Love Lord of the Rings scenery? The stunning New Zealand lodge where you can gaze upon the landscape that inspired Peter Jackson's movies

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Queenstown on New Zealand’s South Island has long attracted the masses with its stunning landscapes and laid-back atmosphere.

Immortalised by Peter Jackson in Lord Of The Rings, tourists now flock to its frosty lakes and rolling hills every year in search of the same magic created by the films.

Adventure sports are top of the list for most visitors but there is just as much fun for the fainthearted lurking in this labyrinth of luxury.

If thumping nightlife, chic restaurants and sophisticated spas are more up your street, then you needn't look further than Queenstown for a stylish, romantic getaway.

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Majestic: Azur Lodge in Queenstown provides the perfect vantage point to take in the area's natural beauty in total luxury

With much of the town's accommodation accounted for by sweaty backpackers and hungover seasonnaires, there aren't as many luxury hotels as in European resorts.

This leaves plenty of room for Preferred Hotels & Resorts' Azur Lodge which is nestled neatly between the trees, a five-minute drive from town. 

A small scattering of villas perched atop a hill, the hotel overlooks the calm water of Lake Wakatipu. Its nine rooms are like storybook cottages, all found along a winding path of stepping stones, which are lit at night by a canopy of glittering stars.

Each has underfloor heating, a gas-controlled fireplace, an elegant cafetiere, outdoor patio, light-up porch, dining area, L-shaped sofa and a bed big enough to get lost in.

But all of its five-star trimmings are trumped by the bathroom. As good as any spa you'll see in the area, it is what makes the already stunning suites just that little bit more special. 

Sink in: All of Azur's nine villas are self-containing suites with sweeping views of Lake Wakatipu, which can even be enjoyed from the comfort of its king-size beds

Everything you need: Each room has a sumptuous L-shaped sofa, underfloor heating, fireplace, deck, television and iPod system 

Utter indulgence: The bathrooms at Azur are as good as any spa you'll find in the area with a deep, inviting bathtub that overlooks the lake

Couple's sinks with two mirrors each, a collection of aroma oils and a shower big enough for a rugby team are just some of its best features. The bath is deep and encased in the same oak wood used for doors to a separate lavatory.

Positioned by a collapsing window with breathtaking views of the lake and mountains, it has two headrests and enough space to rest an ice bucket on the ledge.

Slip in, turn on the jacuzzi jets and crank up the music (there are speakers controlled from the central iPod dock next to the TV).

Once the sun goes down the lake twinkles beneath the glow of a thousand glittering stars. You could quite easily begin and end your trip here. It's obvious that romance is a priority in this heavenly hotel. Honeymooners, new-starters and milestone anniversaries are all welcome here.

With such startling scenery and indulgent amenities, stepping out in to the frosty night from your warm suite can feel a bit daunting.

Luckily, you don’t have to if you don’t want to. While the hotel does not offer a dinner service, its charming staff will zip in to town to collect from local restaurants and plate up your dishes by the fire in your room. 

Spellbinding: A canopy of glittering stars hangs above the lake. Take in the stunning view from the spa-worthy bathroom in your room

Stunning views: With headrests for two and enough room for a champagne bucket, it would be easy to begin and end your trip right here

'Five more minutes': Leave the blinds open through the night to enjoy the stars from your bed and wake up with the changing morning light

Starting the day right: While the hotel doesn't serve dinner, it excels with its breakfasts, which can be brought to your room

This elevated form of room service is a welcome quirk. After all, eating takeout pizza in a fluffy bath robe and washing it down with a local Pinot Noir really is what dreams are made of, isn't it?

While it doesn't serve dinner, the hotel excels when it comes to breakfast. The chef will quite literally deliver anything guests ask for.

Among varying dishes we enjoyed (at once) were blueberry pancakes, waffles with bacon, scrambled and poached eggs, salmon with cream cheese and capers, sausages and croissants.

Guests can enjoy breakfast in their room at a smart dining area with a jaw-dropping view of the mountains or eat in the main lodge.

In the evening canapés are served with drinks, which brings an informal opportunity to mingle with staff or fellow holidaymakers.

Azur is certainly an appealing hideaway but what lies beyond is just as wonderful.

Cosy: There are only nine rooms or 'villas' at the stunning property and guests are encouraged to roam freely, or not at all, at their leisure

Sociable: Canapes and drinks are served every evening from around 5pm at the main lodge (above), giving guests a chance to mingle 

Year round paradise: In the summer months (above) Queenstown heaves with cyclists and hill walkers and the mountains turn from icy peaks to luscious green 

If skydiving and paragliding aren’t for you then go for one of the many more sedate ways to enjoy the area. Gentle walks along the lake are abundant and easy, taking those who stroll them conveniently in to town for a rewarding beer afterwards. 

There's also a thriving culinary scene in Queenstown. Steak houses, Indian and Japanese restaurants are a plenty and were impressively busy during the normally quiet early June weeks this year.

Nightlife is thumping, with countless bars and clubs packed into the town’s little streets. If you're not careful you might find yourself staggering home at 4am, singing the praises of local craft beers.

Fuzzy heads and regrets of the night before can be soothed at Onsen Hot Pools, a hot spring spa around a 20 minute drive from the centre of town. An hour's session in a private cabin costs $61 per person but is cheaper with more people.

While the town and its modern delights are bountiful, scenery is really what the crowds come for. To recreate a little of Tolkien’s magic for yourselves, hire a car and take the winding drive through the aptly named ‘paradise’ to Glenorchy, around 20 minutes from Queenstown.

Beauty: Take one of the gentle strolls along the edges of Lake Wakatipu to admire it in all its glory. The lightning-bolt shaped body of water is the largest in New Zealand's South Island

Venturing out: A short drive from Queenstown is Glenorchy (above). Visit at dusk and you'll feel the same magic that no doubt inspired the Lord of the Rings crew to film here

Magical: Lake Wakatipu was the inspiration behind Peter Jackson's mythical Lothlorien in the Lord of the Rings films (above)

R&R: After a night out on the town head for Onsen Hot Pools (above) with a glass of local sparkling wine

Eerily quiet and with a cold mist rolling over the water, it’s easy how Lake Wakatipu became the mythical Lothlórien woodland in Jackson’s film world.

Snag the passenger seat on the way there to take it in properly and drive back just after dusk with care - the roads in New Zealand are rightfully feared and notorious for tourist accidents.

Arrow town, which is around 30 minutes in the opposite direction, is more quaint and has a more European atmosphere. Drive through it on your way to the airport for a quick coffee at the cool Chop Shop and ask for a seat on the balcony if the sun is out.

While it might not be the most accessible place in the world, New Zealand’s beauty knows no bounds. If you can get there then do, and explore both islands.

In the dark months, Queenstown offers the very best of this stunning country. 

Spend just a few days exploring the town and you’ll leave rosy-cheeked, full-bellied and bursting to get back for more of its magic.

All the trimmings: A glass of local Pinot Noir by the fire at Azur Lodge is the ideal way to round off a day of exploring the area 

Wanting more: Even a brief trip to the area will leave you rosy-cheeked, full-bellied and bursting to go back. Above, the glorious flight in to Queenstown Airport