LAKE COLERIDGE

We didn’t get very long in Lake Coleridge at all because we arrived at Lake Coleridge Lodge at around 9pm and had to leave very early in the morning for our balloon flight. It would have been nice to spend a little bit more time here to explore the good old-fashioned kiwi bush paths. Created by glacier moraine, Lake Coleridge is 170meters higher than the Rakaia River. The power station situated right below Lake Coleridge Lodge was originally built to supply electricity to the growing city of Christchurch.

Lake Coleridge Lodge



Lake Coleridge Lodge is undoubtedly one of New Zealand’s best-kept secrets. Family owned and managed, Dorita and Gareth have provide affordable and good-quality accommodation. Nestled in the heart of New Zealand’s magnificent Southern Alps, Lake Coleridge Lodge is surrounded by some of the World’s most breath-taking scenery, most recently made familiar in such films as ‘The Lord of the Rings’ and ‘Narnia’.




Terrace Downs Golf Resort and Full On were so generous in their sponsorship for the Entirely World Famous New Zealand Tour, which meant that we did not arrive at Lake Coleridge Lodge until after 9 that night. We were unaware that the Lodge not only provides breakfast with the room rate but also dinner. So when we did arrive (feeling very exhausted) I felt awful that Dorita had cooked us a chicken risotto as she thought we would arrive a lot earlier than we did. However they were very understanding and invited us into their home as they put a pot of tea on. We sat in the comfortable communal loungeroom listening to stories of how the power station came about and the different activities/walkways to participate in during our stay at the Lodge. Even though we missed dinner we still go to try some of Doritas home cooked biscuits with our tea and they were very yummy!


(communal lounge room)

The location of the Lodge is on the brink of some of the South Island’s finest ski-fields and magnificent alpine lakes with unrivalled world class Salmon and Trout fishing.



Dorita and Gareth really made us feel welcome and at home or as Gareth cleverly stated it ‘away at home’. We met 2 of they’re three children as they were preparing themselves for school and had a lovely continental breakfast with the family.


(the breakfast room)

$95 per person comes with a standard room, 2-course family style dinner, continental breakfast, freshly baked afternoon tea, as well as tea and coffee throughout the day. There is a choice of 2 accommodation styles including the lodge or a cabin. The main Lodge can accommodate up to 14 people in its 7 bedrooms with a configuration of double or twin rooms. All rooms are well equipped and have quality furnishings, which made our stay comfortable. Fully equipped with a bathroom, kitchen and TV the Cabin can sleep up to 4 people and is usually suited to families or two couples.



For more information on Lake Coleridge Lodge please visit their website:
http://www.lakecoleridgelodge.co.nz