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 comfy home overlooking the long-lasting lake. Aldourie Lodge is certainly one of Tekapo’s authentic homes, filled with old-world attraction. In an period of unprecedented constructing throughout New Zealand, there’s one thing so pretty about with 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, huge home windows, cozy furnishings, and its personal library, you 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 rather a lot like properties I’ve frolicked in across the south the place I’m from.
Cozy is unquestionably 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. Every area is a whole dwelling. You may have the large most important home, Aldourie Lodge, with three bedrooms. Then there may be Awa Cottage, with two bedrooms. And at last, Sealy Street Studio.
Final winter, I stayed on the lodge for a number of days with a very good pal on a challenge, and it was so onerous to go away. Actually, I stayed an additional evening as a result of the highway again to Wanaka was closed attributable to ice. It was so powerful (jokes). Then in the course of the summer time, I stayed within the cottage with my dad and stepmom after they visited; it was equally cozy.
The view from the entrance door of Aldourie Lodge in Lake Tekapo is nearly pretty much 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 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 unimaginable surroundings, plenty of journey, darkish evening skies, and the kindest locals you’ll ever meet, I used to be so completely happy to spend a number of days right here soaking all of it in final winter. And when Tekapo places on her winter coat, properly, there may be nowhere extra lovely.
Tekapo is likely one of the coldest locations in New Zealand in winter and one of many hottest in summer time. Typically 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 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 all the pieces 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 under unfavourable 10 levels Celsius at evening in winter.
And then you definitely’ll be completely happy to be snuggled up by the hearth in a heat cozy dwelling!
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 typically reveals a panorama of ice, a uncommon hoar frost that makes all the pieces it touches sparkle.
Hoar frost is a phenomenon we generally see on the South Island, largely round Central Otago and the Mackenzie Basin, the place Tekapo sits. It’s often brought on by freezing fog. When it’s under zero, and there’s a fog, the tiny water droplets that contact the bottom, or something actually, freeze, overlaying the floor with a frost so thick and spikey it typically seems to be like snow. It’s so fascinating.
Tekapo is unquestionably top-of-the-line locations to expertise true winter in New Zealand.
I typically take into consideration how a lot I really 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 suppose I could possibly be a type 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 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’re actually fortunate locations like this nonetheless exist.
Listed below are my suggestions 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 Scorching Springs and stargazing with Chameleon Stargazing (price range) or non-public with Alpha Crux Stargazing (they’ll come to you)
When planning your subsequent vacation in New Zealand, and maybe to Tekapo, you should definitely take a look at Aldourie Lodge. Keep for so long as you may; it’s undoubtedly the type of place you wish 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 received Twizel and Mount Prepare dinner close by, with loads of adventures and walks for nearly anybody. There are even a number of membership ski fields subsequent door too.
And when you 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 because of Aldourie Lodge for internet hosting me to go to Tekapo – like at all times, I’m maintaining it actual – all opinions are my very own, like you can anticipate much less from me.
