Has anyone stayed at Pukaki Lakeside Getaway?? http://www.pukakilakesidegetaway.co.nz/

Although on our upcoming trip to NZ, we are not going anywhere near Mount Cook, yet for future reference and for the benefit of other travelers, it would be great if someone can share their experience of having stayed over there.. How does it compare to the accommodation options in Twizel and those in Mount Cook?

Thank you for your responses!!

hi niteshchnadr, did u come across any decent accom in mt cook/..i know u were reserching accom in other areas.

Hi nikidi, not in Mt Cook but in Twizel. Have heard good things about the Heartland Lodge. Somebody who is going to stay in Pukaki Lakeside Lodge in November will give his reviews and then I hope to make a choice between the 2 of them.

In Mt Cook proper, The Hermitage is a source of constant debate, some vouching for it,calling it incomparable, many slamming it, considering it outrageously overpriced.. Then there is a decent (but not all that special) Glentanner Park.

If this Pukaki thing works out (looks gorgeous on the website), then I am all for it and I think with family you would enjoy it more, with so much space for picnicking and prancing around!!

Another one mentioned as a good stay is Lake View Homestay in Pukaki.. Read Day 4 of the following trip report.. http://www.fodors.com/community/aust...3600-miles.cfm

thanks for that.

hi, you are using a very similar route to us if u incorporate rotura as well. would really appreciate if you good give us a legup on the accomadation shortlisted.

if your staying in kaikoura - bush and sea b&b seems really nice. but its booked up for the weekend we are in kaikoura. any ideas for an alternative?

also coudnt find any in fox/wanaka.

rotura we are looking at sandi's b&b.

also - would greatly appreciate any information on booking the mailboat in picton/whale watch, dolphin encounter in kaikoura. - if you came across any.

thnx!!

Glad to be of help, nikidi..

In Kaikoura, the one we are set upon is the Dylan's Country cottage.. http://www.lavenderfarm.co.nz/

In Fox/FJ, Misty Peak/Glenfern seem pretty good..

In Wanaka, Lake Wanaka Lodge appeals to us.. http://www.lakewanakalodge.co.nz/

Have heard good things abt Sandi's.. Though if I had to stay there, I would choose The Lake House/Inala Nalood/Redwoods..

For these places,you may use whatif or Booking.com to book.. Dunno abt whatif, but Booking.com don't require you to commit any amount upfront, they just take your card details for booking.. If you cancel with sufficient time to go, you incur no charges whatsoever. Also, in my experience, they have quoted the absolutely lowest rates anywhere on the internet.

For the mail run, beachcomber seems to be the only authorized operator (to drop mails), I might be wrong (haven't researched it too much, yet)! http://www.mailboat.co.nz

Similarly, for the Kaikoura, whale dive I have not yet done much research.. Will definitely let you know when I get to doing that..

And in case, in the course of your search you get to know some more good operators/facts abt Picton/Kaikoura, please share it with me..

Hope these work out well for you and may you have a whale of a time there!!

croft is booked up for our time in te anau.

did you have any backps for te anau?

thanks!!

Our backups were 'Accommodation Fiordland self contained cottages', preferably the back unit and 'Blue Thistle Cottages'.

nikidi -

Regarding Te Anau accommodation...are you looking for a two bedroom place?

not really one bed room would do.(the girls normally sleep in with us during trips overseas(less wakingup episodes at night!) but 2 bed room is also ok.

was going to look at either birchwood cottages or te anau lodge.

thanks niteshchandra for the name.will look it up.

any other ideas for te anau? preferable somewhere next to the lake or with a farm etc.

A few options near Te Anau:

http://www.manapouri.com
http://www.glacialrock.com/

Lots of options listed here:

http://nz.totaltravel.yahoo.com/dire...and/fiordland/

thanks!!