Minor Hotels has announced the upcoming opening of Avani Queenstown, set to welcome guests from September 2026. The hotel marks Avani’s debut in Queenstown, becoming the New Zealand flagship and the brand’s second property in the country.
Formerly Oaks Shores Resort, the property has undergone a significant transformation, reimagining the guest experience from serviced apartments into a full-service hotel.
Set on Queenstown’s lakefront, Avani Queenstown is designed to connect guests with the destination. Clean-lined interiors and warm, locally inspired finishes create an easy, intuitive base, while a collection of social spaces brings people together, from après-ski moments by the fireplace to private dining experiences and flexible event spaces.
A defining feature of the hotel will be Six to Midnight, an all-day dining venue that evolves throughout the day, designed to serve as a social hub for both visitors and locals. Wellbeing is also woven throughout the experience, with AvaniSpa and AvaniFit.
Craig Hooley, Chief Operating Officer of Minor Hotels Australasia, says the hotel’s transformation reflects both the strength of the Queenstown market and Avani’s continued growth in the region.
“Avani Queenstown introduces a premium lifestyle offering to one of New Zealand’s most dynamic tourism destinations,” he comments. “Combining a standout lakefront location with Avani’s design-led approach, the hotel delivers a contemporary guest experience that reflects how travellers increasingly want to stay, connect and experience a destination.”
