Edgewater

Edgewater is spread out over large grassy expanses on the banks of Lake Wanaka. There's plenty of room to run around outdoors, with a few benches and tables for seating, while the partially skylit lobby features a few cosy seating areas with upholstered sofas. The hotel attracts a mix of tourists and groups, including wedding parties and those staying on-site for conferences and corporate retreats.

Edgewater is located in Wanaka, on the southern shores of Lake Wanaka, in the Central Otago District of New Zealand's South Island. It's a five-minute drive or half-hour walk from the hotel into Wanaka town. Puzzling World, which features mazes and optical illusions, is an eight-minute drive away. Wanaka Airport is a 14-minute drive away, and it's a one-hour flight (or five-hour drive) to Christchurch. Mount Aspiring National Park takes about an hour to reach by car.

Edgewater offers Studios, One-Bedroom Suites, and Two-Bedroom Apartments , all with simple decor including light-wood furniture and neutral upholstery brightened up with pops of accent colors. Studios can be connected to Two-Bedroom Apartments to create even larger units. Studios measure 30 square meters (323 square feet) and are configured to sleep up to three people. All units open up to glass-doored balconies or patios and come with free Wi-Fi, coffee- and tea-making facilities, small flat-screen TVs with cable, and safes. One-Bedroom Apartments measure 57 square meters (614 square feet) and add kitchenettes with microwaves, stoves, toasters, and laundry machines, plus living and dining rooms. Two-Bedroom Apartments come in two types of configurations: 80-square-meter (861-square-foot) split-level units and 84-square-meter (904-square-foot) side-by-side apartments. Bathrooms are simple with shower/tub combos and a reasonable amount of counter space. Toiletries are provided. Only some of the rooms have lake views.

Edgewater offers a wide range of amenities aimed at leisure travelers. The Wineglass Cafe is open all day and serves a variety of meat and seafood items along with a special menu of fresh scones, but it gets mixed reviews. Element Day Spa offers massages, hair services, makeup application, and mani/pedis; pre-wedding packages are available. There's also a sauna and a semi-enclosed hut with a couple of whirlpool hot tubs for guests' use. There's no gym, but the hotel does offer two tennis courts, a nine-hole putting green, a petanque pitch, and mountain bike rentals. Kayaks can be borrowed for paddling in the lake and there's a laundry room with coin-operated washers and dryers. There's also a playground and even a helicopter landing pad. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel and there's ample free on-site parking. The property is a popular venue for weddings and corporate retreats and has full catering and conference space for up to 120 people.