Perched on the tranquil shores of Lake Wakatipu, The Rees Hotel Queenstown offers a refined five-star retreat that seamlessly blends luxury with the natural beauty of New Zealand’s South Island.
The property features 60 hotel rooms, 90 apartments, and five exclusive Lakeside Residences, each designed with contemporary elegance and offering panoramic views of the lake and the Remarkables mountain range . Guests can indulge in award-winning cuisine at the True South Dining Room, renowned for its seasonal menus showcasing Central Otago produce, and complemented by an extensive wine list from the Bordeau Wine Lounge.
Travel Monitor had a chat to Micka McDonald, the General Manager at The Rees Hotel Queenstown for this week’s Talking Travel. This is what she had to say.
What does your job involve?
Revenue and asset management, liaising closely with HODs, Board of Directors, Owners and Body Corporate committee members, delivering exceptional guest experiences, and fostering meaningful engagement with our team. It’s a balance of strategic focus and hands on leadership that keeps each day rewarding and impactful.
What do you enjoy most about your profession?
What I enjoy most is the unpredictability. No two days are ever the same. You can plan your week, but the reality is often shaped by the unexpected. Changes in weather, fluctuations in occupancy, staff absences, or unique guest situations. It’s this constant need to think on your feet, adapt, and lead with resilience that makes the work both challenging and incredibly rewarding.
Why do you think the travel industry is the best place to work?
Living in a tourist town often feels like being on a permanent holiday and that’s a pretty inspiring backdrop for everyday life. You don’t begrudge the busy seasons and appreciate the quieter moments in between, each bringing its own rewards.
What are the biggest challenges for you in your profession?
Staffing continues to be the most challenging aspect of the role. Attracting and retaining skilled talent, the ongoing immigration battles and staff housing woes requires constant effort, flexibility, and creative thinking. The balance between maintaining service excellence and supporting a team that may be stretched thin is delicate. Training, team culture, and clear communication become critical. When you get it right, the payoff is huge
What do you think are the biggest challenges the industry faces?
The most critical issue Queenstown faces is that growth has outpaced infrastructure development. While visitor numbers continue to rise, the systems that support them (roads, sewrage and utilities) have struggled to keep up.
What do you think will be the biggest game changer in the travel industry in the next 12 months?
Rapid advancement and integration of AI. As a hotel that prides itself on genuine hospitality, friendly staff, and personal guest connections, we recognise that embracing AI is not about replacing the human touch but about working smarter, not harder.
What destination/travel trend do you think is the next big thing?
After significant overtourism issues in 2024, off the beaten track destinations are on the rise. People want to travel where they are wholeheartedly welcomed.
What are your thoughts on responsible travel and how do you try to implement this in your workplace?
At The Rees, we’re committed to looking after our people, supporting our community and championing sustainable tourism practices. That means sourcing locally where possible, reducing waste, creating a strong team culture and encouraging guests to travel with respect and awareness. Ultimately, we want to leave things better than we found them and inspire our guests to do the same.
Who inspires you most and why?
My greatest inspiration is my mother. A fiercely independent woman who raised three children solo during the 80s. She worked three jobs to make sure we never went without and led by example, instilling in us the values that continue to guide me today. Resilience, ambition, and an unshakable work ethic which have had a lasting impact on who I am both in life and in leadership.
What is your must-pack travel item(s)?
A book. I don’t get much downtime to read. It’s a real luxury to give yourself time in your day to stop checking emails, forget about the housework and just allocate time to a good book.
Who would you invite on your next holiday if you could choose anyone and where would you go?
Italy is top of my list. The romantic idea of drinking wine under the Tuscan sun with my closest girlfriends will become my reality…..one day.
