My stay at Peppers Bluewater Resort: The best accommodation in Lake Tekapo

Lake Tekapo is one of those rare places that instantly captivates you. The brilliant blue waters, the snow-capped mountains, and the serene atmosphere make it feel like you’ve stepped into another world. It’s a destination I find myself drawn to repeatedly, each visit offering a new sense of wonder.

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Where is Peppers Bluewater Resort?

Nestled in the heart of Lake Tekapo, Peppers Bluewater Resort is ideally situated for exploring this picturesque region. Whether you’re road-tripping between Christchurch and Queenstown or seeking a tranquil retreat, this resort serves as the perfect base. The surrounding landscapes are nothing short of breathtaking, with majestic mountains providing a stunning backdrop to the tranquil lake.?

Getting there

I flew into Christchurch from Brisbane, hired a car, and embarked on the scenic three-hour drive to Lake Tekapo. The journey itself is part of the adventure, with opportunities to stop at charming spots like the Cookie Time Factory and various local eateries. Alternatively, you can fly into Queenstown and drive north, which also takes about three hours. If you’re travelling in winter, be prepared for icy conditions and consider carrying snow chains for safety.

The accommodation experience

During my stay, I opted for a two-bedroom apartment at Peppers Bluewater Resort. The apartment was spacious, offering ample room for relaxation and comfort. The two bedrooms, located downstairs along with a well-equipped bathroom and laundry facilities, provided a cozy retreat after a day of exploration. The beds were comfortable, and the heavy curtains and efficient heating ensured a warm and restful night’s sleep, even during the chilly winter nights.?

Upstairs, the open-plan living area featured a fully equipped kitchen, dining space, and a comfortable lounge. The floor-to-ceiling windows offered panoramic views of Lake Tekapo, making it a perfect spot to unwind and soak in the natural beauty. The kitchen was stocked with all the essentials, allowing for convenient meal preparation. The lounge area, with its plush seating and entertainment options, provided a cozy space to relax.

The bathroom was more luxurious than I’d expected! Underfloor heating and heated towel racks make all the difference on those chilly winter evenings as well as heating behind the bathroom mirror to prevent it fogging up after a steamy hot shower. The rainforest-head shower is a great size, offering plenty of deliciously hot water and great water pressure. The bathtub is perfect for soaking in, especially after a long day of skiing or snowboarding. I also loved the Appelle’s bath products provided – they’re my favourite brand of hotel products!

Upstairs, the living and dining area is absolutely huge! Our apartment had a great size kitchen (I won’t say kitchenette because it was such a good size) equipped with everything we needed to prepare breakfast, lunch and dinner. Lately, I’ve found myself loving self-contained apartment like this one because it makes travel easier, giving you the option to stay in and have a meal, do your laundry and not be forced to go out constantly!

With three couches and one armchair, a huge dining table and chairs as well as a fireplace and outdoor area, there were plenty of spots for us all to spread out and relax. I loved sitting in the armchair with my feet hanging over the side, toasting them by the fire. It was so lovely to wake up each day and look out the windows, taking in the unbelievably gorgeous views of the lake and mountains.

I really liked how we could always see the mountains while the sun was up – it made all of us feel like we were really making the most of our time in Tekapo, not wasting it by being indoors.

But, what is there to do?

There’s plenty to see and do in Tekapo, making it a great destination for a few days of fun and adventure or rest and relaxation. Here’s some inspiration on what to do in Tekapo:

• Of course, the most obvious is to spend some time marvelling at the beautiful Lake – I recommend visiting at sunrise and sunset
• Take a short walk to the Church of the Good Shepherd, one of the most gorgeous I’ve ever seen
• If you’re keen to see things from a new perspective, take flight with an Air Safari 
• Be sure to visit the Mount John University Observatory for incredible views and a great cup of coffee
• If you love stars, you may like to join a stargazing or astronomy tour
• Check out the Tekapo Springs and spend some time lazing in the warm water or whizzing down the snow in a tube
• Join Cruise Tekapo for a lake cruise and see things from a different angle altogether
• Set off on an adventure with Mackenzie Alpine Horse Trekking
• Go hiking and explore the local area and its stunning mountains by foot
• Spend your days whizzing around the slopes at the Roundhill Ski Area, or
• Catch up on your rest, read a good book, watch movies, enjoy the local wine and recharge!

What’s the food situation like?

There are actually more places to eat in Tekapo than you might expect for a small town. If you’re staying in a self-contained apartment like I was, the recently opened Big 4 Supermarket is a game-changer. I grabbed some fresh eggs and bread for easy breakfasts and stocked up on everything I needed to whip up a proper red wine pasta for dinner—one of my go-to comfort meals on the road. If you’d rather not cook, the resort’s on-site restaurant, Rakanui, serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, so you’ve got options. Here are a few more spots worth checking out around town:

• Mackenzie’s Bar and Grill – a popular spot offering European and Kiwi cuisine with lake views
• Doughboys Bakery and Cafe – known for its meat pies and pastries
• Astro Cafe – located at the summit of Mount John, offering stunning views
• Jade Palace Chinese Restaurant – offers authentic Chinese cuisine in the heart of Lake Tekapo
• Kohan Japanese Restaurant – serves traditional Japanese dishes.
• Lake Tekapo Reflections Restaurant – offers hearty cooked breakfasts and award-winning dining
• Pepe’s Pasta and Pizza Restaurant – known for its pizzas and pastas
• Robin’s Takeaway – a popular spot for takeaway food
• Rakanui Restaurant – offering farm-to-table dining with lake views
• The Godley Resort Restaurant – offers a café and bar with views of Lake Tekapo.

Final thoughts

Peppers Bluewater Resort exceeded my expectations in every way. The combination of luxurious accommodations, stunning views, and convenient location makes it my top recommendation for anyone visiting Lake Tekapo. Whether you’re seeking adventure or relaxation, this resort offers the perfect setting to experience the magic of New Zealand’s South Island.

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