Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Chalet Boutique Motel
APARTMENTS $$$
( 03-680 6774;
www.thechalet.co.nz
;
14 Pioneer Dr; units $185-295; )
The 'boutique motel'
tag doesn't do this superb lakeside complex justice. It might just about cover the four
comfortable units in the main house, but doesn't come close to describing the modern
two-bedroom house (with attached studio apartment) next door, or the wonderfully
private 'Henkel hut' next to that.
Peppers Bluewater Resort
RESORT $$$
( 03-360 1063;
www.peppers.co.nz
; SH8; d $111-226, apt $256-466; )
Sprawling around
rocky ponds and tussocky gardens, this large resort offers a variety of smart, contempor-
ary accommodation, ranging from poky hotel rooms to spacious three-bedroom apart-
ments and everything in between.
Lake Tekapo Lodge
B&B $$$
$$$
(
www.laketekapolodge.co.nz
; 24 Aorangi Cres; r $300-450; )
It's time to get kooky at this
fabulously idiosyncratic but totally luxurious B&B, filled to the brim with contemporary
Kiwi art. The rooms aren't overly large but the extremely comfortable beds and ooh-la-la
lake views more than compensate.
Glacier Rock Bed & Breakfast
B&B $$$
$$$
( 03-680 6669;
www.glacierrock.co.nz
; 35 Lochinver Ave; d $210-250; )
One of the
couple who own this striking home was also its architect - and that's his art in the gallery
downstairs. The two guest rooms are spacious, warm and airy, and breakfast is served in
a sunny room with huge picture windows.
DON'T MISS
LAKE PUKAKI LOOKOUT
Continuing on SH8 from Lake Tekapo, after 39km the even larger Lake Pukaki
comes into view. There's a reason why every tourist bus pulls up at the lookout,
about 8km further along. On a clear day it offers a picture-perfect view over the
weirdly blue lake to Aoraki/Mt Cook and its surrounding peaks.
Beside the lookout, the
Lake Pukaki Information Centre
(www.mtcookalpinesalmon.com;
SH8; 8.30am-6pm)
is actually an outpost of Mt Cook Alpine Salmon, the highest
salmon farm on the planet. The actual farm operates in a hydroelectric canal sys-
tem on the eastern edge of the lake. It's currently not open for visitors, so drop into
the information centre and grab some sashimi ($10) or stock up for a fishy dinner.
