Maungawera Lodge Wanaka

Autumn in Lake Wanaka, New Zealand

noreply@blogger.com (Maungawera Lodge) — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 22:15:00 +0000

As I write this our fisherman and guide from Southern Rivers Fly Fishing have left for the day with a threat of rain a possibility later in the day. We have had some beautiful days with clear blue skies but autumn is definitely here in the mornings. The autumn colours are amazing as always and for those here for Warbirds during Easter weekend the scenery did not disappoint.

A view of the nearby Clutha River. This photo was made from one of two new
walkways near the Lodge [which makes it possible to now walk/bike from
Lake Hawea, to Albert Town and down to the old Red Bridge at Luggate].

We have another 4WD group in this week leaving from Glenthorne Station
in Canterbury. We look forward to having them as these groups are always good fun.

As well we have had guests attending a wedding at Lookout Lodge staying with us.

The bride and groom at nearby Lake Wanaka for their photo shoot

They then flew to the reception at nearby Lookout Lodge

With Treble Cone Ski field and Cardrona Ski field now offering winter ski passes we are receiving regular emails for our winter bookings. Check out our packages on the skiing page.

Chase is still here and his latest trick is to jump up and help himself to apples on the apple trees!! A varied diet you could say!

Welcome aboard Southern Rivers Flyfishing.

noreply@blogger.com (Maungawera Lodge) — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 01:22:00 +0000

Southern Rivers Fly Fishing and Maunagwera Lodge now offer fly-fishing and accommodation packages with very attractive prices for the upcoming fishing season.

Jake and Paul, two very experienced fishing guides are available to guide you and meet all your fly fishing needs with a variety of rivers and favourite spots to choose from. Our fully inclusive packages include guided fishing, transport, a full breakfast, lunch, pre dinner nibbles, dinner, refreshments and accommodation.

We are able to cater for groups who wish to travel together or individuals. Our last group from Canada/USA had great time and we had a great time hosting them for the week they were here.

For those bringing a non fishing partner we have half and full day options to keep them fully entertained and suited to individual interests.

Less than an hour from Queenstown Airport makes Maungawera Lodge an ideal place to fish and explore the beautiful Lake Wanaka area with its pristine rivers and lakes and majestic mountains.

For more information see our “Fishing” page on our website. We look forward to hearing from you.

The winter season is underway for us with solid bookings, our guests skiing at Treble Cone and Cardrona.

noreply@blogger.com (Maungawera Lodge) — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 22:10:00 +0000

Winter came early this year but after arriving home from three weeks in Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth winter now seems much shorter. Treble Cone, Cardrona and the Snow Farm all have good coverage of snow so by the time the Winter Games begin next month the snow should be fantastic.

Our current guests have been amazed by the fantastic views when up skiing this week and quite rightly so as it is spectacular!

A glorious frosty morning beckons today so it will be a day to soak up the sun!

When we flew into Queenstown 10 days ago Wanaka was covered in low lying fog but above that was brilliant blue sky and sunshine. Have a look at these photos and you’ll see what I mean.

Hunting and fly fishing have been the theme for the last few weeks and the lodge has been busy to say the least.

noreply@blogger.com (Maungawera Lodge) — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 01:09:00 +0000

We have just had some wonderful groups staying with us for a week or more and it has been so much fun. It certainly keeps me busy but so worth it meeting so many new faces.

Wanaka really turned on the weather and there were many trout caught on the Nevis, Hunter, Clutha and Ahururi Rivers. The fishing guides were here early in the morning not returning until the early evening and always with stories to tell as we all sat around the dinner table. For many of the fishermen they have fished all over the world and Wanaka was another destination to add to their list and I’m sure did not disappoint. For the non fishing people of the group they had wonderful days on the Siberian Experience, wine tasting, shopping in Wanaka and Old Cromwell Town, lunching at Mt Difficulty at Bannockburn, walking and having some R&R around the pool.

For the hunters, red stag, fallow deer, tahr and chamois were among some of the trophies caught. Most days the hunt was by helicopter which returned to the lodge just on dark each night. Southern Alps Safaris were the outfitters in action and had very successful hunts.

The success of the lodge is being able to cater for large groups and with 20 people for dinner for a week when the fishermen were here was no problem. It was wonderful to have the fishing guides here on the last night for a BBQ too taking our numbers to over 30 for dinner.

Today and tomorrow we welcome groups of 4 wheel drive people who have completed a 4WD trip down through the high country stations of the south Island. A fabulous day here again today so a BBQ seems to be what’s needed.

Presedential Inauguration. What coverage there has been on TV today as another piece of history has been made and what a gathering of people that turned out to watch.

noreply@blogger.com (Maungawera Lodge) — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 03:12:00 +0000

As I viewed the television coverage of this today I couldn’t help but think of all our American guests arriving on our doorstep over the next few months. I’m sure they will all have stories to tell.

We have a large group of keen fishermen and women who will be trying their luck on our local rivers early in March. After talking with the Queenstown based organisers of this group this week it sounds as though everything is going according to plan and we look forward to meeting all these new visitors in just a few weeks. We have been tol they are a ‘fun’ group so look out!

We have a large number of American hunters keen to get their hands on a trophy, whether it be a red stag, tahr, chamois or fallow deer coming in February through to May. Looks like we will be very busy but what a lot of fun it should be! J

It seems such along time ago when Peter and I visited The States (hate to say it was back in the early 1980’s) and I remember being there on another visit one January when I was only 19 and there was an inauguration of the newly elected president too. Just can’t remember which one it was though!

With each country facing their own economic woes our eyes will be on Americas new President as he faces tough times ahead. In the meantime here at the lodge we continue to host travellers from all over and look forward to hosting our larger groups when they arrive. Let’s hope we have a wonderful late summer and autumn as it usually is.

Happy New Year To You All.

noreply@blogger.com (Maungawera Lodge) — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 08:20:00 +0000

With only a few hours of 2008 remaining we wish you all the very best for 2009 with much health and happiness. It appears there are interesting times ahead for everyone regardless of what country you come from.

We have been at the lodge just under 2 years and have loved having met so many people from diverse backgrounds with all with a common ground: their love of New Zealand and its scenery. It has been a pleasure to host so many, welcome several guests back for a return stay and even to stay with some of you while on holiday in the winter. We have been very lucky to have had such an opportunity. We have strong bookings for 2009 which is wonderful and many new guests yet to meet.

From our family to yours, thank you so much for staying with us and if you haven’t been to the lodge before we would be more than happy to host you in the future if you are in Wanaka.

Have a fantastic 2009.

Kind regards, Karen, Peter, Adam, Courtney and of course Chase!

Catching up with up with new friends who were originally guests is so much fun. Last weekend we had a wonderful time when friends from the UK returned to NZ and came and stayed.

noreply@blogger.com (Maungawera Lodge) — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 01:26:00 +0000

Over visiting their daughter for the second time this year, were a couple who stayed with us for 8 days back in February. Returning to NZ in November they came and stayed with us. Their family and ours plus guests at the time (also from the UK) and friends who were staying all gathered together for dinner last Saturday evening; 13 of us in all. Our honeymoon couple were happy to join us and we had a great time with lots of laughs and catching up on what has happened over the past 9 months. We Kiwis were just about out numbered. What a quiet time the next day when everyone had to leave but with promises we will visit them if/when we get to the UK in the future.

The photo here shows us at the dining table enjoying some Central Otago wines and Southland lamb and beef.

Recently our guests have been venturing south to walk the Routeburn Track and should have been fortunate with the weather. Although as the saying goes – Expect the unexpected!

Our season ahead is going to be very busy with fishing groups, hunting groups, 4 wheel drive tours, weddings and independent travellers. It will be so much fun meeting all these new people.

Another fabulous day here in paradise. With a sprinkling of snow still covering the tops of the mountains and brilliant blue sky Wanaka has been looking its best these past few days.

noreply@blogger.com (Maungawera Lodge) — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 00:03:00 +0000

So much so that we decided to take the jet boat out for a spin. Saturday morning was beautifully fine but the air was crisp after a light frost. Off down the Clutha River we headed with friends who were staying. Our boat is new and we haven’t had it out very much at all. Hopefully we can change all that in the near future. It was a short trip as we had to be back in Wanaka for lunch (not to mention to vote), however the next day we ventured out down the Clutha again with other friends and their new jet boat. The air was much warmer so we boated down the river for nearly an hour, stopping for a cuppa in a sheltered spot.

It was alot of fun. The next outing was to Lake Wanaka last night for a bit of water skiing but just as they got there the wind came up so that put an end to that!

Late October we had friends from New Caledonia stay with us for 3 nights. This time last year they were guests here but over the year we have corresponded and they decided to return to see more of New Zealand and catch up with this again. It was just great and a real surprise to hear they were returning. We promise to visit them before they come back here. Fingers crossed anyway!! Next week have more friends form England coming to visit who stayed with us earlier in the year so are looking forward to that. Last night I received an email from a couple in The Sates who were hunting out of the lodge last year. They want to come out again next autumn and stay with us too which will be fantastic. People - that’s what makes this business so rewarding and so much fun that we know we made a good choice when we moved off he farm.

Spring is in the Air, so the song goes and on many days recently it has well and truly felt like spring.

noreply@blogger.com (Maungawera Lodge) — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 05:39:00 +0000

The rain that we have had has helped the lawns green up and the trees to leaf up. The lawns are quite lush and almost need mowed again after less than a week. Quite a big job here at the lodge with all the grass we have and to think we are putting another half an acre into lawn –we must be mad!

Tomorrow night is the last night of a very popular show in Wanaka called ‘Stars in Your Eye’s. Similar to what we have seen on TV over the years, this show has been going in Wanaka for many many years and is so popular I was queuing up again at 6.45am last Monday to get tickets when the office opened at 9.00am. My Southland and Auckland friends who went to it last year with me were very impressed with the performances and also by the professionalism of the show itself.

Another show to look forward to in November is the “Best of the Best’ again put on by local musicians (the talent in Wanaka is obviously very high and the public support tops!) This follows a very successful show in June which we unfortunately missed.

Not many weeks left of the winter ski season as warm temperatures making snow making tricky, but with all these wonderful events coming up there is lots to look forward to before we get busy again in the summer.

It just makes you glad we live where we do. It’s magic.

Spring and Winter all in the same day! Hard to believe but thats what is like. Skiing on the mountains and basking in 17 degree heat down below.

noreply@blogger.com (Maungawera Lodge) — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 05:06:00 +0000

What a wonderful spell of weather. It just makes you want to get outside and go! Although the warmth may not be that ideal for skiing enthusiasts, there is still plenty of action up at Treble Cone, Cardrona and the Snow Farm for a few more weeks to come.

Wanaka has been looking a picture with pristine snow covered mountains, clear blue skies and a lake that so often looks like glass. With such warm temperatures lately it does make you wonder what might be coming but we'll make the most of it while its here.

Last year in the spring, which again was a beautiful time of year here and with few visitors in the town it did make me wonder why more people don't come and enjoy the area while it was so quiet. October through till December would be a perfect time to be in Wanaka.

Our guests have enjoyed some good days up at Treble Cone and Cardrona and have had a look around the wider area on their days off.

As well as running the lodge I have managed to fit in several community activities as part of the Wanaka Lions Club I am now a member of. These have ranged from helping to make and sell 500 dozen pikelets for Daffodil Day last week, serving cups of tea/coffee to those who have donated blood, to setting tables for nearly 200 people for the Lions Black Tie Dinner.

Now it's back to the kitchen as there are still preparations for dinner for our guest tonight.

Treble Cone is all go along with Cardrona and the Snow Farm and Snow Park.

noreply@blogger.com (Maungawera Lodge) — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 08:17:00 +0000

We have finally made it back from our trip around the North Island in time for the opening of Treble Cone, Cardrona and the Snow Park and Snow Farm.

After a huge dumping of snow on Thursday night/Friday morning Treble Cone ski field opened in time for the school holidays; what great timing! Our daughter was up at TC on opening day and couldn’t believe her eyes when she saw how much snow was there. This should set up all ski fields for the winter. Town has become much busier all of a sudden as loads of visitors converge on Lake Wanaka for their winter break and its all very exciting.

What great news it was to hear that the Snow Farm has consent to go ahead with the construction of a gondola to transport skiers up the mountain. Hopefully Treble Cone will also get the go ahead in the not too distant future.

We have some lower price rooms still available at different times which would suit fmaily groups very well and our ensuite rooms also have limited vacancies.

To our North Island friends who we stayed with, thank you all so much. It was a wonderful trip with lots of great memories.

Keep warm.

Winter is coming! What beautiful views we are all getting out to Treble Cone and Cardrona with a coating of snow about one third of the way down. Today blue sky and sunshine and a pristine Lake Wanaka made for a picture post card setting.

noreply@blogger.com (Maungawera Lodge) — Thu, 29 May 2008 03:44:00 +0000

The tourists in town today were out taking photos of Lake Wanaka and out to Treble Cone. It was magnificent to say the least. While the town is not that busy its great being able to park anywhere at any time of the day. By the looks of the snow around us Cardrona, Snow Farm and Treble Cone ski fields should all open on schedule. We have some heavy frosts so I can’t see the snow disappearing at all. Season passes at Treble Cone are on sale online until May 31^st so you need to be in now.

Recently we took a drive up the west coast on State Highway 6 to Haast, Jacksons Bay and a bit further north to Knights Lookout. What a pity we had eaten our lunch before we got to Jacksons Bay as there was a caravan serving fish and chip lunches! The scenery is amazing as you can see from these photos and its only 2 hours or less from home. Amazing how quickly it all changes once you get north of Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea.

Next week we are taking a trip to the North Island to stay in some lodges and meet with tour operators so we’re looking forward to that. I imagine we won’t need all our layers of merino up there. Chase is going on holiday to our sons in Arrowtown where he will be ruined and I will have to get him back under control when we come home and we will be back in plenty of time to welcome our winter guests.

Until next time…….Karen J

New bedroom furnishings complimenting the stunning colours and shades in the Wanaka landscape

noreply@blogger.com (Maungawera Lodge) — Fri, 09 May 2008 10:18:00 +0000

Donald, our Wanaka based web-site developer and photographer was by today, taking advantage of a rainy day in Wanaka to do some new photos of the much improved decor in some of the bedrooms ...more>>

He's also added some scenic photos of the Wanaka area, and up-dated some links on our activities page. There's a lovely photo there now of his son Dougal holding a brown trout caught near here, and even a new one of Mount Cook, and one of the Rob Roy Glacier from the track. A favourite of ours, and a very popular day mountain walk in the nearby Mt Aspiring National Park ...more>>

Lastly here is a shot of a recent addition to the art work in the Lodge...

Book your winter holiday accommodation at Maungawera Lodge, Wanaka now; for heliskiing, snowboarding and skiing. Get a group together and check out our rates and have the lodge to yourselves or book individually. We'd love to have you come and stay.

noreply@blogger.com (Maungawera Lodge) — Sun, 04 May 2008 00:30:00 +0000

Our winter package went online recently and we also have very good rates for groups wanting to book the lodge for themselves. This works well for families or for those who want a spacious but relaxed place to holiday with all the comforts of home – and more. Breakfast, afternoon tea, per dinner drinks and nibbles are inclusive, and dinner can be provided by arrangement. If you would like to use the kitchen this is available too.

We offer courtesy transport to and from Wanaka airport and also to the centre of town. Those keen heli-skiers, who wish to be picked up from the lodge by helicopter, can do so (check with your booking agent).

Within 40 minutes of Wanaka you can be up the mountain and parked at Treble Cone, Cardrona, the Snow Park or Snow Farm. If you don’t wish to drive there is other transport options.

Lake Wanaka looked a picture again yesterday. Our Auckland guests were out fishing on the lake for the morning and returned with three good sized trout. We’re looking forward to smoking one for dinner.

Over the last couple of days a light dusting of snow has fallen on the mountains around us. On Treble Cone the snow had come down so far as to make out the ski runs and through the Cardrona valley quite a bit of snow fell too with the southerly front. Today we have clear blue sky and sunshine with an overnight frost. Not what the duck shooters want! Chase is away for the weekend on a duck shooting expedition in Southland. Many of the ponds are dry this year after such a dry summer and autumn so the ducks may be the winners this opening weekend.

Our 2008 Lodge pricing set today for accommodation while heliskiing and skiing the Wanaka areas of Cardrona, Treble Cone, Snow Park and Snow Farm

noreply@blogger.com (Maungawera Lodge) — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 23:43:00 +0000

Wanaka has a well deserved reputation for heliskiing, and an envious selection of ski areas in nearby Cardrona, Treble Cone, Snow Park and Snow Farm. Everything from nordic to freestyle. Terrain for all tastes, stunning scenery, terrain parks... the lot. All now established as event venues too for the most prestigious of athletes and teams such as Burton.

We've just set our rates for our unique and luxury Maungawera Lodge Wanaka accommodation, and these include five nights for the price of four. Be in early...

Read more ...>>

Autumn Colours in Wanaka

noreply@blogger.com (Maungawera Lodge) — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 03:57:00 +0000

I just had to stop by the lake last weekend and take photos. The water was crystal clear and the golden hues of the trees were breathtaking reflected in the water. Not that I am a photographer by any means, but I was pretty happy with these couple of shots shown here. Even the birch trees lining our driveway have been spectacular but in seven days the gold leaves well out number the green. Today we’ve had a mild but strong wind blowing so it’s leaves everywhere!

It’s been a season of parents from the UK visiting family working in NZ as we’ve had many family groups stay with us over the season and we’re not finished yet! It’s been a lot of fun. Thank you all so much for choosing to stay with us.

Contact Epic takes place this weekend, so if you’re into a bit of serious bike riding, then circumnavigating Lake Hawea could well be for you. I think I’ll stick to my weekly bike rides with the girls thanks very much.

If you’re thinking about booking accommodation in Wanaka for the winter ski season check out our winter special deals coming out next week. The lodge is a great place to holiday either with yourselves or a larger group. With our seven guest rooms we can accommodate up to sixteen people easily. For a spot of heliskiing, snowboarding or downhill/cross country skiing see the website or email us for more information.

Cheers, Karen

What a Fantastic Easter!

noreply@blogger.com (Maungawera Lodge) — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 10:43:00 +0000

Busy would put it mildly, but Easter weekend was just great with such a mix of people staying. We had several couples/families interested in the Wanaka Airshow. Many were pilots and some just had an interest in aviation. We had overseas hunters staying as well, searching for a red stag trophy organised by a local outfitter. All up, our visitors were from Christchurch, Auckland, Hong Kong and Chicago and there was a lot of chatter at the dinner table on Saturday night putting with so much to be talked about from the days events. We feel very privileged to have had you all and thank you for staying with us.

Over the weekend other visitors to the Lodge were very interested in a track to the top of the ridge where you can view both Lakes Hawea and Wanaka. Without much time to discuss it, Peter had us off on a 4 wheel drive trip to the top of the mountain via a track on a local sheep station where Peter works. It was spectacular!! The photos here were taken looking to the top of Lake Hawea and Hunter Valley Station and to the south of Lake Wanaka.

Our dear Chase is now living in Arrowtown with our son and hopefully he will just holiday with US instead of the other way round! He has certainly been a hit with all our visitors though.

The beautiful autumn has been a perfect time to enjoy the lodge and all that Wanaka has to offer. The trees are turning and are magnificent in their vibrant gold and red colours. You really should come and see for yourselves. You might find yourselves at the top looking at these awesome views too!

Autumn at the Lodge

noreply@blogger.com (Maungawera Lodge) — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 04:41:00 +0000

Cooler nights and cooler mornings mean those glorious summer days may be gone but the last week has seen us basking in sunny days particularly over the weekend. We’ve had a busy but fun weekend with a full house; in part due to the Upper Clutha A&P Show which was on and also as we had guests staying who were attending a wedding at The Lookout Lodge not far from us. These guests were all from NZ and Australia. Being so handy to this function centre works well whether it is the bride or bridegroom’s family here or other guests.

As far as weddings go we are happy to also put on the BBQ the following day if the lodge is being used for accommodation and of course if the entire lodge (all 7 rooms) are booked there is a discounted rate for bed and breakfast. Give us a call if you are looking for somewhere gorgeous for that special event to stay.

In two weeks are fully booked again for Warbirds over Wanaka with guests coming from all over the globe.

Over the hill in Queenstown the Golden Oldies World Cricket Festival is being held from March 9 - 15. At the conclusion of this event we expect many of the competitors to visit the Wanaka/Hawea area which has been looking just beautiful lately (as always). They should be in time to get in before the Easter rush!

Chase is back with us after a few weeks in Arrowtown with our son. This turned out to be only a holiday and not a permanent arrangement! He has shown us he has a distinct liking for jet boating and apples – the ones that have fallen off our trees!

Tuesday tomorrow – biking day and it looks like it will be another gorgeous day but possibly a bit chilly around the legs to start with in my shorts.

Perhaps tomorrow I’ll take that photo to put up here that I promised!

Summer Season at Maungawera

noreply@blogger.com (Maungawera Lodge) — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 00:52:00 +0000

Already we are well into February and we are starting to think about the Wanaka Show being held on March 7^th & 8^th and of course Warbirds over Wanaka at Easter (March 20 -23). We have some rooms left for Warbirds because of a cancellation so if you are thinking of booking it would be a good idea to get onto it now.

We have had a very busy past few weeks with guests from NZ, Australia and the UK and many inquiries/bookings for wedding guests to stay for this season and next.

Small tour groups have been staying this season also which ahs been great. We have enjoyed having everyone so much.

The garden and lawns have greened up after recent rain which was well and truly welcomed by the farmers. We have had an amazing summer and even now we are still having lovely warm days. Thank goodness for the pool. Chase now just holidays with us and resides in Arrowtown most of the time with our son. I must say we prefer it this way round even though he has been a popular attraction!!

Hopefully my much promised photo of the lake and Clutha River will appear here one day as promised. One day!

Karen & Peter Lindsay

Maungawera Lodge

602 State Highway 6

RD 2 Wanaka

New Zealand

p: 03 443 4410

f: 03 443 4401

e: pklindsay@xtra.co.nz

Heat Wave

noreply@blogger.com (Maungawera Lodge) — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 09:04:00 +0000

If you haven’t been in Wanaka recently you don’t know what you’re missing out on. The weather has been fantastic; very little wind and heaps of blue sky and sunshine.

The warm temperatures have had us swimming in the pool most days. The poolside temperature mid day today was 31 degrees. Great!

The weather was definitely one of the positives when we decided we wanted to move here. Peter and I have now been Wanaka residents for 8 months having moved here early in April. We have no regrets living here; in fact it’s a privilege to wake up to gorgeous scenery and think “this is where I live”. We have met many people and a lot of them are reasonably new residents to the area as well. We have enjoyed having each and every one of our guests; from those who have only been here a night like the Danish visitors last night and the two families from near Brisbane, Australia also here last night to our American guests who stayed 3 weeks in the autumn! Thank you to you all for the wonderful comments you have made about the Lodge and your time spent with us.

With the summer season nearly upon us, we look forward to meeting many more new faces over the next few months.

River Magic

noreply@blogger.com (Maungawera Lodge) — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 08:32:00 +0000

As we count down towards Christmas there are still some important events happening in Central Otago prior to December 25^th. Significantly, at the end of November is the New Zealand Golf Open at Michael Hill’s golf course in Arrowtown. This is only 45 minutes drive from the lodge, so a great place to stay which allows visitors to spend some time in and around Wanaka as well.

We have had the most fabulous weather over the last two weeks (with the exception of one day!!). We are swimming in the pool already and it’s just great. Tomorrow the weather forecast predicts a high of 27 degrees and it will be higher for us here away from the lake breeze.

Our new jet boat will be ready by Christmas so those of you who are here in the New Year may get to have a ride. The rivers have been so clear lately and when I was biking at the outlet the other week the fish were jumping well too. Tomorrow I’m biking there again so I’ll be looking out for those fish again. Tomorrow I’ll take my camera and hopefully the sky will be as blue as last time and the water pristine with only my friends and me within earshot. Magic!

Check out my next blog for a picture!

Karen & Peter Lindsay

Maungawera Lodge

602 State Highway 6

RD 2 Wanaka

New Zealand

p: 03 443 4410

f: 03 443 4401

e: pklindsay@xtra.co.nz

Spring time in Wanaka

noreply@blogger.com (Maungawera Lodge) — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 00:28:00 +0000

As the snow slowly disappears from the ski fields we start thinking about all the other events happening in or near Wanaka.

This week the "Stars in Your Eyes" concert is being held over four nights. What a great event for Wanaka; such fantastic local talent. The popularity of the show means if you want tickets queueing up early is what you have to do, so at 7.15am last Monday morning I was parked with my deck chair and rug, settled in for a two and a quarter hour wait, but worth every minute. It was so good I'm even going twice!

Bookings for summer are coming in now as people are planning their summer holiday or down under visit. We are situated in a very central position to explore Central Otago and the West coast of the South Island; a good base too for those wanting to visit Queenstown but stay somewhere a bit quieter.

We are only 45 minutes from Micheal Hill's golf course in Arrowtown which is hosting the New Zealand Open in November.

Our spring discount special is on for stays of 3 nights or more. Contact us for more information.

A Full House

noreply@blogger.com (Maungawera Lodge) — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 03:39:00 +0000

The month of August has been full on at the lodge and it's been great. The weather is milder than last month but the showers that have threatened have pretty much just stayed up on the mountains giving all four local ski fields a really good base.

Once the ski team left, the lodge was booked out by three families from Australia who stayed here last year also. Among the group were five wonderful children, not to mention an occasional grandparent. Most days the group headed up to Cardrona or Treble Cone and managed to fit in some sightseeing and retail therapy as well. The children made great use of the large screen and projector in the business room watching DVD's; in fact some days you would wonder where the children all were! With all the space we have the lodge is ideal for groups to book out for their winter holiday.

If you are still thinking of booking with us for skiing, snowboarding or heli skiing we have some rooms left this month and early September. Send us an email and we'll see what we can do for you.

Ski Racing & Burton Snowboarding Champs

noreply@blogger.com (Maungawera Lodge) — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 22:03:00 +0000

This month we are hosting members of the NZ ski racing acadamy and also members of an overseas team competing at the Burton Snowboarding Champs at the Snow Park. Fair to say it's all go here, with a VERY early start for breakfast this morning: 5.00am. It has been great having all 14 here; they are wonderful guests.

The weather up at Treble Cone, Cardrona and the Snow Park has been good this week with light snow falling again over the last couple of nights. What looked looked like a wet day today has turned out to be beautiful here in Wanaka so hopefully it's at its best up the mountain too.

Roast lamb is back on the menu for dinner tonight follwed by the kiwi icon pavalova. By all the looks given to my first pav cooking in the oven, I've had to go and make another one to ensure there will be enough to go round!

Frosty Days

noreply@blogger.com (Maungawera Lodge) — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 04:58:00 +0000

What a week. The temperatures plummeted and nature turned on some pretty splendid scenery for us all. Yesterday's frost was a beauty. Our pool froze over and the trees and shrubs were decorated in Jack Frost's finery. Cooler days and nights (-6 degress C) have ensured the snow remains on the ski fields. We are getting towards the end of the school holidays now. The town has been busy and we have enjoyed the company of our guests. We look forward to our guests booking our heliskiing/skiing winter package.
We climbed Mount Iron (a one hour walking track close by overlooking Wanaka) this week. What great views: Treble Cone, Mt Roy, both covered in snow and pristine Lake Wanaka. We are so very lucky to live in such a beautiful environment.
Yesterday we took some visitors up to the Snow Farm and Snow Park out towards Cardrona. They were amazed at what's up there! For those into cross country skiing or even some tricky manoeuvres on the snowboard, you need to check it out.
Our beloved Labrador 'Chase' took it into his head to go walkabout on Wednesday and not to return until the next day. We are very grateful to some neighbours who found him and cared for him overnight until he could be traced. After many anxious hours he is now back home and ready to play ball once again.