Minor Hotels, an international hotel group that owns and manages properties worldwide, announces the upcoming opening of Avani Queenstown, an upscale lifestyle hotel welcoming its first guests from September 2026. The property marks the Avani brand’s debut in Queenstown and becomes its New Zealand flagship, alongside Avani Auckland Metropolis Residences, the Group’s second property in the country.
Formerly the Oaks Shores Resort, the property has undergone a thorough transformation, moving from an apart-hotel-style residence to a full-service hotel aligned with Avani’s overall brand concept. This repositioning reflects a shift towards more connected, experience-led stays, combining functionality with a shared sense of energy.
Set on the Queenstown lakefront, the hotel has been designed to connect guests with the destination. Clean-lined interiors with warm local finishes form an intuitive foundation, while a series of social spaces bring travellers together, from après-ski moments by the fireplace to private dinners and flexible event spaces, designed for both intimate celebrations and larger gatherings.
Wellbeing also takes a central place in the experience, with AvaniSpa as a space for restoration and AvaniFit offering a modern approach to fitness suited to all types of traveller. As a distinctive feature of the property, the restaurant Six to Midnight will offer all-day dining showcasing local, seasonal produce through internationally inspired menus. Designed as a gathering place for visitors and locals alike, it will evolve throughout the day, from breakfast and lunch to afternoon tea, après-ski gatherings and evening à la carte dining.
Craig Hooley, Chief Operating Officer of Minor Hotels Australasia, said the hotel’s transformation reflects both the strength of the Queenstown market and Avani’s continued growth in the region. He noted that Avani Queenstown introduces a premium lifestyle offering to one of New Zealand’s most dynamic tourist destinations, combining a remarkable lakeside setting with a design-led approach for a contemporary guest experience.
James Billing, Area General Manager New Zealand at Minor Hotels, for his part noted that the hotel’s opening reflects Queenstown’s evolution into a year-round destination, beyond its traditional tourist seasonality.
Avani Queenstown joins Avani Auckland Metropolis Residences as the brand’s second property in New Zealand, strengthening Avani’s presence across Australasia following the recent opening of the Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. Together, these properties illustrate Avani’s targeted development strategy across urban, coastal and nature destinations, driven by growing demand for contemporary lifestyle tourism.
Launched in 2011, the Avani Hotels & Resorts brand now numbers more than 40 properties across five continents, spanning premium city hotels, tropical resorts and immersive nature-based addresses. Avani is part of Minor Hotels’ brand portfolio and draws on the unified Minor DISCOVERY loyalty programme, integrated with GHA DISCOVERY.
At a Glance
Minor Hotels — Avani Queenstown – Opening: September 2026 – Former property: Oaks Shores Resort, fully repositioned – Location: lakefront, Queenstown, New Zealand – Significance: Avani’s Queenstown debut and New Zealand flagship – Second Avani property in New Zealand, after Avani Auckland Metropolis Residences – Key amenities: AvaniSpa, AvaniFit, all-day dining venue “Six to Midnight,” flexible event spaces – Brand scale: Avani Hotels & Resorts, launched 2011, 40+ properties across five continents – Loyalty programme: Minor DISCOVERY, part of GHA DISCOVERY
