While I love a good Queenstown day out I could be snared like a drum to a road trip to Tekapo. It’s a mere three hours drive (three hours! If someone else is driving you can paint a whole set of toes in that time) and a beautiful one at that.
You pass through Central Otago (heart emoticon eyes), over the Lindis Pass (I’ve always wanted ride) and then slow it all down past Lake Pukaki (that blue should be illegal) and onwards to Lake Tekapo and your night of indulgence shall begin.
Alpine Suites on Tekapo is a newly built home right slap bang facing the lake (and some secret trails that I’ll share soon). It’s near the shops and is a haven of comfort, relaxation and a wonderful family feeling. Kevin and Jenny are the legends behind the door and they welcomed me in with a good pinot (or three) and I was sold.
The house itself is part home to Jenny and Kevin and then two seperate suites to either languish around in without ever seeing a soul or (as I did) wander into the cozy lounge area and have a wine with the hosts and find out their story.
Landing in Tekapo after a few stops (Queenstown, Rangiora) Kevin and Jenny settled here and set up home. Kevin’s photography is hung throughout the house and (I tried as I could to wrestle most of them off the wall and into my handbag) laying in my bedroom and staring dreamily at the wall was plenty. They are simply stunning and give a true picture (literally) of the land in which we live here in the South Island.
Two beautiful suites with everything you need to settle in, relax and unwind. The biggest (and I mean biggest ) bed I’ve ever slept in. I lost my way out of it at one point. I would have happily stayed there all day. Netflix on tap and a gorgeous shower with local products inside.
Peeking out of my gorgeous bed to the view beyond, the lake, lupins, trees and a secret trail that meanders along the lake front. Soft, serene, serenity. Right there.
Kevin and Jenny are the most wonderful hosts. You can either relax alone and never see a soul or join them (as I did) to chat about the area, nibble on a gorgeous platter Kevin rustled up and sink some beautiful pinot from the area.
A whole room to yourself to dine, read and watch the world go by outside. Clouds pass, lupins dance in the wind.
Tekapo is a surprise find, like somewhere that’s just realising how beautiful it is. Life slows down, coffee and cake take a front seat. And you know how much a girl like her cake. You could stop here for a while. Take in the sights. The instagrammable Church of the Good Shepherd is around the corner, Tekapo Springs up the road, trails for riding and running. In Winter there’s also a plethora of Ski fields to get amongst.
Morning comes around and a delicious breakfast awaits (there’s a huge list to choose from). Laid out in my own personal dining room, the Lake flows infront of me. A run, a good nights rest and I was set for the day.
Unwind, stop a while and stay.
Alpine Suites on Tekapo
Kevin and Jenny
027 432 6481
I was a guest at Alpine Suites on Tekapo but as always my thoughts and opinions are my own