lodge review: altamont lodge

I had the very fortunate opportunity to go back to Wanaka two weekends ago. After being slightly unsure if my car would make the drive, (!!) I got the okay from the mechanic and headed out of Dunedin on a post-rainy sunny morning.

I was headed for Wanaka to explore the town and find out what to do with only one day there. And, I got super lucky with accommodation too: the lovely Helen at Altamont Lodge, the same place I stayed last time, had one room left thanks to a cancellation. I snagged it. When I arrived, Helen popped her head out: “Sarah! You’re early today!” I explained that I was hoping to hike Roy’s Peak. She assured me that my room was ready (“a room with a garden view, just like you had last time!”) and then she recommended I check out the Cinema Paradiso movie theatre when I got back.

I adore Altamont Lodge; not only is Helen wonderfully nice, but everyone I’ve had the chance to meet while staying there has been friendly and talkative. Last time, I met several couples who stay at the lodge when they come into Wanaka to ski Treble Cone. This time, I shared the lounge at night with a group of teenagers from the West Coast, in town on a ski trip.

Helen has long been a staple at Altamont, bustling around with a quick smile and a twinkle in her eye. She’s full of recommendations for what to do in town – for every weather occasion.

After my hike was cut short by nasty weather, and a subsequent post-hike wine tasting (because, why not) at Rippon Winery, only a mere kilometre from Altamont (and another recommendation from Helen), I arrived back to enjoy a steamy shower.

My room looked out, as promised, on to the garden, where the cherry blossom tree was in full bloom, the light pink flowers a sharp contrast to the dark green of everything else. The patio furniture was scattered across the lawn and some guests were having a rousing game of tennis on the court behind. I grabbed my computer and settled into the lounge, a cozy room with a warm wood stove and a selection of books and games.

Instead of writing, however, I ended up in conversation with one of the teachers from the school group. His boys were watching videos and soon left us to go soak in the hot tub. This is one of the things I simply love about Altamont. The people that stay there, whether they be irregulars like me or guests with a share in the property, are friendly, chatty, and helpful.

As I always do when in town, I went out for a long walk down to the lakefront and the infamous Wanaka tree. Helen had recommended a bar in town, and as it was a Friday night, I thought I would check out the nightlife. I popped in on her recommendation, but it was quiet and while I enjoyed a glass of wine by the fire, I decided to return to the Lodge.

My evening was spent with several of the teachers that had accompanied the students. Helen popped in to wipe down the kitchen and chatted briefly with us. The crowd of people enjoying the fire in the other room also stepped in from time to time. There is no curfew, but Helen does ask that guests are quiet after 9pm. I’ve never had any problem there – even the teenagers were quiet! Most guests congregate in the kitchen and lounge over a board game or bottle of wine, but the craziness of a hostel atmosphere never materialises.

I consider myself lucky to have stumbled upon Altamont back in August – and even more lucky to have discovered that I stayed there with my family back in 1994, and that nothing has changed since then… Except a renovated kitchen and modern heating and plumbing. Whether you are in town over the summer to explore the many hikes near Wanaka or over the winter to spend your days up on the slopes, you need a friendly place to return to. If you are looking for relaxed, comfortable, and affordable accommodation in Wanaka, Altamont Lodge has everything you could want.

*In exchange for this post, I received a discounted room rate.*

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