Eely On Point by Sotheby’s Luxury Rental Homes

You know what really gets me about Eely On Point? It’s one of those places where the name actually makes perfect sense once you’re there – perched right on this stunning lakefront stretch that honestly feels like you’ve stumbled into someone’s very expensive (and very good) dream. The property sits on Eely Point Road, which winds along Lake Wanaka’s shoreline, and I mean, the views from here are the kind that make you forget to check your phone for hours.

The house itself has that understated luxury thing down pat – think clean lines and floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the lake like living artwork, but without feeling stuffy or untouchable. What struck me most was how they’ve managed to make it feel genuinely homey despite clearly costing more per night than my monthly rent. The kitchen’s actually functional (not just pretty), which matters if you’re planning to cook some of those incredible local salmon or grab supplies from Wanaka’s weekend farmers market. And honestly, parking’s a breeze here, which sounds boring but trust me, it’s not when you’re dealing with a rental car and trying to navigate unfamiliar driveways in the dark.

Here’s the thing about this location – it’s close enough to Wanaka town that you can walk to Botswana Butchery for dinner or hit up the local pubs, but far enough out that you’re not dealing with tourist crowds or traffic noise. Summer gets busy around here (I mean, it’s Wanaka in January, what do you expect?), but the property feels surprisingly private even when the lake’s dotted with boats and paddleboarders. The morning light coming off the water is something else entirely – sort of golden and crisp at the same time, especially if you’re an early riser with coffee in hand. Actually, the whole setup works brilliantly for groups since there’s real space to spread out, and the outdoor areas are perfect for evening wine sessions while watching the light change on the mountains. Small detail, but the check-in process was refreshingly straightforward – none of that overly complicated smart home nonsense that leaves you googling how to turn on the lights. It’s got that Sotheby’s polish without the pretension, if that makes sense. Sometimes luxury rentals can feel like museums where you’re afraid to touch anything, but this place strikes the right balance between impressive and actually livable.