Total comfort in a postcard-perfect setting. Kudos to owners Luke and Kaye for designing this marvelous lodge, which is located on a grassy lawn in the wilderness, perched above the incredibly-blue waters of Lake Pukaki. Mt Cook appears in the middle of the expansive view, at the far end of the lake, and can be seen even while lying in bed. The rooms are large and very comfortable, and there’s a nice fireplace in the living room. Everything from tennis rackets, exercise room, sauna, and hot tub are available for use. And don’t forget the charming boutique wine cellar (stocked with quality local wines) and adjacent observatory (with 6-inch refracting telescope). The lodge is in the Dark Sky Reserve, meaning one can see more stars and galaxies than from almost anywhere else on earth. And if that’s not enough – the lodge has an amazing chef (and we’re not easy to please) who brings a superb dinner to you every evening.