Cardona Terraces Wanaka

Set among the mountains just outside Wanaka, this spacious villa with private chef combines striking architecture with warm, thoughtful interiors designed for relaxed group stays. Inspired by the lodges of the Scottish Highlands, the home features a dramatic central atrium that opens into a series of inviting living spaces, including a lounge with open fire and mountain views, a private bar, and a quiet library.

Designed for entertaining, on the ground floor you’ll find a formal dining room, seating up to twelve guests, and a commercial-style kitchen where your private chef works their magic, preparing all meals throughout your stay. With food and drinks included, everything is taken care of from the moment you arrive, so there is nothing to think about beyond how you’d like to spend your holiday.

The villa offers six king bedrooms, each with its own ensuite, with rooms opening onto either mountain-facing balconies or a sheltered flagstone courtyard.

The villa offers six king bedrooms, each with its own ensuite, with rooms opening onto either mountain-facing balconies or a sheltered flagstone courtyard. In the warmer months, the courtyard and heated pool naturally become the heart of the home, with alfresco dining, sun loungers, and an outdoor fireplace creating an easy setting for long evenings under the stars. In winter, guests gravitate indoors to the warmth of the fire, best enjoyed with a glass of Central Otago pinot after a day in the mountains.

Whether your days are spent on the ski field, hiking a ridge, casting a line, or simply fireside with a glass of Central Otago’s finest, Cardrona Terraces is the perfect base for it all. Wānaka’s boutique shops, eateries and lakeside charm are just five minutes away – close enough to dip into, far enough away to feel wonderfully removed from it all.

MajorDomo Musings… For guests searching for a Wanaka villa with private chef, this property strikes a the perfect balance between luxury, privacy, and comfort. Ideal for milestone celebrations, extended family stays, or group getaways, the experience feels luxurious without being overly formal. The private chef service allows everyone to relax into the rhythm of the stay, while the villa’s generous layout gives guests space to gather socially or retreat in complete privacy. Just minutes from the lakefront, restaurants, and shops, Cardrona Terraces offers both convenience and seclusion in equal measure.