Lake Ohau Lodge, a most pleasant find.

Lake Ohau staff will greet you with open arms.

When you arrive at Lake Ohau, you will find a tar road which heads north up the south-east side of the lake but you won't see any cars or people. It's enough off the highway that nobody knows about it.

Lake Ohau along the Te Araroa trail

If you drive, or in this case (Te Araroa freestyle-about 1.7k beyond the start of the East Ahuriri track heading south on the Te Araroa Trail) walk up the road, you will get to a lodge by the snow fields ski resort called Lake Ohau Lodge which is in the Ohau Alpine Region of North Otago and you will be in for a very unexpected treat.

Lake Ohau with mountains behind looking northish. On cloudless days one can see Mt. Cook from the deck of the Lake Ohau Lodge.

Though most guests won't see one of the friendly staff standing on a table, they will see the amazing views in every direction and feel the tranquility and a level of relaxation settle over them.

Lake Ohau Lodge as seen from main lodge balcony, looking eastish

Don't expect any budget accommodations, but do look forward to beautiful rooms; friendly people; views from every room in every direction; a lake which I personally can't stop looking at, surrounded by mountains that are golden and inviting in the summer, and frozen steep and scary in the winter; awesome food; a full service restaurant; and a chance to let the worries of life wither away.

Lake Ohau, New Zealand South Island, along the Te Araroa Trail

And even a 'greenie' like me can take comfort in the fact that the buildings are architectural and built to high standards, solid and well insulated. That water is well managed and employees well cared for. The lodge's power is generated by an on site hydroelectric system and, in general, the entire operation is very sustainable. The lodge is operated by a great family in a wonderful setting. The food, is probably all organic too, and delicious.

Lake Ohau Lodge, as sustainable as a lodge and ski resort can be.

All in all, the Lake Ohau Lodge rates as my number one stop in New Zealand since beginning my trip along the Te Araroa trail, over 2000km north at Cape Reinga.

Regarding Lake Ohau, dbBrad and the Te Araroa trail: My first night was a bit of a luxury, just off the trail where I hike about 25k per day. During the wonder breakfast I enjoyed in the morning I met Louise and Mike, the owners. Wonderful people. They were concerned about me heading into the mountains with a storm approaching. A storm predicted to deliver about 18cm of rain.

Snow again, for the third time this summer along the Te Araroa trail.

Though they had the place booked for a wedding, they found a room for me for the second night, let me hang out for the day, fed me and even invited me into their home for dinner. The storm wasn't as bad as I thought but it did rain like mad last night and upon waking, there was snow on the hills which I would have camped in last night. So much prettier to look at snow from a warm lodge, drinking coffee, than from a cold tent wondering what the heck was I doing here. Thank you so much to Mike, Louise and the Lake Ohau Lodge.

Beautiful deck and tables at Lake Ohau Lodge with the sunrise and fresh snow on the mountains.