What strikes me first about Cardrona Valley Lodge is the peace and quiet, the serenity and sense of seclusion, which is amazing considering we are just a few minutes from some of New Zealand’s most popular ski fields and the iconic Cardrona Hotel in the heart of the picturesque Cardrona Valley near Wanaka.
Tucked discreetly at the base of Cardrona Alpine Resort and across the road from cross-country ski field, Snow Farm, the newly renovated, luxurious lodge is the perfect base for a holiday in the stunning South Island.
Skiing, dog sledding, ice driving, hiking, biking, whisky tasting, heli biking, horse riding, farm touring and, of course, guided fishing and hunting expeditions, are all right on your doorstep. It’s the perfect base for every season. Especially winter!
We couldn’t believe how close we were to the incredible Cardrona Alpine Resort, one of New Zealand’s best ski fields. The mountain basically ends up in the lodge’s backyard. And what a backyard it is. A huge, rustic outdoor fire, a fabulous wood-fired pizza oven, a garden full of seasonal delights, crab apple, quince, apples and pear trees, blackberries and veggie gardens - and a spa pool perfect for star gazing - it’s absolute heaven!
As for the lodge itself, it’s truly gorgeous. I honestly love the simple things in life, but you can’t beat quality. I could literally go on and on about the amazing details, so let me just give you my top five:
1. Private, cosy, sumptuously furnished sitting rooms.
2. Open kitchen experience with Angelo - its pretty special having
your own celebrity chef.
3. Private and tranquil, yet perfect proximity to Cardrona Alpine
Resort.
4. Amazingly comfortable lush beds you never want to leave.
5. Large drying room so my ski gear was warm and dry every morning.
There are also five deluxe king rooms with stunning ensuites, all exquisitely decorated in a timeless, rustic country ambience - it is a true alpine experience. But I think my favourite aspect of note about our stay was the generosity of Angelo himself. His willingness to share his lifestyle, his exceptional food and his time with us.
I loved sitting at the big rustic kitchen table, watching as he effortlessly prepared wild venison and his own blackberry sauce for us for dinner, chatting the whole time, getting to know us as well as sharing his own story.
Two days is not enough. There was so much I still wanted to do. I wanted that private archery lesson from Angelo, a horse trek through the local valley high country, and I wanted to walk to the top of Tuhoys Gully to see the entire valley in all its magnificence. Alas, our time at the stunning Cardrona Valley Lodge came to an end too quickly, but I’m consoled by the fact that it’s there, it’s not going anywhere and it’s only a short flight away to this amazing place
I simply have to experience again. (STEPH GEORGALLI)
Bookings M: 021 744 452 or 021 744 421,
www.cardronavalleylodge.co.nz