Tucked away
I’ve just been serenaded on a grand piano and made one of the best cups of tea in a long time. I’m in an oasis of calm down a road I never even knew existed. Welcome to Manata Lodge.
ALL of these tick boxes for me when I’m looking for a lovely place to stay, to rest my weary head for a while (is anyone else exhausted and in need of a break….hello Christmas!) and somewhere I’ve never been before.
Manta Lodge Luxury Apartments is a gorgeous hideaway just past Quail Rise (I never even knew the road continued- my bad) with stunning views of Coronet Peak. I have packed my toothbrush, I’ve got my trusty computer in hand (a girl still needs to work) and I’ve got in my car and sped away for the evening just 5 minutes from my house. Staycations rule. Have you tried one yet? I, like many, am tired and ready for a break. The sunshine is not playing ball and Summer as a whole is being a fickle and cruel mistress (come on Summer, I had issues with Winter) and so this place is a tiny pocket of sunshine.
I’m a rose girl!
Wandering the grounds
Warren and Ethel welcomed me into their gorgeous home as a guest at Manata Lodge and what a welcome. Each and every guest is made to feel part of the family, whether you’re from Queenstown or Timbuktoo. A full tour of the grounds presented me with vineyard, epic rose garden (I never knew I was a rose lover. Who’da thunk it) tennis court, lush grass to walk barefoot (had it not been freezing) and a lovely one bedroom apartment all to myself.
Warren explained his love of people (as Ethel made me the perfect cup of tea, in proper china cups- we’ll be firm friends) and his love of people actually talking to each other in particular. This is perfect as this is my favourite thing in the world to do too. I love finding out about people who live here, how they got here and their love, brand and business. The lodge is a perfect place to hideaway for a while, to put the do not disturb sign up and lie back in the quiet.
There’s a legend too, and I love a good legend. “Years ago there was a chief who had a very beautiful daughter named Manata. Many a young man wanted to marry Manata including a young warrior, Matakauri who was Manata’s sweetheart. Her father would not allow them to marry as he claimed Matakauri was unworthy. One day a terrible taniwha (giant) came and stole Manata.” The rest you’ll have to read for yourself. (Story from Hands on History)
Bright, roomy and full of light
Tea for one? Yes please!
Very own front door
Ten minutes drive from Arrowtown and fifteen minutes from Central Queenstown you could set yourself up in this new dwelling and no-one need ever know. I settled in for the night of working (fast as fast wifi), a perfect place to sit and look at the mountains as I worked, a spot of tennis if the feeling should come over you. Outdoor patio and a kitchen stocked with everything you need. BBQ available, laundry, mountain bikes, basketball and cricket bats. Speaking of biking, Manata is near all the trails in the area. Literally on the doorstep is the Queenstown Trails Trust where you can hit it hard for a long day in the saddle or wander out for a few km’s. Coronet Peak is fifteen minutes drive to be on the slopes in Winter and a large selection of wineries are just around the corner.
Work space
Robe
Comfiest of comfy beds
Everything you could want on your Staycation. Everything you could want in a homely, quiet, secret little place right here in your own town.
Need some alone time head to Manata and I won’t tell anyone you’re there…..
Manata Lodge Luxury Apartments
111A Tucker Beach Road, Lower Shotover, Queenstown
03 441 3144
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