Blanket Bay
Blanket Bay rises from the eastern shore of Lake Wakatipu, surrounded by soaring mountain peaks and native beech forest that climb steeply from the water's edge.
Blanket Bay is a hotel destination wedding venue in Glenorchy, New Zealand, hosting 20 to 150 guests in the $$$ price range, reached from Queenstown International Airport (ZQN), 55-65 minutes. Best months: January, February, May, July.
About Blanket Bay
Blanket Bay rises from the eastern shore of Lake Wakatipu, surrounded by soaring mountain peaks and native beech forest that climb steeply from the water's edge.
This luxury lodge commands unobstructed views across the Southern Alps, with the Glenorchy landscape offering dramatic elevation changes and pristine wilderness as your backdrop.
The property's location, 30 kilometers from Queenstown but worlds away in atmosphere, creates an exclusive setting for ceremonies and celebrations set against one of New Zealand's most photographed alpine environments.
Ask about a date.
Choose a day from the calendar.
Nothing is reserved until the venue confirms. A first note comes back within two business days.
We've stayed at many high calibre hotels across NZ (cape kidnappers, kauri cliffs, huka), and Blanket Bay is our new favourite.
SJ · read the whole review on Google →Capacity, rooms and facilities
Getting there
- Nearest airport
- ZQN, 65 min by carAisle estimate
Venue highlights
- 15-suite ultra-luxury lodge with accommodation for wedding guests on-site
- Floor-to-ceiling windows in dining and gathering spaces frame uninterrupted lake and mountain views
- Private beach access on Lake Wakatipu for ceremonies or photograph opportunities
- Located in Glenorchy, gateway to Milford Sound and Mount Aspiring National Park
The wedding season
A sample wedding weekend
See the day-by-day outline+
Use this as a starting point and adapt it to your bookings and guests.
- Afternoon/EveningGuest arrivals; welcome dinner at lodge restaurant
- 9:00 AMGuest breakfast and preparations
- 2:00 PMCeremony on lakeside venue with mountain backdrop
- 3:30 PMCocktail reception on terrace or beach
- 6:00 PMSeated dinner in dining room with lake views
- 9:00 PMDancing and celebration (customizable)
- MorningFarewell breakfast; guest departures
Costs and booking details
- Getting there
- ZQN · 55-65 minutes
Guests fly into Queenstown International Airport.
- Typical total
- $45,000-150,000+Aisle estimate
Final costs depend on guest count, season, menu selections, beverage packages, and any additional services (photography coordination, floral design, entertainment). Consult directly for customized quotes.
See the full figure+
NZD $45,000-150,000+ for 50-100 guests including accommodation, meals, and venue
- Ceremony fee
- Included with wedding packageAisle estimate
A one-time licence and setup fee, paid to the venue.
- Reception
- $350-550+ / headAisle estimate
A seated dinner with wine and service, by headcount.
See the full figure+
NZD $350-550+ (dependent on menu selections and beverage package)
- Room rate
- $1,200-2,500+ / nightAisle estimate
A standard room in the wedding window. Group rates on request.
See the full figure+
NZD $1,200-2,500+ per suite (15 suites total; rates vary by season)
- Weather window
- January – February, May, July
The 4 months the weather is kindest. Weather does not indicate whether a date is available.
- Direct line
- 03 441 0115
Answered by the venue in local hours.
Questions about the venue
What is the capacity for ceremonies and receptions?+
Blanket Bay can accommodate between 20-150 guests across indoor and outdoor spaces, with flexible configurations for ceremonies, dinners, and celebrations.
Are accommodations included for wedding guests?+
Yes. The lodge features 15 suites available for guest stays. Wedding packages can include accommodation rates for your party.
What outdoor ceremony options are available?+
The property offers lakeside locations with mountain backdrops, private beach areas, and garden spaces. Weather contingencies include elegant indoor venues with panoramic windows.
How far is Blanket Bay from Queenstown Airport?+
The venue is approximately 50 kilometers (30 miles) from Queenstown International Airport, roughly 1 hour drive via the Glenorchy-Queenstown Road.
What dining options are available?+
Blanket Bay operates an on-site restaurant featuring locally-sourced cuisine. Wedding menus are customized in consultation with the culinary team.
Could this be your venue?
Ask about your plans, pricing and availability. You do not need a fixed date yet.
Still deciding? Elena is Aisle’s AI wedding planner. Give her a month and a guest count and she will forecast the budget, work out how your guests would travel, and put a first plan on paper. No account needed.
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Weighing Blanket Bay against the field?
Answer four questions, budget, season, guest count, feel, and a shortlist of comparable houses comes back in about a minute. No sign-up needed.
Sources and booking notes
Confirm your dates, guest numbers, room arrangements and inclusions with the venue before booking. An enquiry does not reserve a date. Figures labelled Aisle estimate are modelled from regional rates and public sources; they are not venue quotes.