Lakestone Lodge, at 4589 Tekapo-Twizel Road on Lake Pukaki near Twizel, is a boutique luxury lodge with six guest rooms, overlooking Lake Pūkaki and Aoraki / Mount Cook. The website says every room has a deep soaking bath, and that the lodge is on the Alps2Ocean cycle trail, halfway between Christchurch and Queenstown. Packages include massages, a Night Sky Experience, e-bike hire, picnic lunches, breakfasts and three-course dinners. A winter getaway includes hot pools passes, and a three-night package includes a one-hour massage each, e-bike hire and daily breakfast and dinner.
Customers mention the rooms with views of Mt Cook and the lake, and the food, which several call outstanding. A group of cyclists who arrived wet and cold were welcomed with tea, coffee, cupcakes and cocktails in the lounge. Staff are described as attentive but unobtrusive, and one guest said the massage was among the best they have had. Another recommended the Alps2Ocean trail on the east side of the lake. Our pick near Twizel for a couples stay with a massage and a view of Aoraki.