Lakestone Lodge, Lake Pukaki — Hotel in South Island

Just to give context I am one of the 19,000 on the Extended Visa arrangement.

if there was a tent on the ridge that the Lodge sits on the experience would be outstanding. The view down the Lake to Mount Cook has to be one of the most extra ordinary that anyone can experience.

However you are not staying in a tent you are encompassed in a neat Lodge where every room every common area takes advantage of that view. The rooms are understated so that the view you look out on is everything. You can lie in the standalone bath or stand in the shower and look out at the view. You can sit in the garden or inside the room and enjoy the view.

So its position is exceptional, the Lodge well appointed with all sorts of elements on offer (bikes, helmets poles) but to cap it all out there in the middle of essentially nowhere Mike produces the most exquisite food offerings. He takes all the classic taste combinations, which have been working for as long as food has been cooked and offers them in a sophisticated outcome based on highly developed techniques. Butters are whipped exotically the bread melts in your mouth the mouse, jus and reductions have great texture sticky, smooth, creamy whatever is called for but the core tastes just burst out on to the palette.

The breakfasts are cooked by another member of the team warm fresh croissant, eggs benedict with a hollandaise sauce that is neither bland nor bitter.

I admired the cooking just in case that wasn't clear.

I am embarrassed I have never stayed at the Lakestone before back for more nights in February. Think of Tekapo and then think of one Lodge that’s the starkness of the comparison and so a single Lodge at the bottom of Pukaki is pure privileged magic.

Oh and I should say the uncomplicated but exceptional Lodge with the perfect uncluttered vibe offers interpersonal hospitality to match. Not clinical or cold not over zealous just simple gentle kindness and sincerity a 100% New Zealand experience.

I would beg to offer this is very high end in every sense and would therefore suggest the tariff is exceptional value given what is on offer.

The South Island for South Islanders was at Level One when I visited and other than common sense nothing else is required though you can register with the...

THERE’S SOMETHING ABOUT MARY; with open arms we are welcomed to this exquisite abode, with a welcoming cocktail, chocolates, bottle of Pinot Noir and an absolute fabulous cheese platter. Positioned at the south end of Lake Pukaki, you will find Lakestone Lodge, where Mary shows off with stunning north facing views of Aoraki Mt Cook. Mary provided us with a wonderful private courtyard, a large bath and super king superior bed. Dining with a small number of others, was a great way to experience the homely and special private feeling you get when staying here. The food is simply delicious using local produce presented and cooked to perfection. If you dare, as one of us did, wake up with a chilling swim in the lake. There is a small and easy 30-40 minute walk behind the lodge which presents spectacular views of the surrounding countryside. An interesting experience were the nesting Black-fronted terns (Chlidonias albostriatus), on the lake edge, who clearly viewed us as a threat and proceeded to dive bomb us as we ventured around in the rocks. The lodge itself, built to a high quality eco friendly specification, was warm and cosy decorated in colours that match the surrounding area. Our hosts made special effort to make us feel welcome and provided invaluable local knowledge on options for day trips. Mary provided us with our own private space, where you could relax, and enjoy the seclusion to really wind down after a day of adventures. A thankful absence that Mary did not provide was any electronic audio visual, however if you so desired the lodge comes with a small movie theater with a selection of movies to enjoy. Being close to the Mt Cook village, Tekapo and Twizel, there is no shortage of options close at hand, yet here you are secluded enough to feel the peace and tranquility of the area. If you feel up to it, Mountain bikes are available with the Lake Tekapo to Twizel cycle trail passing just below the lodge. All we can say is there really is something about Mary, this place is sure to please. So Mary, we will be back in the Winter and see if we can experience the night sky, something we missed this time round due to cloud. Post Script: Mary was the name of the room we stayed...

What an amazing find. In the McKenzie basin and no neighbors for miles and miles. Lakestone lodge is an assuming lodge from the outside but just wait till you enter. Mike and Anna are the ultimate hosts welcoming you to their very special place. The views are extraordinary but is as nothing compared with the attention to making sure your stay is comfortable and quiet.

Loads of activities are available including an evening on a hillside star gazing on comfortable hammocks with a warm blanket to keep you warm from the breeze. Bikes are available and there is a great walking/running track right outside that stretches 200+ km from the ocean.

Anna runs the day spa. We each had a 1 hour massage on arrival which was welcome relief after the 2.5 drive up from Queenstown via Wanaka.

The rooms are perfect with crisp linens and a generous sized bathroom. The bath is to die for as are the views from it out to My Cook across lake pukake.

I would strongly recommend having dinner at the lodge. The food preparation and presentation is unequaled in the area. The wine list has a range of locally sourced wines which are excellent. You're welcome to byo (corkage applies which is fair enough).

Breakfasts are simple affairs featuring locally sourced free range eggs done in a range of ways to your liking.

Mike and Anna are happy to share ideas on what to do and see in the local area. However with their views, you could just as easily stay put in the comfortable sitting room whiling away the hours with a good book.

We don't bother rating ho hum when traveling. Lakestone lodge is the ideal base to explore everything the McKenzie basin has to offer and well...