Lakestone build 3.0
Concrete Slab
Today was a day of mixed emotions, the concrete has finally been poured! It ended up taking two days to get everything covered. We are definitely ready to move onto the next stage and away from all the ground level work that has had everyone crawling around on their hands and knees – we can finally straighten out! On the other hand, the concrete hides two months solid work on the boxing, foundations, putting the pipes in for the plumbing, installing the insulation and underfloor heating pipes which now run throughout the lounge, massage room, along the hallway and into the bedrooms and en suites so guests should have toasty feet wherever they are in the lodge. It was a fantastic learning curve putting it in and ended up looking just like an element on an old stove which I guess is appropriate just on a larger scale. Before the concrete pour, we had to get the concrete panels into place to support the building given that we are building in a high wind zone. The highest ever wind speed recorded in New Zealand was on top of near by Mount John at Lake Tekapo (only 40 kilometers away) at 250km per hour back in 1970, so while we hope we don’t have a repeat of that anytime soon, the lodge will be built to withstand winds of that speed.The weather in the days leading up to the concrete panels arrival was not ideal, which meant that the truck couldn’t get up the driveway. We had to collect them with a hiab crane which ferried them into place one by one before we braced them and hoped that they would remain in place until the concrete went in. Fortunately they did! The highlight of the day for me wasn’t seeing Mount Cook, clear as a bell framed within one of the concrete panels which Mike captured with his camera but having friends turn up with a bottle of bubbly to celebrate these walls going in which I enjoyed while everyone else struggled with the logistics of getting the panels in place.
The work up until now has felt very repetitive as the ground area is so large 590m2 and progress, although ahead of schedule has felt slow. We are looking forward to seeing the framing go up next week!
What our other guests had to say
A group of tired cyclists arrive wet and cold. We are met by a very charming host, Mike, and shown to our lovely rooms, with beautiful views over turquoise Lake Pukaki. A rabbit runs by, pursued by a cat. There is tea and coffee, cupcakes, biscotti and fruit. Cocktails in the lounge are followed...
AucklandTraveller, Christchurch, New Zealand
A stay at Lakestone Lodge was our reward for the grind of 2020. The accommodation and food were superb, and the hosts were friendly, attentive and well informed. The star of the show is the location – the lodge discreetly tucked away on a ridge above the road, away from other travellers...
David G
The minute the gate opened and we drove up the Lakestone driveway, we instantly felt the stresses of work disappear. We couldn’t have chosen a better place to start our holiday. Our room was breathtaking. The Lodge itself ticks all the boxes. But the thing that stands out here is the...
WelshRhiWanaka
This small lodge has excellent and very helpful staff. the rooms are good and the food is excellent. However the crowning glory for my wife and I was the magnificent view along the lake with Aoraki Mount Cook central to the view surrounded by other snow covered mountains in the Southern Alps.
Peterm2014123, Auckland Central, New Zealand
We stayed for two nights at Lakestone Lodge on the Cosy Couples package. The location is stunning, room very comfortable with incredible views, the food was outstanding and the massage was one of the best I've ever had. Even though our stay was only for two nights, we felt the stresses of...
Debbie - NZ
A few days ago we treated ourselves to 2 nights at this luxurious little lodge (it only has 6 guest rooms) We chose it as a relaxing base from which we could access sections of the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail & various walks. The location is stunning and the food, thoughtfully prepared by Chef,...
Sally A, Wanaka, New Zealand
We throughly enjoyed our stay. What amazing views, waking up to see Mt Cook painted in soft pinks at dawn was truly special. We had a delicious meal, equivalent to any in an upmarket restaurant. Staff were attentive, but unobtrusive. Furniture and layout high quality. I’d love to...
Fiona T, Auckland
We have stayed here a few times now, and it still exceeds expectations each time. The location of course is one of the most special places in all of NZ. The quality of the rooms and little design touches are special highlights. And then to top it all the welcoming and friendly service...
Andy R