The historic allure of Aldourie Lodge appeals to everybody who passes by 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 in all Tekapo’s unique homes, full of old-world attraction. In an period of unprecedented constructing throughout New Zealand, there’s one thing so beautiful about having the ability to keep in historic areas.
As somebody who considers herself to be each an enormous 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 possibly can 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 comfortable kitchen, and the paneled home windows, it felt loads like houses I’ve hung out 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 received’t see or cross paths with others. Every area is a complete house. You’ve gotten the large major home, Aldourie Lodge, with three bedrooms. Then there’s Awa Cottage, with two bedrooms. And at last, Sealy Street Studio.
Final winter, I stayed on the lodge for a couple of days with good friend on a venture, and it was so laborious to go away. The truth is, I stayed an additional evening as a result of the street again to Wanaka was closed on account of ice. It was so robust (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!
Earlier than the pandemic, Tekapo was a buzzy, small South Island city that drew individuals in like a magnet. It was at all times busy, and tourism was completely booming.
However the previous few years, Tekapo was quiet, like actually quiet.
This meant it was by no means a greater time to go to. Together with many kiwis, I definitely tried to benefit from this, hanging out in in style 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 beautiful in winter.
From unimaginable surroundings, numerous journey, darkish evening skies, and the kindest locals you’ll ever meet, I used to be so blissful 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. Usually it has clear blue skies with no humidity and no wind. This makes for beautiful crisp winter days and freezing nights. Tekapo sits at over 700 meters above sea degree too, which suggests it’s one of many few locations the place you may depend on to get snow at floor degree.
You get these completely clear, freezing nights that result in large frosts, as every part is completely nonetheless. The stargazing is unreal. I name it white walker climate – if you understand, you understand. It’s not unusual for it to drop beneath unfavorable 10 levels Celsius at evening in winter.
And then you definately’ll be blissful to be snuggled up by the fireplace in a heat cozy house!
Crispy winter mornings in Lake Tekapo are simply so lovely.
Generally a fog rolls in on these clear nights. And when it lifts within the morning, it usually reveals a panorama of ice, a uncommon hoar frost that makes every part it touches sparkle.
Hoar frost is a phenomenon we typically see on the South Island, principally round Central Otago and the Mackenzie Basin, the place Tekapo sits. It’s often 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, protecting the floor with a frost so thick and spikey it usually seems like snow. It’s so charming.
Tekapo is certainly probably the greatest locations to expertise true winter in New Zealand.
I usually take into consideration how a lot I like all 4 seasons. I feel it speaks to my childhood rising up in a spot with every distinct season. Whereas we don’t get snow days like I used to have as a child, it’s nonetheless great 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.
Whereas I’m not a morning individual by any stretch of the creativeness, I did get pleasure from waking up early in Tekapo and sitting exterior wrapped up in thick blankets, consuming espresso, and watching the solar rise over the frozen panorama. It was so magical. We’re actually fortunate locations like this nonetheless exist.
Listed below are my ideas and must-dos for a good time in Tekapo:
- Sleep: Aldourie Lodge
- Espresso: The Grasping Cow
- Brekkie/brunch: Jack Rabbit Cafe
- Buying: Petronella’s Bookstore
- Walks: Mount John Walkway
- Splurge: Scenic flight round Mt. Prepare dinner with Air Safaris
- Dinner: Reflections Cafe
- Should do: Tekapo Sizzling Springs and stargazing with Chameleon Stargazing (finances) or non-public with Alpha Crux Stargazing (they will come to you)
When planning your subsequent vacation in New Zealand, and maybe to Tekapo, be sure you take a look at Aldourie Lodge. Keep for so long as you may; it’s positively the sort of place you need to be and spend a while inside stress-free.
Tekapo is the right base for all types of adventures across the Mackenzie space. You’ve obtained Twizel and Mount Prepare dinner close by, with loads of adventures and walks for nearly anybody. There are even a couple of 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 lined in snow, and people crisp sunny chilly days flip the lakes into blue mirrors. It’s magic.
Do you want staying in cozy houses whilst 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 at all times, I’m retaining it actual – all opinions are my very own, like you possibly can count on much less from me.