The Design Group announce that they have received resource consent to develop Waimarino Luxury Lodge after over four long years of effort. The Land Environment Court handed down their decision on 23 July, and the company will shortly commence the development of this exciting project.

Waimarino Luxury Lodge is set to redefine the high-end accommodation landscape. Located on the shores of Lake Wakatipu in Queenstown, New Zealand. This modern new style of luxury lodge is poised to set a new benchmark within the industry,  breathing fresh life into the premium accommodation sector.

Scheduled to open in 2026, the eco-conscious property seamlessly blends into the landscape with villas topped with living roofs. Thoughtfully imagined by its founder in partnership with Design Base Architects, Waimarino is just 12 minutes’ drive  from central Queenstown.

Waimarino – Maori for Still Waters – promises an extraordinary experience. Every design detail is meticulously considered.  Founder Andrew McIntosh emphasizes that exclusive accommodation should not come at the expense of connection. In  response, Waimarino offers shared meals cooked over fire using ingredients from the on-site garden. Though just minutes from  town, its exclusive environment feels a world away.

“We wanted to give guests the opportunity to disappear into their villa but also offer up areas of connection like the garden and  orchard, yoga studio, restaurant, and communal spaces. The materials we have used have been carefully selected with sustainability in mind, whilst the ambiance is one of understated clean sophistication,” explains McIntosh.

Described as modern, minimalist luxury, Waimarino represents a bold shift from the traditional hunting-style lodges found  across New Zealand. Its modern aesthetic lightly touches the landscape with clean lines inspired by the lakeshore environment.  Sustainability is paramount, with solar power, spring-fed water, and organic treatment systems.

Waimarino is also dedicated to making a positive impact on the local community. For every guest night booked, a native tree  will be donated for planting, a move expected to result in over 100,000 trees being planted in the first five years. This initiative  reflects the lodge’s dedication to environmental sustainability and community enhancement.

Another significant contribution is to the local pest trapping program. "We asked a local lady who donates her time and mostly  single-handedly manages the local pest trapping program what her pie-in-the-sky goal was and what annual contributions  would be needed to achieve this. That is what we have committed to," shared McIntosh.

Moreover, responding to the local community's desires, Waimarino will sponsor an annual "Clean Up the Cove Day," featuring  a community BBQ and coordinated clean-up efforts spearheaded by the lodge’s staff. This event aims to foster community  spirit and maintain the pristine beauty of the local environment.

Powered by sustainable technology, Waimarino is the accommodation of New Zealand’s future. The low-eco footprint and  pre-fabrication build method means each villa is gently placedinto the environment in sections. Secluded yet convenient, the lodge spells calm in understated ways. From the sunken deck bath to the living rooftops that naturally disperse and retain heat,  the lodge calls for a connection between people, nature, and stillness.

Minimalist design does not sacrifice modern comforts; each villa is appointed with high-end fixtures, state-of-the-art sound  systems, retractable cinema screens, and more.

Guests will enjoy a genuine garden-to-table experience with access to the onsite vegetable garden and micro-orchard. They can choose to cook in the privacy of their villa or have Waimarino’s chef cook the latest catch over coals. Tactile experiences  ranging from mountain biking trails to rowing the timber boat out on the lake with tailored picnic supplies will be part of the Waimarino experience.

The development of the Lodge aligns with the New Zealand Government's focus on attracting fewer but higher-value visitors to the region. This approach ensures sustainable tourism growth, benefiting both the local environment and economy.

The lodge is expected to create 28 new jobs for the local community whilst staff transport will also be provided as part of this new employment.

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