Lindis
Contemporary high-country eco-luxury. Striking modernist architecture that defers completely to its surroundings. Warm, genuinely personal service — more country house than hotel. The focus is outdoors: fly fishing, horse trekking, heli-adventures, and stargazing under some of the darkest skies on Earth.
Book the Black Diamond experience in advance — it fills up, especially in shoulder season, and is worth every dollar
Why It Matters
Awarded Two Michelin Keys by the MICHELIN Guide. Named to Robb Report's 'The 50 Greatest Luxury Hotels on Earth.' The lodge opened in November 2018 and quickly became one of New Zealand's most talked-about properties — partly for its architecture (described by the FT's How To Spend It as 'a Star Wars-like lodge hidden in New Zealand's Tolkien country') and partly because of the sheer audacity of its location. Tablet Hotels calls it 'reminiscent of the best Patagonian hotels for the way it melts into the landscape.'
The Lindis is a full-board, ultra-luxury lodge built low into the floor of New Zealand's Ahuriri Valley on the 6,500-acre Ben Avon Station. Eight rooms total — two Master Suites, three Lodge Suites, and three mirrored glass Pods — and the architecture does what few buildings manage: it genuinely disappears into the landscape. The undulating wooden slatted roof mirrors the surrounding tussock ridgelines; Spotted Gum wood panelling and Bluestone masonry echo the valley's tones. There's no nearby town to eat in, so all meals are included. That's not a consolation prize — the multi-course dinners in the Great Hall using locally foraged porcini, wild Fiordland venison, and Mt Cook alpine salmon are a genuine reason to stay.
Where You'll Stay
3 room types available
Lodge Suite
From NZD4,600 / nightThree Lodge Suites sit within the Main Lodge, each named after local landmarks: Longslip, Birchwood, and Ribbonwood. At 50m² they're spacious without being overwrought — super king bed, gas fireplace, ensuite bathtub, private outdoor seating area, and that signature floor-to-ceiling window wall framing the valley. Same aesthetic DNA as the Master Suites, just slightly less square footage.
Super King · 50 sqm
Master Suite
From NZD5,200 / nightThe two largest rooms in the lodge. Generous at 65m², each Master Suite sits within the Main Lodge with floor-to-ceiling windows framing uninterrupted views across the Ahuriri Valley and river. A double-sided gas fireplace is the centrepiece. The ensuite includes a deep soaking bathtub. Step outside to a spacious private deck and seating area. Warm timber and stone finishes throughout keep it grounded in the landscape.
Super King · 65 sqmPod
From NZD2,965 / nightThe three Pods are The Lindis at its most elemental. Compact at 18m², each is a standalone mirrored glass structure positioned a short walk from the Main Lodge — close enough for a golf cart transfer, far enough to feel completely alone in the valley. Three sides of double-glazed mirrored glass mean you see everything outside; nobody sees in. King-size bed, ensuite shower, and the real centrepiece: a private outdoor bathtub for soaking under the Milky Way. There's a private furnished deck too. No fireplace, but heated throughout.
King · 18 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
3 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Private 4WD tours across Ben Avon Station, reaching corners of the property inaccessible on foot. Guided to highlight the region's geology, pastoral history, and sweeping high-country views.
Curated selection of house-made and locally sourced delicacies, prepared and packed for guests to enjoy at a quiet corner of the valley at their own pace.
Champagne and caviar served in complete seclusion — either at The Black Diamond or a remote location within the valley chosen for you. Your host sets it up and leaves you to enjoy it. Louis Roederer Champagne served throughout.
Named after the most challenging ski run grade, The Black Diamond is a private off-site dining structure deep in the valley. Arrive by horseback (1.5 hr guided trek) or vehicle. Louis Roederer Champagne on arrival, followed by a gourmet three-course BBQ lunch prepared by a personal chef with panoramic valley views. Available year-round; winter version includes mulled wine and warm blankets.
On-property archery range using Mongolian bows, and clay target shooting — both available as stand-alone activities or combined into a half-day high-country sports session.
Electric bikes available for exploring the valley — the 8km mountain trail is a local favourite, and staff can drop guests at the far end of Birchwood Road (22km from the lodge) for a scenic river-following ride back.
The Ahuriri River runs alongside the property and is ranked among the top 10 trout fisheries in the world. Options range from introductory lessons to full-day guided excursions with experienced guides. Season runs from the first Saturday in December to 30 April.
Omarama, just 30 minutes from the lodge, is one of the world's premier soaring locations. Expert pilots guide guests effortlessly along the ridgelines of the Southern Alps using natural thermals. Arranged in conjunction with local outfitter Glide Omarama.
The on-property helipad unlocks a remarkable range of adventures. Options include heli-hiking into the Southern Alps, landing on the Tasman Glacier, private culinary flights (gourmet BBQ beside a waterfall, whisky tasting at a remote alpine hut, crayfish on a West Coast beach), and the signature Lindis Heli-Hike with champagne and a gourmet BBQ lunch in a remote alpine setting.
Guided treks across Ben Avon Station and into the Ahuriri Valley on The Lindis's own horses — 12 to 16 animals stabled on-site. Routes cross paddocks, river crossings, and climb into the hills. Options for all experience levels, from first-timers to confident riders. The 1.5-hour guided ride to The Black Diamond is a particularly popular combination.
A shared outdoor hot tub positioned in the valley for soaking under the open sky. Available to all lodge guests at no extra charge. One of the most consistently praised features of a stay — especially on cold, clear nights when the stars are out.
The Ahuriri Valley borders a certified Dark Sky Reserve — one of the darkest skies on Earth. Expert guides lead immersive stargazing sessions, and astrophotography sessions can also be arranged. The Milky Way is clearly visible to the naked eye most nights.
A network of on-property walking tracks departs directly from the lodge, including a gentle 75-minute loop that follows the Ahuriri River before returning through the main gate. Guided hikes into the wider valley and conservation park can also be arranged — including the well-reviewed Canyon Creek hike.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
On-property stables housing 12–16 horses available for guided high-country treks.
The central shared space of the lodge — combines the main dining hall, a lounge with indoor fireplace, comfortable seating that flows from inside to outdoors, and an outdoor firepit area.
Pool table, board games, and television within the Main Lodge's communal spaces.
Complimentary WiFi throughout the lodge and rooms.
A seasonal kitchen garden supplying aromatic herbs and greens directly to the lodge's kitchen, contributing to the hyper-local dining programme.
Fully equipped gym within the Main Lodge, complimentary for all guests.
Shared outdoor hot tub positioned in the valley. Complimentary for all guests — particularly spectacular for evening use under a dark sky.
Complimentary on-site private parking for all guests.
On-property helipad enabling direct helicopter arrivals from Queenstown (~35 min) and access to a full menu of helicopter adventures.
Optional golf cart transfers between the Pods and the Main Lodge for guests who prefer not to walk.
Private on-site spa room offering individual massage treatments at additional cost.
BUILD YOUR THE LINDIS PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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