Honeymoon - Lake Hawea - Together Journal

Lake Hāwea Station proves that a return to nature certainly doesn’t require leaving luxury behind. Come for a serene night away or host the wedding of your dreams; either experience will leave you with memories for a lifetime.

Mornings at Lake Hāwea Station are a reverie of gentle sunlight and birdsong. When Together Journal visited in July, the first signs of spring were just beginning to emerge, and the glorious lake views were complemented by crisp, finger-tingling breezes. The scenery here changes dramatically with the seasons, but winter’s snow-capped panorama is perhaps one of the property’s best faces.

Surrounded by mountains, lakes and rolling paddocks, the semi-remote Central Otago station is owned by Geoff and Justine Ross, two agriculture entrepreneurs with a special passion for boutique hospitality. To the west, the aqua blue sparkle of Lake Hāwea catches the light, and to the east, rustic ranges of alpine, tussock and beech forest offer a grounding force. Breathtaking is an understatement.

Encompassed by such arresting natural beauty, it’s a delight to learn that the incredible views are only half the luxury at Lake Hāwea Station: three lakeside accommodations are now available for reservations. Consciously designed with modern comforts, each property has been refitted with New Zealand-focused decor. The Station’s attention to detail and commitment to local and sustainable makers is noteworthy— every amenity has been carefully chosen to represent the best Kiwi producers.

Homespur Cottage and Packhorse Cottage, the property’s historic shepherd huts, are now outfitted with Moroccan rugs, handmade ceramics and custom Lake Hāwea Station linens. When combined, the two cottages sleep 10 guests — the perfect camp for a relaxed hen’s weekend or peaceful bridal party. The cottages share an outdoor space to savour the sprawling views. An enormous fire pit, log seating, and steaming Stoked Spa hot tub await your golden hour gathering.

Lake Hāwea Station is strongly committed to supporting New Zealand creators. The cottages are stocked with must-have New Zealand brands, from the textiles to the toiletries: Wanaka-made Wilson & Dorset sheepskins are dotted throughout, and bathrooms are supplied with local beauty favourites like Kind sunblock.

Nearby at The Lake House, a honeymoon-perfect property built in 2020, even the timber-clad kitchen features local talent. Green glass pendants, a design collaboration between Alex Buckman and Città, illuminate the poured concrete benchtops. Here, handmade ceramics and top-notch coffee make every morning brighter, and in the evening, a warm flask of mulled wine appears magically at the door. Guests are also provided with a hand-chosen selection of wine and cheese, plus homemade granola for fireside snacking. It’s these surprises and delicious treats that take Lake Hāwea Station from a simple hideaway to a five-star high country experience.

New Zealand art peppered throughout the property also makes a first-class impression. Stroll by the pond near Homespur Cottage to contemplate David McCracken’s rocket sculpture, or head to the gym where Virginia King’s limpet sculpture lives. The Lake House also displays a stunning photographic print of the Lindis Pass by photographer Simon Moore.

After a glass of pinot and a sunset soak, bedtime feels like a welcome respite. Each suite is swathed in earthy tones and upgraded with cottage-chic amenities. Think: superking mattresses, bespoke linen bedding, branded hot water bottles, and eye pillows resting on the nightstand. Before tucking in for the evening, remember to open the bedroom curtains: the scenery is too beautiful to conceal and your privacy is complete. Morning person or not, the warm golden sunrise is worth an early wake-up call.

Thrilling for nature and design lovers alike, Lake Hāwea Station has created a harmonious marriage of outdoor escapism and high-style hospitality. Custom excursions offer something for everyone, from private massages to 4WD backcountry tours to eco-agriculture outings. Dining options, from the simple to the elegant, can also be arranged. Simply ask, and charming grocery hampers or locally-made meals are delivered straight to your kitchen. For those with an epicurean appetite, Wanaka’s world-class eateries are only a short drive away. (17-minutes, to be exact.)

Back on the property, guests are invited to join a guided tour of the working farm or are free to wander the grounds — possibly dreaming up their own rural escape. If the scenery isn’t enough to capture your heart, the residents just might. The farm’s flock of tame sheep, goats, pigs and dogs are always keen for a cuddle.

Hoping to share their lakefront Eden with others, Lake Hāwea Station has recently launched The Hide, a spectacularly private events venue perched on a grassy expanse beside Lake Hāwea. The location features a rock face backdrop, beach access, and all the event essentials, including room for three large Gather and Gold tipis. Helicopter and boat access is also available for brides and grooms with a flair for the dramatic. Imagine the unforgettable entrance!

With its convenience to Queenstown and Wanaka, Lake Hāwea Station is a flawless choice for eco-luxe weddings. Host a celebration here, nestled between water, land and limitless sky, and your guests are nearly guaranteed to get swept away by Aotearoa’s rugged romance.