Minor Hotels Introduces Avani Queenstown, a Lakeside Retreat in New Zealand’s Adventure Capital

Opening in September 2026, the reimagined hotel marks Avani’s Queenstown debut and New Zealand flagship

Brisbane, Australia, 5 August 2026 – Minor Hotels, a leading global hotel owner and operator, announces the upcoming opening of Avani Queenstown, a premium lifestyle hotel set to welcome guests from September 2026. Marking Avani’s debut in Queenstown, its New Zealand flagship and the brand’s second property in the country after Avani Auckland Metropolis Residences, the hotel continues Avani’s growth in New Zealand and across Australasia.

Formerly Oaks Shores Resort, the property has undergone a significant transformation, reimagining the guest experience from serviced apartments into a full-service hotel aligned with Avani’s global design vision. The repositioning reflects a shift towards more connected, lifestyle-led stays, where design, functionality and social energy come together seamlessly.

Set on Queenstown’s lakefront, Avani Queenstown is designed to connect guests with the destination. Clean-lined interiors and warm, locally inspired finishes create an easy, intuitive base, while a collection of social spaces brings people together, from après-ski moments by the fireplace to private dining experiences and flexible event spaces designed for intimate celebrations and larger gatherings.

Wellbeing is woven throughout the experience, with AvaniSpa offering space to reset and recharge, and AvaniFit delivering a modern approach to fitness that keeps pace with every kind of traveller.

A defining feature of the hotel will be Six to Midnight, an all-day dining venue showcasing local and seasonal produce through globally inspired menus. Designed as a social hub for both visitors and locals, the venue evolves throughout the day from breakfast and lunch to high tea, après-ski gatherings and evening à la carte dining.

Craig Hooley, Chief Operating Officer of Minor Hotels Australasia, said the hotel's transformation reflects both the strength of the Queenstown market and Avani's continued growth in the region.

“Avani Queenstown introduces a premium lifestyle offering to one of New Zealand's most dynamic tourism destinations. Combining a standout lakefront location with Avani's design-led approach, the hotel delivers a contemporary guest experience that reflects how travellers increasingly want to stay, connect and experience a destination," Hooley said.

James Billing, Area General Manager of New Zealand, Minor Hotels added that the hotel’s opening reflects Queenstown’s continued growth as a year-round destination.

“Queenstown has evolved into a destination that offers much more than seasonal travel,” Billing said.

“We're excited to introduce Avani Queenstown to a market that continues to attract visitors year-round, offering a new way for travellers to experience one of New Zealand's most iconic destinations."

Avani Queenstown joins Avani Auckland Metropolis Residences as the brand’s second property in New Zealand, strengthening Avani’s presence across Australasia following the recent opening of Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. Together, the properties reflect Avani's targeted expansion across urban, coastal and resort destinations, supporting growing demand for contemporary lifestyle travel experiences.

About Avani Hotels & Resorts

Designed for today’s traveller, Avani Hotels & Resorts offers stylish rooms, connected social spaces and relaxed and on-the-go dining that is locally inspired. Balance is central to everything Avani does, providing guests with the right measure of service, fun and privacy. Launched in 2011, Avani’s over 40 properties across five continents offer premium city hotels, tropical resorts and retreats in nature with a focus on smart design, upbeat service and good value.

Avani Hotels & Resorts is a Minor Hotels brand and recognises its guests through one unified loyalty programme, Minor DISCOVERY, part of GHA DISCOVERY.

Visit avanihotels.com for more information, and connect with Avani on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X and YouTube.

Connect with Avani Queenstown on:

https://www.instagram.com/avaniqueenstown/

https://www.facebook.com/avaniqueenstown/

About Minor Hotels

Minor Hotels is a global leader in the hospitality industry with more than 640 hotels, resorts and branded residences in operation and committed development across 66 countries. The group crafts innovative and insightful experiences through its hotel brands including Anantara, Elewana Collection, The Wolseley Hotels, Tivoli, Minor Reserve Collection, NH Collection, nhow, Avani, Colbert Collection, NH, Oaks, and iStay, as well as a diverse portfolio of restaurants and bars, travel experiences, and spa and wellness brands. With over four decades of expertise, Minor Hotels builds stronger brands, fosters lasting partnerships, and drives business success by always focusing on what matters most to our guests, team members and partners.

Minor Hotels is a proud member of the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA) and recognises its guests through one unified loyalty programme, Minor DISCOVERY, part of GHA DISCOVERY.