A first in New Zealand, and indeed the world, Queenstown’s Mi-Pad hotel has just opened its doors. This next generation hotel isn’t defined by what it offers, but rather by what it doesn’t. The tech-savvy hotel has done away with the use of keys or electronic swipe cards and instead is navigated and operated by an app that patrons download, which controls everything from entry to the hotel and rooms, to information on nearby activities. Not confident swiping your way through the hotel? That’s fine too! Mi-Pad also has the traditional offerings of lobby staff and physical keys to help you get to where you need to be.

Thanks to Mi-Pad’s app assistant, Mia, access to the hotel is 24/7. This is especially appealing as the close proximity to Queenstown’s thriving nightlife scene may see guests staying out a little later than intended. Guests can choose to have as much or as little interaction with staff and other guests as they like, and can even share experiences, photos and messages through the app’s internal messaging group.

The six-storey Mi-Pad hotel rises out of central Queenstown and offers striking views of the surrounding lake and mountains. Although there are options for snacks and breakfast in the hotel, the creators of Mi-Pad made the conscious decision to keep these services to a minimum to encourage guests to explore the renowned local food scene. For those who wish to take their food back with them, Mi-Pad offers a huge rooftop terrace with an outdoor fireplace, seating and expansive 270-degree view of Lake Wakatipu.