Lodgings in the Southern Alps and Fiordland milk the fantastic views for all they're worth. You can almost always find a room that looks out on a lake, river, or rugged mountain range. Queenstown and Wanaka are busy in the summer (January through March) and winter (July through September), so you should reserve in advance. Award-winning luxury options are plentiful in Queenstown, and costs are correspondingly high. Other towns, such as Aoraki/Mount Cook Village, have very limited options, so you should plan ahead there, too. Air-conditioning is rare since it's rarely needed. Heating, though, is standard, and essential in winter.