Unbelievable Wanaka Chalets & Lodge on Golfcourse Road: Book Your Dream Getaway Now!
Unbelievable Wanaka Chalets & Lodge: My Messy Love Affair (And Maybe a Few Grumbles)
Alright, here goes. Writing a review of Unbelievable Wanaka Chalets & Lodge? Sounds easy, right? Wrong. I've spent the past week wrestling with this thing, trying to capture the bloody essence of the place. And honestly? It was a rollercoaster. One minute I was bathed in the golden glow of a Wanaka sunset, feeling all zen and "one with nature," the next I was wrestling with a faulty remote and cursing the lack of decent espresso. So, buckle up, because this is gonna be a bumpy ride – a truly unbelievable review, if I do say so myself.
Accessibility? Alright, Let's Start There…(And It's Not All Roses)
First things first: accessibility. They say they have facilities for disabled guests. Okay… I didn’t specifically check that box because as a clumsy but able-bodied journalist, I don’t have a need for them. I saw an elevator, though, which is a plus. And I did notice that the walkways seemed relatively flat. Still, I can’t give a full-throated endorsement here. I’d recommend contacting them directly to confirm what level of accessibility they truly offer.
A Whirlwind of Activities (Or, How I Tried to Relax and Failed… Beautifully)
Okay, onto the good stuff. Things to do? Holy moly, where do I even begin? Wanaka itself is a playground for the adventurous. But what about inside the lodge? Let's unravel the options:
Spa/Stuff That Left Me Blissed Out: The spa… Oh, the spa. Okay, I fully admit I'm a sucker for a good spa day. And this one? Chef's kiss. They’ve got the works! Steamroom. Sauna. Massage. The massage? Glorious. I chose the deep tissue (I’d apparently been carrying the weight of the world on my shoulders, who knew?!) and the masseuse, a tiny, wiry woman with impossibly strong hands, undid knots I didn't even know I had. The Pool with a View? Stunning, especially at sunset. Watching the mountains blush pink while I was submerged in the water? Pure, unadulterated bliss.
Fitness Center - Attempted Exercise Now, I'm not the best at working out but this place did have a Fitness Center. I glanced in there once. Looked… sweaty. I ultimately chose to stay in the bliss bubble of the spa. And you know what? No regrets!
Other Relaxation Options: I didn't partake in the Foot Bath, the Body Wrap or Body Scrub. The menu did get my attention, though. Perhaps next time…
And about the Pool! The Swimming pool [outdoor] was a star element. Beautiful, clean, and with views that’ll knock your socks off. Plus, it’s strategically placed so you can watch the sunset while you swim. Perfection!
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Relatively Secure…ish
Look, let's be honest, we’re all a bit obsessed with cleanliness these days. Unbelievable Wanaka gets points for trying.
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Good.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Excellent.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Reassuring.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Needed.
- Hand sanitizer: Present and available.
Food, Glorious Food! (With a Few Quirks)
Okay, the food. This is where things got… interesting.
- Breakfast [Buffet]: The buffet was great, the buffet in restaurant was a standout. It had pretty much everything you could want, from Asian breakfast options to the standard Western breakfast.
- A la carte in restaurant: Dinner in the restaurant was superb. I had a melt-in-your-mouth lamb shank one night.
- Room service [24-hour]: I'm a sucker for in-room dining so I used this facility.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: The cafe had decent coffee.
Rooms: Cozy, With a Few Quirks
My chalet was… well, it was lovely. Really, truly lovely.
- Air conditioning: Needed in the warmer seasons
- Complimentary tea and Coffee maker: Great.
- Daily housekeeping: My room was spotless.
- Refrigerator: Handy for hiding my stash of chocolate.
- Wi-Fi [free]: Fast and reliable.
- Soundproof rooms: Mostly soundproof.
The Quirks
- That Remote: That blasted remote! It took me a good fifteen minutes to figure out the TV (I’m not tech-savvy).
- The View: The view from my balcony… breathtaking. Seriously, I could have sat there all day. But that was my fault as I tried so hard to work that Remote
- That damn Smoke Alarm: First 3 nights I'm sure it was faulty.
Services and Conveniences: The Good, the Bad, and the "Huh?"
- Concierge: Excellent. They helped me book a hiking trip and were generally lovely.
- Laundry service: Useful.
- Luggage storage: Easy peasy.
- Cash withdrawal: There are ATMs.
- Car Park [free of charge]: A massive plus in Wanaka.
- Taxi service: Available, though you might need to book in advance.
- Pets allowed unavailable Because I wanted to bring my dogs.
- Non-smoking rooms Great.
- Front desk [24-hour]: Always helpful.
The Ugly: The Unspeakable, Inexcusable, Missing Bottle of Water!
One tiny, seemingly insignificant, but utterly infuriating detail: that missing bottle of water. They didn't include the free bottled water in the room, not even on the first night! I had to ask for it, which seems insane. It's a small thing, sure, but it chipped away at the feeling of luxury a tiny bit.
Getting Around
- Airport transfer Available.
- Car park [free of charge] Parking
- Taxi service Easy enough to get
- Car power charging station Great idea.
Overall: Would I Go Back?
God, yes. Despite the minor hiccups, Unbelievable Wanaka Chalets & Lodge is truly… well, unbelievable. The location is fantastic, the spa is divine, and the staff are genuinely friendly. The accommodation, for the most part, is excellent and the overall vibe is one of relaxed luxury.
Final Verdict: 4.5 out of 5 stars. Highly recommended, with a small, persistent reminder to bring your own damn water bottle, and maybe learn how to use those remotes properly.
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Wanaka Wanderings & Whingeing (My Mostly-Brilliant, Occasionally-Baffling NZ Adventure) - Golfcourse Road Chalets Edition
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn’t your average, airbrushed travel itinerary. This is the raw deal, the real deal, the warts-and-all account of my time at those Golfcourse Road Chalets in Wanaka, New Zealand. Prepare for opinions, tangents, and probably a few too many exclamation points. Let's go!
Day 1: The Arrival & The "Almost-Perfect" Chalet
Morning (6:00 AM - 8:00 AM): Arrive at Auckland International Airport (AKL). Ugh. Airport food always tastes vaguely of sadness and regret. But hey, caffeine is thy friend, right? Grab a coffee, contemplate the meaning of life (probably related to the looming flight), and try not to spill anything on my pristine travel outfit (which, let's be honest, probably already has coffee stains).
Morning (8:00 AM - 11:00 AM): Flight to Queenstown (ZQN). The flight itself was…fine. A bit squishy, a bit noisy (thanks, adorable toddler!), and with the pilot's monotone voice. But the scenery! Oh, the scenery! Jagged mountains, turquoise lakes… New Zealand is showing off already. This is what I'm talking about!
Late Morning/Early Afternoon (11:00 AM - 1:00 PM): Pick up rental car (a surprisingly sensible Mazda 3, good for the windy roads, which I'd soon learn, are EVERYWHERE). The drive to Wanaka is stunning. I'm just driving, gawking, and letting out audible gasps. It's pure bliss, pure visual candy.
Early Afternoon (1:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Arrive at Golfcourse Road Chalets! The website photos were gorgeous, and OMG, it’s actually BETTER in real life. Well, almost. My chalet (Chalet 7, if you’re curious) had THE VIEW. Like, postcard-worthy, Instagram-worthy, “I may never leave this place” worthy. However, little things bugged me. The coffee machine… it was a bit of a gamble. The internet? Not a reliable friend. Sigh. But then I looked out that window, and all was forgiven. (Except for the coffee, which was a complete hit and miss)
Afternoon (2:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Exploring town. Wanaka itself is charming. A bit touristy of course, but still. I felt like I had to get to that famous Wanaka Tree, and I did. And I took the obligatory photo. (Yes, I’m that person.) Ice cream in town, some souvenir browsing (couldn’t resist a ridiculously cute kiwi-themed tea towel).
Evening (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Unpack, settle in, stare out the window (again). The light in New Zealand… it's different. It's golden, it's soft, it's truly magical. Tried unpacking. Failed, it was a mess.
Evening (6:00 PM - 8:00 PM): Dinner at Bistro Gentil. Oh, the food! My taste buds were doing a happy dance, full of flavors and incredible views. I had lamb, perfectly cooked; I could have eaten it all night, the wine was lovely. It was wonderful!! The only thing I was missing…a friend to share it with.
Day 2: Lake Wanaka & The Great Outdoors (and My Questionable Hiking Skills)
- Morning (8:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Breakfast at the chalet. Attempted to make coffee. Sigh. Again. I'm starting to think the issue is me, not the machine. Toast with jam, still pretty good. The view from the dining table made everything better and the breakfast a nice experience.
- Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Lake Wanaka Cruise & Roys Peak (Attempt #1) Okay, let’s be honest, I'm not a hiker. More of a "stroll around a flat park" kind of person. But the views from Roys Peak are legendary, so I bravely decided to give it a go. The lake cruise was delightful though! Blue as a gemstone.
- The Hike: This is where things got…interesting. The initial incline was fine, the scenery was gorgeous, but my legs were starting to feel the burn. "This is easy," I told myself, brimming with false confidence. Famous last words. After an hour, I was huffing and puffing, passed by everyone from toddlers to octogenarians. The path got steeper, the sun got hotter, and my determination began to crumble. "Maybe the views from partway up are still pretty good?" I reasoned. "Maybe I just enjoy the idea of hiking more than the actual act of hiking" But the views were still superb, absolutely worth it!
- The Victory: I got about halfway up and decided to call it. My ego might have taken a hit, but my lungs thanked me. I took some pictures. I sat and just took in the world around me. It was spectacular, despite my lack of conquering the peak.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Lunch at Burrito Craft and drinks. A very welcome reward for my "hiking attempt" (haha!). Food was good and the views were spectacular.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Rest and Relaxation. Back to the chalet for a nap (needed after the "hike") and more staring at the view.
- Evening (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Puzzling World: A very odd experience. Confusing is an understatement. The illusions make you have a double-take. The quirky style is unique and fun. I think it was all great.
- Evening (6:00 PM - 8:00 PM): Dinner at Amigos Mexican Grill. Delicious, and I met a lovely couple from the Netherlands, and shared stories and laughs. A great end to an imperfect, imperfectly perfect day.
Day 3: More Wanaka, Less Hiking (Praise be!)
- Morning (8:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Another coffee attempt. (Failed). Decided to just appreciate the view instead.
- Morning (9:00 AM - 11:00 AM): Browsing the adorable shops in Wanaka: Souvenirs, books, and a cute boutique, but nothing to wear at the moment.
- Late Morning (11:00 AM - 1:00 PM): The Wanaka Lavender Farm: So much lavender! The air smelled incredible, the bees were buzzing, and I bought way too many lavender-scented things. It was truly a serene experience.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 2:00 PM): A well-deserved lunch at one of the cafes.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Kayaking on the lake. Another attempt at a physical activity! I made it, but my coordination was a bit lacking (occasional wobbliness and near-tipping incidents). Still, the lake was calm and the views were spectacular from a different angle.
- Evening (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Packing, mostly. (I am not a good packer) Sigh.
- Evening (6:00 PM - 8:00 PM): Dinner at Speight's Ale House. A pub atmosphere. Enjoyed some NZ beer and my final dinner in Wanaka. I was sad to leave, but the food and atmosphere made it a memorable time.
Day 4: Farewell, Wanaka! (& Auckland Mishaps)
- Morning (7:00 AM - 8:00 AM): A sad breakfast at the chalet. One last coffee attempt (failed). One last look at that view. Tears, maybe? (Okay, possibly.)
- Morning (8:00 AM - 11:00 AM): Drive back to Queenstown. The drive was smooth, but I started getting sad.
- Morning/Afternoon (11:00 AM - 1:00 PM): Flight to Auckland.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 3:00 PM): Airport time! A final coffee (decent this time!), some aimless wandering, a desperate attempt to spend all my remaining NZD.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM onwards): Flight home to…reality.
Reflections on the Golfcourse Road Chalets:
- The Good: The view. The view. THE VIEW. Also: cozy, well-equipped, great location.
- The Okay: The coffee machine. The slightly wonky Wi-Fi.
Unbelievable Wanaka Chalets & Lodge: Your Dream Getaway...Maybe?! Let's See... FAQs (and a Couple of Rants)
Okay, Seriously... What *IS* "Unbelievable" About These Chalets? The Name's a Bold Claim!
Right?! That's what I thought! "Unbelievable" is a HUGE promise. Look, the website (which, let's be honest, looks like it was designed in 2003... but hey, maybe that's part of the charm?) boasts “stunning views,” “luxurious suites,” and “unparalleled tranquility.” Well, the tranquility part? Depends. We were there during a school holiday. Let's just say "tranquility" was occasionally punctuated by the joyous shrieks of children and the faint, distant thrum of a lawnmower. The VIEWS, though...oh, the views. Absolutely breathtaking. Waking up to that Lake Wanaka vista? Yeah, that was pretty darn "unbelievable." The luxurious suites… well, they were comfy. Not Burj Khalifa levels of fancy, but cozy, clean, and had a fireplace. And after hiking all day, who needs a gold-plated toilet seat? (Though… I *did* see a slight crack in the bathroom tile. Minor detail! 😉) So, "unbelievable"? Slightly hyperbolic? Maybe. But definitely worth it for the location alone. And the fireplace. Fireplaces ALWAYS win.
Location, Location, Location! How's the Lodge on Golfcourse Road Actually Situated? Is It Near Anything Fun?
Golfcourse Road, you would think, right? Yeah, you’re *on* the golf course. Which means, hello scenic views of meticulously manicured greens (even though I wouldn’t know a birdie from a bogey). It's a bit out of the main Wanaka hustle and bustle, which is a total win in my book. You’re not right *in* town, which means you get peace, and you *don't* have the blaring streetlamps all night. It's a short drive, like a five-minute zip into town for restaurants, shops, and all the adventure activities you can shake a ski pole at. Plus, there's a walking path nearby, perfect for an evening stroll. Although, be warned: my ankle still feels the slight twist I took on that path (totally my fault, I was looking at the lake and not the path, what a klutz!) So, YES, it's near fun. But maybe bring a good pair of walking shoes, just in case.
What Sort of Amenities Can I Expect? Are We Talking Bare Bones or Pampered Paradise?
Okay, let’s get real. It's not like staying at a Ritz-Carlton. But it’s not a total shack either. The chalets have everything you *need*... maybe not everything you *want*. There's a fully equipped kitchen (good for my wallet!), a comfy living area, a washing machine (hallelujah!), and, as I mentioned, the all-important fireplace. The lodge… well, the lodge has a communal lounge area with a fireplace... are you sensing a theme? Free Wi-Fi, which, let's be honest, is a must these days just to keep social media up to date! They had towels (clean – win!), and a decent hairdryer (also very important, since I left mine at home AGAIN).
Now, here’s where it gets… interesting. The website *implies* a spa. Well, it *mentions* it... I swear I saw something about “spa treatments” on their website. But when I enquired, it was… well, it was a local masseuse who came to your room. No fancy spa facilities. So, manage your expectations. Not a deal-breaker… but don't pack your best robe *just* yet. And the gym? Ha! I'm pretty sure the "gym" was a bike in the corner of a communal room. I didn’t go near it. My legs got their workout hiking.
The Dreaded "Cleanliness" Question: Was It Actually CLEAN? (Because I'm a Clean Freak...)
Okay, fellow clean freaks, I get you. This is a HUGE deal. Look, I'll be brutally honest. It was…mostly clean. The sheets were fresh. The bathroom was… acceptable. You know, that kind of clean that you can relax in, without feeling like you need to bleach the entire place. I'm a *massive* fan of clean, and I was mostly ok. My husband found a stray hair in the sink. (He's got hawk eyes, the man). I'm really hoping it was *his*. I'm also *really* hoping the cleaning staff aren't reading this. (Shhh!) But overall, yes, it was clean enough. Not sterile. Not like a hospital. But definitely acceptable and comfortable. And the most important thing? No visible dust bunnies plotting world domination. That's a win in my book.
Food, Glorious Food! What About Breakfast? Is It Included? What Restaurants Nearby Are Any Good?
Another confession! Breakfast is NOT included. Okay, I was a little bummed about that to start, especially since I was exhausted from all the adventure. But, the kitchen in the chalet, as I pointed out, is your friend. There's a local supermarket (countdown) a quick drive away, and we stocked up on eggs, bacon, and all those gorgeous New Zealand fruits. So, we made our own breakfast, which, honestly, was kind of nice. Lazy mornings in your PJs, coffee on the deck… pure bliss.
As for restaurants…oh, SO many great options! We loved Bambusa for amazing Thai food! The portions were enormous. And, Relish cafe was great for lunch. Also, they have amazing coffee. We also had dinner at The White House Restaurant, which was pricey, but the view was amazing so it was a nice treat. They all needed booking, especially during the peak season.
Okay, So... Would You Actually Recommend Staying Here?
Alright, final verdict time! Honestly? Yes. Emphatically, with a tiny caveat. If you're expecting the height of luxury, and are a bit of a princess, you *might* be disappointed. If you are like me, and are looking for a comfortable basecamp, with stunning views, a cozy fireplace, and easy access to all the awesomeness of Wanaka, then absolutely, yes! It's not perfect. But it's more than good enough. The location is fantastic, the views are incredible, and the overall vibe is relaxed and welcoming. I'm already planning my return trip. Just hoping the cleaning staff doesn’t find this FAQ… (Just kidding! Kind of.) Go, book that getaway! You won’t regret it… probably. (Unless you're a princess. Then, maybe reconsider. Or just bring your own tiara. You do you!) And don't forget to pack extra socks because it can get chilly at night!
RandomUnbelievable Luxury Awaits: The Blu X Bangsaen Grand Suite!
