Your hosts: Stephen and Amina Hunter

HOW DID THE BUSINESS START

Lake Tekapo Cottages was opened in 1985.. by Harry and Jackie Hunter, who first built it from nothing into the busy small business it is today. They built their own house here, followed by the "Eastwing" adjacent to the house and also the "Pottingshed Studio". the Pottingshed was indeed used to "throw" pots and the remains of the original red brick hand fired kiln can be seen beside it. Later they purchased the adjacent "Rowan Cottage" built in 1954 as a fisherman's retreat. Since 2002 all the older buildings have undergone extensive renovations, and three new cottages have been built . The new "Honeymoon Suite", the "Tui" and the "Pines". The new additions have been built to the highest standards aimed to make them warm in winter and cool in summer. The cottages are laid out a large garden, and many new trees planted to compliment the already large number of older trees close by. Older trees, especially deciduous trees, are a rarity in the Mackenzie Country, and this it what gives the Lake Tekapo Cottages its unique atmosphere. Quiet, Private, Relaxing. Whether you plan to stay for a few days to explore the area, or only a short stop, you feel yourself relaxing as you enjoy this tranquil place. The cottages are now being managed by Stephen Hunter and his partner Amina.

ARE THE COTTAGES CLOSE TO THE LAKE AND SHOPS? DO THEY HAVE A VIEW OF THE LAKE?

Lake Tekapo Cottages are situated about 2 minutes walk from the Church of the good Shepard near the lake shore, and about 3-4 minutes walk to the village shops. They have close mountain views and are very private, sheltered, and quiet. We are lucky to be surrounded by older trees, some of them, close by, are more than 100 years old, probably the oldest trees in Tekapo and McKenzie Basin.

WHAT ARE THE COTTAGES LIKE?

The Pottingshed, Eastwing, and Rowan are older style accommodation, with extensive modernizations in the kitchen and bathroom areas. They are comfortable with everything you need. For more detail go to "our cottages" The newer "honeymoon suite ", "Tui", and "Pines" cottages are more upmarket, have large sundecks and ideal for that weekend away from it all..

DO WE HAVE TO BRING OUR OWN LINEN? No.. everything you need is here. The cottages are clean and tidy and the beds comfortable.

DO WE SERVE MEALS? Breakfasts: Are available on request, as much as you can eat, anything you want, $15 per person. Continental breakfasts at $12 each. We can serve you what is arguably the best THAI CUISINE available in New Zealand, at only $25 a head for two courses. Ask us for further details

WHAT IS THE CANCELLATION POLICY? For all cancellations within 5 days of the arrival date there will be a 25% cancellation charge. Cancellations within 24 hour of the arrival date or non notification of a cancellation will result in a 100% cancellation charge.

HOW CAN I PAY? We accept Travelers checks, NZ checks or cash, Mastercard or Visa.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO DRIVE TO MOUNT COOK FROM TEKAPO, AND OTHER PLACES? It will take about one hour and twenty minutes to drive to Mt Cook, Christchurch is about 3 hours using the Inland Scenic Route, and Queenstown takes about two and one half hours.