requirements.
What other information should we provide?
Under Civil Aviation Authority rules all guest names and weights as well as a contact person and phone number need to be advised in advance.
Is WiFi available at the lodge?
Yes, high speed wireless is available at Minaret Station. It’s also not a bad place to disconnect from the world for a short while.
Are there televisions?
There is a TV with DVD collection, satellite television and Netflix available in the Library of the main lodge. There are not televisions in the chalets.
What clothes should we bring to Minaret Station?
The lodge is located at 3,000ft in an alpine environment. The weather is changeable, so we suggest guests bring multiple layers when they are out exploring, including a wind proof jacket. Flat sole sports or outdoor shoes are best suited to the environments we explore. There is no dress code at Minaret Station, we want our guests to be comfortable.
What sort of food do you serve at the Alpine Lodge?
Our team of chefs work with the freshest of produce and protein, much of it from our own 50,000 acre farm, or from local growers and farmers we know and trust. Our chefs use these fresh local flavours to produce exceptional three course evening meals. They look to bring out the best of the region in a clean and simple style without over complicating.
Where will we dine?
Guests can choose to dine together as they often do in the Mountain Kitchen, alfresco on the deck, or in the privacy of your own chalet.
What if I have particular dietary requirements?
Our chefs are very used to working with guests who have specific dietary requirements. These might be allergies, diets, religious beliefs or simply dislikes. The most important thing is you notify our Reservations team at time of booking to ensure that our chefs have all the information required. All of our produce is flown into the lodge so advanced notice allows us to confidently cater to your needs.
Where is Minaret Station?
Minaret Station is located at the head of a remote and picturesque glacial valley, a scenic helicopter flight from either Queenstown or Wanaka, on New Zealand’s South Island.
