The historic allure of Aldourie Lodge appeals to everybody who passes by means of this nook of New Zealand.
Nestled on the shores of Lake Tekapo, you’ll discover a very cute and comfortable home overlooking the enduring lake. Aldourie Lodge is one among Tekapo’s unique homes, filled with old-world attraction. In an period of unprecedented constructing throughout New Zealand, there’s one thing so beautiful about with the ability to keep in historic areas.
As somebody who considers herself to be each a large historical past nerd and an introvert who loves cozy areas, Aldourie Lodge made me swoon as I walked inside. Cloaked with heat wooden, massive home windows, cozy furnishings, and its personal library, you may simply keep inside the entire time and be completely content material.
In some methods, it jogged my memory of the States, the place I grew up on the East Coast. With the nice and cozy wooden, the comfy kitchen, and the paneled home windows, it felt so much like properties I’ve frolicked in across the south the place I’m from.
Cozy is certainly the very best phrase to explain it. Or “cosy” because it’s spelled right here down underneath.
There are literally three locations to remain as a part of Aldourie Lodge, although they’re all separate and personal; you gained’t see or cross paths with others. Each house is a complete house. You have the large important home, Aldourie Lodge, with three bedrooms. Then there’s Awa Cottage, with two bedrooms. And lastly, Sealy Street Studio.
Last winter, I stayed on the lodge for just a few days with buddy on a challenge, and it was so arduous to depart. In reality, I stayed an additional night time as a result of the street again to Wanaka was closed because of ice. It was so powerful (jokes). Then through the summer time, I stayed within the cottage with my dad and stepmom once they visited; it was equally cozy.
The view from the entrance door of Aldourie Lodge in Lake Tekapo is nearly nearly as good because it will get!
Before the pandemic, Tekapo was a buzzy, small South Island city that drew folks in like a magnet. It was all the time busy, and tourism was completely booming.
But the previous few years, Tekapo was quiet, like actually quiet.
This meant it was by no means a greater time to go to. Along with many kiwis, I actually tried to benefit from this, hanging out in well-liked spots and taking the time to discover my very own yard once more. It was nice to return final winter earlier than issues kicked again into excessive gear. And belief me, Tekapo is gorgeous in winter.
From unbelievable surroundings, numerous journey, darkish night time skies, and the kindest locals you’ll ever meet, I used to be so glad to spend a number of days right here soaking all of it in final winter. And when Tekapo places on her winter coat, effectively, there’s nowhere extra lovely.
Tekapo is among the coldest locations in New Zealand in winter and one of many hottest in summer time. Often it has clear blue skies with no humidity and no wind. This makes for gorgeous crisp winter days and freezing nights. Tekapo sits at over 700 meters above sea stage too, which implies it’s one of many few locations the place you may depend on to get snow at floor stage.
You get these completely clear, freezing nights that result in big frosts, as all the things is completely nonetheless. The stargazing is unreal. I name it white walker climate – if you already know, you already know. It’s not unusual for it to drop beneath destructive 10 levels Celsius at night time in winter.
And then you definately’ll be glad to be snuggled up by the hearth in a heat cozy house!
Crispy winter mornings in Lake Tekapo are simply so lovely.
Sometimes a fog rolls in on these clear nights. And when it lifts within the morning, it typically reveals a panorama of ice, a uncommon hoar frost that makes all the things it touches sparkle.
Hoar frost is a phenomenon we generally see on the South Island, principally round Central Otago and the Mackenzie Basin, the place Tekapo sits. It’s normally attributable to freezing fog. When it’s beneath zero, and there’s a fog, the tiny water droplets that contact the bottom, or something actually, freeze, masking the floor with a frost so thick and spikey it typically seems to be like snow. It’s so charming.
Tekapo is certainly the most effective locations to expertise true winter in New Zealand.
I typically take into consideration how a lot I like all 4 seasons. I believe it speaks to my childhood rising up in a spot with every distinct season. While we don’t get snow days like I used to have as a child, it’s nonetheless fantastic to have the ability to expertise right here in New Zealand.
I don’t assume I might be a kind of individuals who lived in summer time year-round or moved forwards and backwards between summers throughout the hemispheres.
While I’m not a morning particular person by any stretch of the creativeness, I did take pleasure in waking up early in Tekapo and sitting outdoors wrapped up in thick blankets, consuming espresso, and watching the solar rise over the frozen panorama. It was so magical. We are actually fortunate locations like this nonetheless exist.
Here are my suggestions and must-dos for a good time in Tekapo:
- Sleep: Aldourie Lodge
- Coffee: The Greedy Cow
- Brekkie/brunch: Jack Rabbit Cafe
- Shopping: Petronella’s Bookstore
- Walks: Mount John Walkway
- Splurge: Scenic flight round Mt. Cook with Air Safaris
- Dinner: Reflections Cafe
- Must do: Tekapo Hot Springs and stargazing with Chameleon Stargazing (funds) or non-public with Alpha Crux Stargazing (they will come to you)
When planning your subsequent vacation in New Zealand, and maybe to Tekapo, make sure you take a look at Aldourie Lodge. Stay for so long as you may; it’s positively the type of place you wish to be and spend a while inside enjoyable.
Tekapo is the right base for every kind of adventures across the Mackenzie space. You’ve bought Twizel and Mount Cook close by, with loads of adventures and walks for almost anybody. There are even just a few membership ski fields subsequent door too.
And if you happen to occur to be right here in winter? Even higher. Tekapo actually shines when the mountains are coated in snow, and people crisp sunny chilly days flip the lakes into blue mirrors. It’s magic.
Do you want staying in cozy properties when you journey? Is winter interesting to you down right here in New Zealand? Share!
Many due to Aldourie Lodge for internet hosting me to go to Tekapo – like all the time, I’m conserving it actual – all opinions are my very own, like you may anticipate much less from me.