Staying at the Sherwood Hotel, Queenstown

The Sherwood Hotel, Queenstown. Photo / Supplied

Kristin Edge checks into the Sherwood Hotel, Queenstown.

Getting there: Take the bus and just let the friendly driver know where you want to get off; much cheaper than a taxi. It's halfway between the airport and town.

Check-in experience: I arrive early and I am greeted by a polite young man who puts my bag into storage. Price: From $207 per night through Booking.com

Location: I make the 40-minute walk into town along the lake edge but there is also a regular bus service, with a bus stop just 100m from the hotel entrance. The Mock-Tudor hotel is set on three acres of hillside over looking Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables.

Room: The rooms have recently been renovated. Carpet tiles are made from recycled nylon fishing nets, rubber flooring is from used car tyres and ex-military woollen blankets have been fashioned into curtains. There's a drinks fridge, sink and tea and coffee-making gear.

Bed: Pretty standard queen bed stacked with plenty of pillows and a woollen blanket for winter.

Toiletries: Shampoo and conditioner in the bathroom, which is basic, but clean. The shower head is large and it's like standing in a tropical downpour. The soap is manuka oil, goats milk and lemongrass. Delicious.

Mini bar: A selection of wines and a Queenstown beer. Plenty of snacks, including kumara chips and biltong.

Food and drink: The onsite restaurant and bar is fabulous and top quality. A flourishing vege garden only metres from the kitchen door means fresh, tasty delights. The wild Fiordland venison with beetroot, tamarillo and flax seed is flavoursome and beautifully presented. There's a free drink during happy hour.

Noise: Apart from the occasional bird outside the window, there is not much noise at all.

Exercise facilities: There is a sauna and yoga classes. There's a table tennis table and petanque area. Mountain bikes are for hire and you can book a massage.

Also on site: Take a wander through the vege garden to the tipi — a place to chillax. There's also a solar-charging station for cars.

Contact: booking.com/hotel/nz/sherwood
Perfect for: Families and those after an eco-experience.