Winter Wonderland
Winter Wonderland
Work has progressed on the lodge over the past few weeks while we have continued to keep an eye on the sky and the weather report. We would have loved to have had the building weather tight now that we are officially in Winter. The majority of the work lately has been fixing tens of thousands of screws, nails, bolts and bracing brackets to withstand the extreme winds that can hit this area (designed for well over 200km/h). With two thirds of the roof in place and some of the ply around the outside we are getting it close to being protected from the weather but not close enough. Last week there was a large snowfall right through the Mackenzie Basin and the South Island including the site of Lakestone Lodge. There was so much snow that we were able to get in a bit of snowboarding on the site which was a great distraction. The temperatures are continuing to drop with weather at Lake Pukaki last night recorded at -20 degrees. It has been an education for us that it gets that cold in New Zealand so we are pretty thankful we have designed the lodge to maximise the winter sun – believe it or not it still makes an appearance and a big difference to internal temperature. Along with 2 large fires, underfloor heating, extra thick insulation and the best double glazing combined with some quad glazing it should make the lodge roasty toasty in winter (and cool in summer). I look forward to this time next year when we can update this blog from inside the lodge.
In the meantime work continues outside as Colin Hunter our builder, Mike and Nikki head out into the cold to carry on with the build. The weather is still -7 and its midday.
What our other guests had to say
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
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
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
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
We had the most amazing experience at Lakestone Lodge. We can’t find fault with anything! We highly rate the food, service, hospitality, comfort and attention to detail! We are truly lucky to have had the chance to stay here!
Nalini G
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
We have stayed here a few times now, and it still exceeds expectations each time. The location of course is one of the most special places in all of NZ. The quality of the rooms and little design touches are special highlights. And then to top it all the welcoming and friendly service...
Andy R
A stay at Lakestone Lodge was our reward for the grind of 2020. The accommodation and food were superb, and the hosts were friendly, attentive and well informed. The star of the show is the location – the lodge discreetly tucked away on a ridge above the road, away from other travellers...
David G