We stayed in the Rigi Room at the Matterhorn Chalet for three evenings in early Jan 2008. Everything that has been written in previous reviews was accurate and even better than expected (except for the "house rules"....didn't encounter any of these). Joe and Maria were the consumate hosts - very friendly, full of ideas and helpful, and the breakfast was delicious. As mentioned earlier, the view is nothing short of breathtaking - and the walk really isn't all that bad.

The only down side to the place is that it may be short-lived in the months to come. Joe and Maria indicated that they will be relocating to the north island in the next year and getting out of the hospitality business. Quite a shame, as this was by far the most enjoyable place we stayed in all of New Zealand. Go there while you still can!

We stayed at the Matterhorn Chalet for 3 nights during our honeymoon in March 2006. Staying here was one of the highlights of our honeymoon. Yes, it was a little out of town and up a steep hill but we had a hire car so it didn't bother us and we got a taxi home at night which wasn't expensive. The views from each room are amazing and the whole place is beautifully decorated. Joe and Maria's wonderful hospitality, delicious cooking and magnificient home have made us decide to stay there again this year in September. We're hoping Joe and Maria will adopt us.....

We stayed at the Matterhorn Chalet for 3 days in Feb 2007. The view of Lake Wakitipu and the Remarkables from the balcony of our room is the finest I have ever experienced in a hotel anywhere. The “price” that you have to pay for such an amazing view is that the Matterhorn is situated at the top of a very steep hill which at our age is a very daunting prospect to walk up. However there are plenty of taxis in the centre of Queenstown which will take you there after a night on the town for a modest $8.

The room itself was at the pinnacle of the building which indeed is designed like a Swiss chalet. It was very large but did not have its own private facilities (all the other rooms in the chalet do). When Joe and Maria get these installed there they will be able to offer the perfect penthouse – the bed is the biggest I have ever slept in - wider than it is long.

We did not notice any particularly arduous ‘house rules’ as mentioned by a previous contributor although it was the only b&b at which we stayed in NZ where we had to order breakfast the night before. The food and the hospitality of Joe and Maria were first class and we also left with a load of tips and information about life in NZ which enhanced the remainder of our visit there.

Matterhorn Chalet
We stayed here two nights in February 2006. Wonderful warm welcome from hosts Maria and Joe. Superb views of Lake Wakatipu from the terrace and some of the bedrooms. Maria is a wonderful cook and provided the best breakfast we had in NZ. A few niggles though - you have to order breakfast the night before and there seem to be quite a few 'house rules' - but this aside if you are looking for a nice B&B (shared bathroom) and are prepared for walking up a very steep hill if you are on foot then I would thoroughly recommend the Matterhorn Chalet.