New Zealand’s hospitality sector has gained a fresh premium accommodation option with the opening of voco Queenstown, bringing 227 upgraded guest rooms and suites, refreshed public spaces and new dining experiences to one of the country’s most celebrated tourism destinations.
The hotel has been repositioned from the former Holiday Inn Express & Suites Queenstown into the voco brand, part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ premium portfolio.
Located at the corner of Stanley and Sydney Streets, the property sits close to Queenstown’s town centre and lakefront, giving guests convenient access to dining, shopping and some of New Zealand’s best-known adventure experiences.
The transformation strengthens Queenstown’s accommodation landscape at a time when travellers continue seeking higher-quality stays that combine destination access, contemporary design and distinctive hospitality experiences.
227 rooms receive premium transformation
The repositioning has refreshed the hotel’s 227 rooms and suites, creating an upgraded accommodation experience for leisure visitors, couples, families and business travellers.
The conversion was developed through collaboration involving IHG Hotels & Resorts, Pro-invest Group and Connect Hospitality.
The property’s transformation introduces the characteristic voco approach, which combines individual hotel personality with the consistency of a global hospitality brand.
Across the hotel, upgraded interiors and redesigned guest areas aim to create a warmer and more distinctive atmosphere.
The transformation also moves the property into a more premium market position, broadening Queenstown’s accommodation choices for travellers seeking an elevated stay within walking distance of the resort town’s major attractions.
The opening follows the earlier introduction of voco Auckland City Centre, expanding the brand’s presence in New Zealand.
Signature voco touches reshape guest experience
One of the most visible changes is the redesign of the hotel’s arrival and social spaces.
The refreshed lobby introduces fireplaces and atmospheric details intended to create a relaxed setting from the moment guests arrive.
Signature voco elements, including distinctive sensory touches and curated music, have also been incorporated into the guest journey.
New artwork, textured surfaces and interior details take inspiration from Queenstown’s surrounding landscapes.
These design choices aim to connect the property more closely with its alpine setting rather than creating a hotel experience detached from the destination.
For modern travellers, this destination-led design approach is becoming increasingly important, particularly in leisure markets where accommodation forms part of the overall travel experience.
New dining adds destination appeal
Food and beverage offerings are also central to the hotel’s transformation.
A new restaurant and bar concept, Mozzarella & Co., brings a Mediterranean-inspired dining experience together with influences from New Zealand’s South Island.
The venue features elements designed to make dining more interactive and experiential, including a show kitchen, wood-fired pizza preparation and bakery-style offerings.
Additional spaces support both casual socialising and more private dining experiences.
Outdoor terraces and lounge areas provide places where guests can relax around fire features while enjoying Queenstown’s cooler alpine atmosphere.
These new hospitality spaces help reposition the property beyond accommodation alone.
Instead, voco Queenstown is designed as a place where visitors can stay, dine and socialise while remaining close to the wider destination.
Prime location connects travellers with Queenstown
Location is one of the hotel’s strongest tourism advantages.
Official IHG information places voco Queenstown just a short walk from the lakefront and the centre of Queenstown, where visitors can access restaurants, shopping and adventure activities.
This central position allows travellers to explore much of the town without relying heavily on transport.
Beyond the centre, Queenstown provides direct access to some of New Zealand’s most recognised alpine recreation areas.
Guests can use the hotel as a base for trips to ski fields including Coronet Peak, The Remarkables and Cardrona, while the wider region offers hiking, cycling, lake activities and other outdoor experiences.
Queenstown’s official tourism organisation describes the destination as a major hub within New Zealand’s southern lakes region, surrounded by the Southern Alps and supported by year-round dining, recreation and adventure tourism.
Alpine tourism supports year-round demand
Although Queenstown is strongly associated with winter skiing, the destination attracts visitors throughout the year.
Lake Wakatipu, mountain landscapes, hiking routes, cycling experiences, scenic attractions and adventure activities help maintain tourism demand beyond the snow season.
The hotel’s location also supports travellers planning wider South Island journeys.
Visitors can use Queenstown as a starting point for excursions toward destinations such as Milford Sound and other scenic areas across the region.
For international travellers, this combination of accommodation, dining and easy access to nature is central to Queenstown’s global appeal.
The addition of another premium hotel therefore increases choice while supporting the destination’s ability to accommodate different visitor segments.
New chapter for Queenstown hospitality
The opening of voco Queenstown highlights the continued evolution of New Zealand’s premium hotel market.
By transforming an existing 227-room property rather than developing an entirely new hotel, the project introduces a refreshed hospitality concept within an established central location.
Its upgraded rooms, redesigned public areas, new dining experiences and proximity to Queenstown’s lakefront and alpine attractions create a stronger destination-focused offering.
For Queenstown, the hotel adds another internationally recognised accommodation brand to a tourism market built around adventure, scenery and year-round experiences.
As travellers increasingly combine premium comfort with authentic destination access, voco Queenstown is positioned to serve visitors looking for an elevated base at the heart of New Zealand’s celebrated alpine tourism region.
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