Lakestone build 3.0
Concrete Slab
Today was a day of mixed emotions, the concrete has finally been poured! It ended up taking two days to get everything covered. We are definitely ready to move onto the next stage and away from all the ground level work that has had everyone crawling around on their hands and knees – we can finally straighten out! On the other hand, the concrete hides two months solid work on the boxing, foundations, putting the pipes in for the plumbing, installing the insulation and underfloor heating pipes which now run throughout the lounge, massage room, along the hallway and into the bedrooms and en suites so guests should have toasty feet wherever they are in the lodge. It was a fantastic learning curve putting it in and ended up looking just like an element on an old stove which I guess is appropriate just on a larger scale. Before the concrete pour, we had to get the concrete panels into place to support the building given that we are building in a high wind zone. The highest ever wind speed recorded in New Zealand was on top of near by Mount John at Lake Tekapo (only 40 kilometers away) at 250km per hour back in 1970, so while we hope we don’t have a repeat of that anytime soon, the lodge will be built to withstand winds of that speed.The weather in the days leading up to the concrete panels arrival was not ideal, which meant that the truck couldn’t get up the driveway. We had to collect them with a hiab crane which ferried them into place one by one before we braced them and hoped that they would remain in place until the concrete went in. Fortunately they did! The highlight of the day for me wasn’t seeing Mount Cook, clear as a bell framed within one of the concrete panels which Mike captured with his camera but having friends turn up with a bottle of bubbly to celebrate these walls going in which I enjoyed while everyone else struggled with the logistics of getting the panels in place.
The work up until now has felt very repetitive as the ground area is so large 590m2 and progress, although ahead of schedule has felt slow. We are looking forward to seeing the framing go up next week!
What our other guests had to say
A group of tired cyclists arrive wet and cold. We are met by a very charming host, Mike, and shown to our lovely rooms, with beautiful views over turquoise Lake Pukaki. A rabbit runs by, pursued by a cat. There is tea and coffee, cupcakes, biscotti and fruit. Cocktails in the lounge are followed...
AucklandTraveller, Christchurch, New Zealand
We stayed for two nights at Lakestone Lodge on the Cosy Couples package. The location is stunning, room very comfortable with incredible views, the food was outstanding and the massage was one of the best I've ever had. Even though our stay was only for two nights, we felt the stresses of...
Debbie - NZ
Came here for a week of relaxation. You don’t need to even leave your room to experience amazing views and all the activities/hikes nearby are great. I highly recommend the A2O trail on the east side of the lake. Staff was very kind and helped organize everything for me (I didn’t...
Aaron C
The minute the gate opened and we drove up the Lakestone driveway, we instantly felt the stresses of work disappear. We couldn’t have chosen a better place to start our holiday. Our room was breathtaking. The Lodge itself ticks all the boxes. But the thing that stands out here is the...
WelshRhiWanaka
From the moment we arrived till the follow up visit to pick up our bikes that had graciously been looked after while we shot up to Christchurch, the service and hospitality was amazing. Mike met us and with his staff quietly looked after our every need. Food was delicious and very well...
Craig L
Excellent dinner date at this exceptional lodge, panoramic views over Lake Pukaki and Aoraki Mt Cook. Our meal was Michelin Star standard and served by lovely locals. Ideal location for a romantic weekend or overnight stay. Couldn't fault our experience. The food certainly was a very...
Highlander65
This small lodge has excellent and very helpful staff. the rooms are good and the food is excellent. However the crowning glory for my wife and I was the magnificent view along the lake with Aoraki Mount Cook central to the view surrounded by other snow covered mountains in the Southern Alps.
Peterm2014123, Auckland Central, New Zealand
As soon as you walk through the doors of Lakestone lodge it becomes a haven of relaxation. Mike and Anna and their team are so welcoming and friendly ensuring they care for your every need. The lodge and rooms are stunning and oh so comfortable, the food is divine and our massages were the best...
gardinersnz