Sometime there are no words to describe how fantastic a place can be, and this is true for Pencarrow Bed and Breakfast. I have stated in some luxury accommodation (Four Seasons, Mandarin Oriental etc) and this by far is the most luxurious I have ever experience. Keri picked us up from the airport and took us to the B&B, we were greeted by Bill who took us to our room and showed us around. We had a gift on our pillow to take away with us. We stayed in the Lighthouse Suite (to call it a room would be an insult!). The views of the lake and the remarkable mountain range, were spectacular. The room was as impressive, with frescoes painted by an artist as commissioned by Keri; the bathroom mat was a real silk Persian rug , our wardrobe was an German antique from the 18th Century etc. As it was the week before Christmas, we had a small Christmas tree set up in our room. Every evening, they would live a small gift in our pillows together with a chocolate with a small poem and the weather forecast for the next day.

The breakfast is a feast in its own right; we didn’t need to eat until the evening most days. We were warned to leave an hour before departing as it was a 4 course meal cooked by Keri from scratch. Well, it was a feast! The highlight was definitely Bill’s “eggs on a cloud”, if you stay here, do mention it to Keri and she will most definitely prepare for next day’s breakfast. In the afternoons, Keri will prepare little treats to have with a drink while seating in the garden (which is very secluded and peaceful, worth spending some time) or in the main sitting room looking at the amazing views. One evening, Bill light the out side barbeque area and we sat around the fire with other guess (mainly Americans) roasting mash mellows and exchanging tips, Bill was the perfect host taking care of drinks and any other need…..it was pure heaven.

While in Queenstown, we decided not to hire a car, and Bill was very obliging to drive us into Queenstown every time we needed, there was not a problem at all, and he would not hear of us walking!

They have an incredibly knowledge of the area and the activities. Keri is a bit of a daredevil herself (you can see pictures on the Games room of all the activities she has taken part over time), so she would let us know what her experience would be in the different activities and would recommend the best or more professional. They have very high standards for their guess, so we asked for recommendations of other B&B along our route…..we were not disappointed.

Leaving was hard, as you felt like you were leaving some long lost relatives. I cannot recommend this place enough. It is a home from home and I would definitely consider Keri’s offer to have my wedding at their place.

I won't have enough space here to tell everyone how amazing this experience was so here's my short version. We arrived after a 37 hour journey from FL USA - lost luggage on top of it - to have Bill walk up as we got out of our car and greet us by name. My husband and I have traveled extensively and stayed in some great places, truly none compare to this. Kari and Bill do treat everyone like they are guests in their home and they will do everything possible ensure your stay is comfortable, memorable, exciting, whatever you desire.
I MUST mention Kari's 4 course breakfast. You can't say no to anything. Everything she made - and it changed daily - was unbelievable. Her afternoon sweet treat in the room was decadant as well.
This says it all, my husband told Bill that he has never paid a room bill at the end of a stay and thought to himself that it was more than worth it!!!
One top of all I have said, the location is also terrific. It is extremely close to the airport, a quick ride to downtown and to get to other areas outside of Queenstown convenient from this location.
There is no other choice if you want the most memorable experience.

My husband and I stayed at Pencarrow for three nights while on our honeymoon trip to the South Island. Of all the places on the South Island we stayed this was by far our favorite due mainly to the hospitality of the owners - Bill & Kari. You honestly feel as though you are staying in the home of a good friend given how welcome they make you feel. Bill & Kari can also arrange area activities for you and suggest restaurants so you feel like you can get the best of Queenstown while there.

Pencarrow is just outside of Queenstown so you'll want a car to drive into town (or around the surrounding area) but for any runners/walkers out there, there is a running trail just outside the door of Pencarrow which runs right along the lake and is great way to stretch your legs before/after a long day of Queenstown adventure.

If you're heading to Queenstown and are looking for someplace nice to stay that isn't the $1000+/night rate charged by Blanket Bay you definitely need to check out Pencarrow.

Our stay at Pencarrow was the highlight of our vacation. Bill and Kari were the perfect hosts with great knowledge of everything New Zealand, from hiking to local wines. The setting of Pencarrow does not leave anything to be desired, including a beautiful view of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables seen through large windows from all guest and sitting rooms, invigorating outdoor seating areas, luxurious bed sheets and heated mattresses for chilly evenings, lavish bath products, fresh flowers and daily home made guest treats such as cakes and pies in the rooms, and a tastefully arranged interior with a unique private collection of hand made Oriental carpets acquired by the owners on their many trips around the world. We especially remember the wonderful breakfasts all with a daily new menu and china, and the optional evening get togethers for a drink or a coffee in front of the fire place before venturing out to dinner.
The owners offer to guests a relaxing sought-after blend of a friendly welcoming, professional hosting and a sense of privacy.