We spent 3 nights at Pencarrow and could have spent 3 more. The bedrooms are beautiful, each one a multi-room suite with unique decor. Our bathroom was exceptional, with a jacuzzi tub, double sinks, shower, and best of all, a beautiful view of the gardens and upper lawn area. The sitting room in our suite had an amazing view of the lake and the surrounding Remarkable Mountains. Our host and hostess, Bill and Kari, couldn't have been more accommodating. We arrived on my husband's birthday, and they prepared a celebration for him with champagne, snacks, and even a birthday cake. It would be unjust not to mention the breakfast that Kari and Bill prepare. Everyday was a treat with a multicourse meal including home baked pastries, fresh fruit, an egg course, and finally, a waffle or pancake course. You could almost be set for the day! The eating area had the most gorgeous view, and the table setting changed each day. The other common areas were cozy, also offering spectacular views. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Pencarrow to anyone, but since it is just outside of Queenstown, it is a good idea to have a car, though taxis are available, and Bill and Kari drove us into town once or twice.

We had a great time, the scene was breath taking and the place was superb. I would come here again

This is the best of the best B&B's in the world! Breaksfast was fresh and plentiful, wholesome or gourmet, whatever your preference. The views of The Remarkables and lake from the dining area and gathering room fabulous. Accomodations were 5* with fine linens and very comfortable beds. Cleanliness was outstanding. The owners available to offer tips and guidance to local attractions and must see's. Overall, the place to stay when in the Queenstown area. Can't wait to return to this romantic setting.

Imagine my surprise when I called Pencarrow to inquire, I heard a Texas voice on the phone (we're from Texas living in Australia)...I liked the idea of seeing someone from 'home' so far away. We made our reservation and I kept looking at Google maps to see if the views could possibly be as beautiful as they looked in the photos. From the map it sure didn't look so, but Pencarrow isn't on the street level. Just wait until you drive up the hill.... WOW...! I wanted the lighthouse room in the photo, and that's where we were, but after touring the whole property, EVERY room is unique and beautiful in its own right, with a gorgeous view. I would enjoy any of them. The downstairs suite is absolutely perfect for those wanting a kitchen. We love the wood accents throughout, just our style in comparison to the modern look that is so ho hum and common these days. This was elegant, warm, and very high class.

NKari and Bill are wonderful hosts. People often rave about breakfasts at B&B's and we stay almost exclusively at them, so I didn't pay too much attention to the reviews about breakfast. Was I in for a surprise. Think HUGE! And the most unusual and wonderful things like pecan waffles and eggs on whipped clouds. It really will be your only meal. Every afternoon we had a different home baked sweet in our room. You wonder how 2 people seem to magically do so much and all of it invisible. Beautiful things just happen all day long.

We are older than your average New Zealander...so our idea of a great way to spend a cold fall evening in New Zealand is sitting by the fireplace at "home". We stayed five nights and on each one while I rested and read by the fire, my husband laughed and swapped stories with Bill over a bottle of wine well into the night. The two of them talked about everything under the sun, and I don't think I have ever seen my husband so relaxed and enjoy a vacation so much. Bill's stories are really quite amazing, and though I won't give away the details, I'll tell you he spent a decade as a private pilot for a VERY famous and interesting person.

The grounds are gorgeous--- and there's a hot tub, outside picnic, outside fireplace, waterfall, walks around the hills and mountains. Heaps of little thoughtful touches...too many to list, really...everything was just perfect.

Now for Queenstown: wish we had taken Bill/Kari's advice and taken the boat tour to the sheep shearing exhibition. For the fiords, we chose Doubtful sound over Milford Sound, as we wanted more remote. Not sure that was the best choice. It was beautiful...really beautiful...but a very long drive, followed by a long bus ride. Milford would probably have been just as nice. HInt: definitely GET the GPS system when you rent a car...or at least a map!! With the boat motor humming the whole time, it was not really possible to experience the sheer silent beauty of the fiords...see if you can get a kayak trip instead.

Rather than take a plane or helicopter to stand on snow, we rented a car and drove to Mt. Cook which turned out to be the highlight of our trip. From there we took a short bus ride and a little walk (1.4 km?) to the Tasmin Glacier lake and a boat ride looking at the glaciers. It was really great...a definite recommend and personally I think better than the airplane and heli rides. This is an actively calving glacier and glaciers floating in the lake. We saw a glacier turn over (didn't know they did that did you?). Keep a camera eye out for fantastic cloud formations over the mountains.

You probably won't need a car the whole time. There are buses and the tours often pick you up at the bottom of the Pencarrow drive. We just rented ours a couple of days.

I suggest saving your hot air balloon ride for someplace else. Expensive and doesn't go very high or very far. The pilot and host were great, it just wasn't a good value IMHO. (Egypt was my favorite hot air balloon ride) .

We were there at the beginning of fall and the golden and red fall colors everywhere were beautiful. We are golfers and Bill loaned us a couple of sets of clubs so we could play. If you play "Jack's Point" take a couple of extra dozen balls...even if you never take your eye off the ball you won't find it in the rough...promise. Those who hit short and straight will score best.

Thank you Bill & Kari....in our minds you are now friends and we look forward one day to seeing you again, in NZ or in TX..!!