Contact information
Lakestone Lodge
Address:
4589 Tekapo-Twizel Highway
State Highway 8
Lake Pukaki
Canterbury, NEW ZEALAND
Phone/Fax number:
Email address:
Website address:
www.lakestonelodge.co.nz
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Starlight Highway
We are very lucky to not only have one of the most amazing natural views during day but also at night. Lakestone Lodge is located on the recently named “Starlight Highway” (formerly known as State Highway 8 or Tekapo-Twizel Rd) the road has been given this moniker due to its location in the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, the biggest Dark Sky Reserve in the world. We have found that Astro tourism is becoming a huge draw card for the region.
Location
Lakestone Lodge enjoys panoramic views where on a fine day/night we can clearly see Aoraki Mt Cook (NZ’s highest mountain) which is 65km away at the other end of Lake Pukaki. The great news is that during the evening when the stars are out and the clouds are behaving we have a very clear view of the night sky and we are lucky enough to see only one other light at night as well as the occasional car light
Building design
Lakestone Lodge was designed to minimise light pollution
- No external lights point towards the sky
- No external lights are left on if not required
- Most external lights on sensors and timers
- Large eves over the building minimises any light escaping upwards from the internal lights.
Where to observe the night sky
- From the comfort of your bedroom
- From your private bath
- From your private courtyard, or out the back of the lodge.
On a good night Mike will go out and show the guests what he knows about the universe (which admittedly isn’t much but he’s getting better). Lakestone Lodge has a good telescope that allows you to see the rings of Saturn, the moons of Jupiter or the craters of our moon (weather and conditions dependant).
If you require a more in depth look at the night sky we are positioned nearby some great facilities
- Mt John Observatory
- Tekapo Springs have also started giving sky tours and it is a very relaxing way of appreciating the stars relaxing in the hot pools.
- The Hermitage at Mt Cook Village also offer night sky tours and a planetarium.
- Skyscape is a new building with a glass roof to see the stars from your bed (see our Ultimate Stargazing Package )
Highlights
Some of the highlights that can be seen with the naked eye from Lakestone Lodge when the weather behaves are the Milky Way, the Southern Cross, various planets, the small and large Magellan clouds, satellites and the International Space Station as well as shooting stars.
Best times to visit
Winter when the nights are longer and when the moon is new
- 17-27 June 2017
- 16-26 July 2017
- 14-25 August 2017
- 13-24 September 2017
- 12-23 October 2017
We have put together the Ultimate Stargazing Package to fully experience the wonders of the night sky.
Don’t forget the Starlight Festival this year 13-15 October 2017 at Mt Cook www.starlightfestival.org.nz
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]]>Contact us
Lakestone Lodge offers
- Main Attractions / Activities
- Lake View Room Super King
- Lake View Room Twin
- Lake View Suite
- Lodge Activities
- Your Hosts
Lakestone Lodge – where Luxury and nature surround you. Every room and bathroom in the completely off grid eco lodge share stunning views northward over Lake Pukaki to the Southern Alps. On calm days New Zealand’s highest mountain, Aoraki Mt Cook, can be seen reflected in the turquoise glacial waters of the lake. In contrast, mountain storms, rolling in over the alps, can be viewed from the comfort and warmth of this perfectly positioned luxurious lodge. In the evenings, after watching the sun setting over the mountains, guests can enjoy some of the clearest night skies in the world as Lakestone Lodge is located in the heart of the world’s biggest International Dark Sky Reserve.
With a chef on site you can enjoy a full cooked breakfast or dinner featuring local cuisine or have a picnic made up to take with you while you explore the surrounding outdoor playground. Enjoy the relaxing vibe of the lodge with a massage in the therapy room, take the time to enjoy a movie in the theatre room or go exploring on one of the many walking or cycling trails directly accessible from the lodge
Qualmark rating – 5 star boutique and lodge
Directions…
Due to being a very new building it doesn’t come up correctly on some old GPS’s. Google maps is the most accurate .
From Lake Tekapo – we are approximately 30 minutes from Tekapo on the main road SH8 or Tekapo – Twizel Rd. Once you come around onto Lake Pukaki you need to drive around the lake approximately 5.2km (3.23 miles) until you see the lodge. We are the first building you will come to on the lake, we are up a hill on the left hand side of the road not the lake side. You will be able to see the solar panels on the roof and opposite the drive is a blue “Lodge” road sign.
From Twizel – We are approximately 13km (8 miles) from Twizel on SH8 past the Mt Cook turn off, past Aoraki Salmon Visitor Centre and we are a further 2.5 km (1.6 miles) past there on your right. There is a “600m Lodge on right” sign and then around a corner there is a blue “Lodge” sign opposite our driveway.
Automatic Gates – We have recently installed automatic entrance gates, either they will open automatically when you drive up close to them or you will have to push the intercom button to talk to reception and we will open the gates remotely. If all else fails please call +64 3 9711 871.
Approximate driving times from :-
Christchurch: 3 hours, 15 minutes
Queenstown: 2 hours, 30 minutes
Timaru: 1 hour, 45 minutes
Omarama: 30 minutes
Oamaru: 1 hour, 50 minutes
Fairlie: 1 hour
Tekapo: 30 minutes
Twizel: 10 minutes
Mt. Cook Village: 45 minutes
Nearby Activities…
Aoraki Mt Cook National Park
Lake Pukaki
Lake Tekapo
Omarama (Hot Tubs, Clay Cliffs)
Tekapo (Church of the Good Shepherd, scenery, Tekapo Springs, Mt John Observatory for star gazing)
House Specialties& Events
With a chef who delights in showcasing local cuisine, guests can be certain that they will be well indulged. For the ultimate in relaxation, massage and facial treatments can be arranged in our exclusive spa suite. Guests will also find a media room equipped with state of the art technology to make their stay all the more enjoyable.
An onsite helipad is perfectly positioned for helicopters to whisk guests away on a spectacular scenic flight around Aoraki Mt Cook, the Southern Alps as well as landing on a glacier.
Tariff…
From $565 to $795 per room per night
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Each of our four north facing Lake View Rooms has amazing lake and mountain views, a super king-sized bed, underfloor heating and free wi-fi. They each have an ensuite bathroom with bathtub and separate shower. Each room opens onto a private courtyard. Maximum 2 guests per room.
Guests will also find within their rooms luxurious dressing gowns, slippers and walls adorned with local art.
Awake to the sight of snowy peaks and crystal blue waters through the floor to ceiling windows or take time in the evening to stare up into the starry sky.
Rates include a delicious freshly cooked breakfast each morning.
All rooms in the Lodge are non-smoking. We regret we are unable to accommodate children aged 12 years and under.
We have 1 Lake View Room Twin with amazing lake and mountain views, two single beds and free wi-fi. It has an ensuite bathroom with bathtub nestled under a window looking out to the amazing view and a separate shower. The Room opens onto a private courtyard. Maximum 2 guests per room.
Underfloor heating double glazing and best practice insulation improve the energy efficiency and ensure that guests remain cosy during their stay.
Guests will also find within their rooms luxurious dressing gowns, slippers and walls adorned with local art.
Awake to the sight of snowy peaks and crystal blue waters through the floor to ceiling windows or take time in the evening to stare up into the starry sky.
Rates include a delicious freshly cooked breakfast each morning.
All rooms in the Lodge are non-smoking. We regret we are unable to accommodate children aged 12 years and under.
The Lake View Suite is larger than the other rooms , is north facing with views of the lakes and mountains, a Californian king bed, free wi-fi.and a private courtyard. It has a relaxing bath, double vanity, extra large shower, underfloor heating, separate heat pump
There is complimentary wifi available throughout the Lodge.
Guests will also find within their rooms luxurious dressing gowns, slippers and walls adorned with local art.
Awake to the sight of snowy peaks and crystal blue waters through the floor to ceiling windows or take time in the evening to stare up into the starry sky.
Rates include a delicious freshly cooked breakfast each morning.
All rooms in the Lodge are non-smoking. We regret we are unable to accommodate children aged 12 years and under.
Directly from the lodge
- Lakestone Lodge is a photographers paradise with endless spectacular backdrops for stunning photos especially for sunrises and sunsets
- Take a scenic helicopter flight up to Mt Cook from the lodge’s helipad over beautiful Lake Pukaki
- Relax in your private bath with a view or have a massage or facial treatment in our exclusive spa suite
- Watch a movie on the big screen with surround sound in the media room
- Read a book from the library
- Hike the Kettlehole Track – 1hr return hike with 360 degree views accessed directly from the lodge carpark
- Cycle part of the 300km Alps 2 Ocean cycle trail which goes from Aoraki Mt Cook past Lakestone Lodge and on to the Pacific Ocean. Complimentary bikes are available for short rides
- Hike part of the 3,000km walkway the length of NZ (Te Araroa long pathway) which also goes past the front gate
- Lakestone Lodge also offer guided hikes, fishing trips, scenic tours and advice for any interests
- Enjoy watching the stars, milky way, planets, galaxies and satellites from Lakestone Lodge or take a night sky tour at nearby observatory or hot springs.
Aoraki / Mt Cook National Park 50 minutes drive
- Hiking
- Mountain biking
- Scenic Flights
- Glacier Heli Hiking
- Heli skiing
- Snow shoeing
- Tasman Glacier lake boating and kayaking
- Skiing and snowboarding in nearby ski fields or picked up by helicopter from the lodge for exclusive fresh tracks in a range of locations in the Southern Alps.
Lake Tekapo
- Night sky tours
- Church of the Good Shepherd
- Walk up Mt John cafe
- Relax in the Tekapo Springs Hot pools
The owners Mike and Anna Bacchus live on site along with their two young daughters as well as the head chef Steffen Ekerdt and hospitality professional Selina Altorfer. They all share a passion for the region and for making sure the guests have the best experience possible and are backed up by a small team of staff who hail from the nearby town of Twizel.
Mike and Anna were extremely lucky to be able to purchase an incredible piece of land and wanted to share it with the world and were directly involved in the construction of the Lodge which was completed in June 2016.
Booking & Availability
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