Blanket Bay — destination wedding venue in Glenorchy 9372, New Zealand
Hotel

Blanket Bay

Glenorchy 9372, New Zealand, New Zealand20150 guests$$$4.8(93)

Blanket Bay is a hotel destination wedding venue in Glenorchy 9372, New Zealand, hosting 20 to 150 guests in the $$$ price range, reached from Queenstown International Airport (ZQN), 55-65 minutes. Best months for weddings: January, February, May, July.

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.

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
  • Google rating of 4.8/5 reflecting consistently exceptional service and facilities

Quick facts

Capacity20150 guests
Venue typeHotel
Price range$$$
LocationNew Zealand
Nearest airportZQN
Best monthsJanuary, February, May
Rating4.8 (93)

Check availability

Select a date to inquire about your wedding

Best time to get married at Blanket Bay

The ideal months for a wedding at Blanket Bay in Glenorchy 9372, New Zealand are January, February, May, and July. These months balance warm daytime temperatures, low rainfall, and the highest sunshine hours of the year — the best window for outdoor ceremonies and reception dining. Expect daytime highs around 57°F (14°C) during the peak season.

Plan your wedding at Blanket Bay

Getting there

Queenstown International Airport (ZQN)

55-65 minutes to venue

Private car transfer

NZD $150-250 per vehicle

55-65 minutes · Arrange through the lodge or book independently via Queenstown transfer services

Rental car

NZD $60-120 per day

55-65 minutes · Pick up at Queenstown Airport and drive via Glenorchy-Queenstown Road; scenic route through Lake District

Helicopter transfer

NZD $1,200-1,600 per person

20 minutes · Premium option departing Queenstown; lands on lodge grounds with dramatic alpine arrival

Cost estimate

Ceremony / venue fee

Included with wedding package

Reception (per guest)

NZD $350-550+ (dependent on menu selections and beverage package)

Accommodation (per night)

NZD $1,200-2,500+ per suite (15 suites total; rates vary by season)

Estimated total

NZD $45,000-150,000+ for 50-100 guests including accommodation, meals, and venue

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.

Sample wedding weekend

Friday (Wedding Eve)

Afternoon/EveningGuest arrivals; welcome dinner at lodge restaurant

Saturday (Wedding Day)

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)

Sunday (Day After)

MorningFarewell breakfast; guest departures

This is a sample itinerary. Your wedding weekend can be fully customized.

Weather

April

Temperature

58°F

Low: 46°F

Rainfall

13 days

216mm total

Sunshine

6.8 hrs

per day avg

Best months for outdoor weddings: January, February, May, July

4.8
93 Google reviews
View on Google Maps

SJ

We've stayed at many high calibre hotels across NZ (cape kidnappers, kauri cliffs, huka), and Blanket Bay is our new favourite. The service was impeccable, with each staff member introducing themselves and so accommodating of our dietary requirements during our stay - creating bespoke dishes at pre-dinner drinks, and a custom menu. The grounds are truly something - we really enjoyed walking on the trails, and loved our massage and facial. I highly recommend this stunning hotel.

4 weeks ago

Dan Vassallo

Blanket Bay was our 9th and final hotel stay on our epic NZ trip. This place is phenomenal. It is located approximately 45 from Queenstown (a good thing IMO) in Glenorchy. Our suite was enormous and included a gas fireplace and a private outdoor terrace overlooking the property and the Lake Wakatipu. The lodge itself is beautiful. The Great Room reminded me of the Great Room at the Ritz - Bachelor Gulch in Beaver Creek, CO. Such a cozy vibe. The food was superb (both breakfast and dinners) and the wine was excellent. Staff was outstanding (shoutout to Jade’s stellar cocktail skills). We also appreciated the complimentary wine tasting they had while we were there as well as the Game Room (pool table was great). Would definitely recommend and would return!!

2 months ago

Tania S

Blanket Bay is a truly exceptional luxury lodge and a genuine taste of New Zealand at its finest. Timeless rather than brand new, it embodies classic lodge elegance and old-world charm. From a private helicopter experience over mountains and glaciers to a beautifully curated lakeside picnic, indoor–outdoor jacuzzi with mountain views, and impeccable service, every detail felt considered and effortless. The team can facilitate almost anything you might wish for — exactly what you expect at this level. My suite had the most breathtaking views I’ve experienced anywhere, with generous living spaces, a stone courtyard, and uninterrupted lake and mountain scenery. For a solo traveller, the staff made all the difference — warm, professional, and genuinely welcoming. The culinary experience was outstanding: beautifully presented, creative dishes, expertly paired with wines by the sommelier. Pre-dinner drinks also offer a lovely opportunity for guests to connect. Special thanks to Lucy and Taylor for their understanding of my specific needs. Blanket Bay is unforgettable, and I will absolutely return when able. A must-stay for any luxury traveller. Aug 2024 - delayed review due to illness.

3 months ago

Frequently asked questions

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.
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