Hilton opens two new hotels in Queenstown

Hilton group's two new Queenstown hotels are situated in the lakeside foothills of the Remarkables mountain range at the Kawarau end of Lake Wakatipu. Photo / Supplied

Queenstown's tourism industry has been given a huge boost with the opening of the 178-room Hilton Queenstown and the 98-room Kawarau Hotel, Managed by Hilton, together the largest accommodation offering in the town.

The hotels, which are located in the lakeside foothills of the Remarkables mountain range at the Kawarau end of Lake Wakatipu, were officially opened by Prime Minister John Key last night.

"Queenstown is my favourite holiday destination in New Zealand and the opening of this hotel is hugely important for the long term tourism offering of the region," said Key, who travelled to Queenstown after delivering the Government's relief package for earthquake victims in Christchurch yesterday afternoon.

The Hilton's Asia Pacific president Martin Rinck acknowledged the earthquakes, with the hotel group making a donation of $20,000 to Big Brother, Big Sister, a charity which helps provide counselling to children affected by the earthquake.

Hilton group, which now operates four properties in New Zealand, said it identified Queenstown as a strategically significant location for Hilton Worldwide.

Destination Queenstown CEO Tony Everitt said having a Hilton was vital for the town, which welcomes more than two million visitors each year.

"The north American and Asian markets are very brand conscious, being able to offer them a Hilton hotel is a great boost for Queenstown," he said.

The openings were some welcome news for locals whose businesses are suffering due to the lack of snow so far this year impacting Queenstown's traditional ski season.

"I know some of you are a little frustrated by the lack of snow, we will pass a legislation on that next week," joked Key.

Yesterday's openings were the first step towards completing the $1 billion dollar Kawarau Falls project, which has been plagued by trouble since it began five years ago.

Funded jointly by local investors and the Hilton hotel chain, there are plans for the projects to eventually include a conference centre, apartments and more hotel accommodation.

In addition to the two hotels, a retail offering of bars, restaurants, cafes, Queenstown's largest day spa and ski hire facilities will open in the coming weeks.

The Hilton's signature restaurant, Wakatipu Grill is being helmed by former Kermadec chef Peter Thornley, who promises a complete commitment to using fresh, seasonal and local produce in his kitchen.

Locals and hotel guests will be able to access the village with a new water taxi service, the first of its kind.

"There is only so much land we can use in central Queenstown and this is a great way to utilise the lake, which is a key feature of the town," said Everitt.

Tourism New Zealand chief executive Kevin Bowler said the hotel openings had been two of the most-anticipated in New Zealand.

"In challenging times for South Island tourism, here we have a global tourism leader expressing an emphatic vote of confidence by opening not just one, but two hotels, and establishing a brilliant new village for visitors to enjoy," he said.

Last night's openings were followed by a dinner for Key, his deputy Bill English, Sir Tipene O'Regan and local investors.