Located in the Mount Aspiring National Park, Wonderland Makarora Lodge is set in a beautiful native forest, just a 2-minute walk from Makarora River. It offers a seasonal outdoor pool, a cafe and restaurant and an on-site shop with souvenirs and basic grocery supplies. Free on-site parking is provided. Heated guest rooms have a private entrance where guests can access the garden and beautiful scenery. Some rooms come with a fully equipped kitchenette. The staff at reception can organise jet boating, scenic flights and fishing trips .The property has a shared communal lodge with a kitchen, bathroom facilities, a cozy fire for the colder months. The cafe/restaurant serves breakfast, a lunch buffet and a bistro style dinner menu, which is available 7 nights per week during summer. In winter the restaurant is open for limited hours in the evening, with a small menu available. Wonderland Makarora Lodge is 26 km from Lake Hawea and Lake Wanaka.

Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 8.5 for a two-person trip.

Distance in property description is calculated using © OpenStreetMap

Property highlights

Top location: Highly rated by recent guests (8.7)

Free private parking available on-site


Availability

Select dates to see this property's availability and prices

Room type
Number of guests
 
2 single beds
and
1 double bed
2 single beds
and
1 large double bed
3 single beds
and
1 large double bed
2 single beds
and
1 double bed
4 single beds
and
1 large double bed
4 single beds
and
1 large double bed
1 large double bed
2 single beds
and
1 large double bed
1 single bed
and
1 double bed
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Guest reviews

Categories:

Staff
8.4
Facilities
7.4
Cleanliness
7.9
Comfort
7.9
Value for money
8.1
Location
8.7
Free WiFi
5.8
High score for Makarora
Select topics to read reviews:

Guests who stayed here loved

  • Samuel
    New Zealand New Zealand
    Fun Place to stay, warm and great communal lounge/kithcen which was well stocked
  • Trish
    New Zealand New Zealand
    Stunning location. Weĺl equipped. Private. Great shower. Clean. Nice linen
  • Lauren
    Australia Australia
    Quirky, cosy, fun little cottages, Good kitchens despite being small. We heated soup, toasted bread, stored food in the bar sized fridges for breakfast. Great pool for a cold plunge in winter!
  • Susie
    New Zealand New Zealand
    Quirky stay in an incredible location. Very helpful staff.
  • Antonia
    New Zealand New Zealand
    Such a cute quirky a frame stay in and super cosy with the heater and electric blankets on when we arrived.
  • Sue
    New Zealand New Zealand
    The location - a stopping point between Central Otago and the West Coast
  • Elizabeth
    Ireland Ireland
    Great location. Bed was so comfortable. Quirky building and worth the experience of staying there.
  • Lucile
    Finland Finland
    The location is beautiful and the little houses among the trees are really cute. The kitchen inside the cottage was well equipped, and there was also the possibility to cook in the shared kitchen (which had for example an oven). We had a lovely...
  • N
    Neil
    Australia Australia
    A great location with authentic A-Frame, free standing units. Set in lovely parkland with stunning views of the mountain range. Excellent Bar and Restaurant on-site
  • Leonard
    Switzerland Switzerland
    Percect place to stop over on your journey down the west coast! Surrounded by a beautiful scenery and with a great bar / restaurant

Property questions and answers
Browse questions from guests for anything extra you want to know about the property
The property usually replies within a few days

  • Hi there - what are the policies for having a dog ?

    Dogs are welcome to responsible owners. Must not be on beds in chalets, bring own bed for them or sleep in cars please. On lead at all times in camp, ..
    Answered on 8 November 2020
  • Hi Do you require vaccination pass?

    We do not require vaccination pass for our accommodation, our Café, restaurant and bar do require vaccination pass.
    Answered on 19 December 2021
  • Hi can we check in later?

    We put a map out side the front door of reception , the map has your name and room number on it , the key will be in the room door for you
    Answered on 9 September 2022
  • Hi there, which one of your rooms/huts have the baths? Thanks 😊

    Studio Chalet with outdoor baths. Thanks
    Answered on 25 September 2021
  • Hiya, just a quick question does the quadruple room have a private bathroom?

    I am un-aware we have a 'quadruple' room. We do have 'dorm' rooms, these have four beds in them. The toilets and showers are shared at our communal ..
    Answered on 24 November 2020
  • Hi there. I’m an avid hiker. Would you be able to give me some info on hiking in the area when I stay?

    Hello, there are a number of beautiful scenic walks in Makarora, including Mt Shimpton, FanTail Falls, Blue Pools etc. If you are after more comprehen..
    Answered on 19 April 2021
  • Still looking?

Managed by Mike Smith

Company review score: 8.4Based on 1,332 reviews from 1 property
1 managed property

Property information

Nestled amongst the grand vistas of Mt Shrimpton you’ll find Wonderland. Listen to the Fantail and Tui as they end their day in paradise or sit outside your secluded chalet and gaze at the stars, unpolluted by the bright lights of the city. This is one of the few places in New Zealand where you can truly unplug from the hustle and bustle of modern life.

Neighbourhood information

"Blue Pools - 8km away Southern Alps Air operate the Siberia Experience Wilkin River Jets and Back Country Helicopters operate next door DOC walks/tramps/hikes right on our doorstep"

Language spoken

English

Property surroundings

Restaurants
1 restaurant on site

  • Wonderland Cafe
    • Open for
      Breakfast • Brunch • Lunch • Dinner
    • Ambiance
      Family friendly
    • Dietary options
      Vegetarian

Facilities of Wonderland Makarora Lodge

Most popular facilities
  • Outdoor swimming pool
  • Free parking
  • Restaurant
  • Facilities for disabled guests
  • Free WiFi
  • Non-smoking rooms
  • Family rooms
  • Bar
Bathroom
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels
  • Free toiletries
Bedroom
  • Linen
View
  • Garden view
Outdoors
  • Outdoor fireplace
  • Picnic area
  • Outdoor furniture
  • BBQ facilities
  • Garden
Kitchen
  • Shared kitchen
Pets
Pets are allowed. No extra charges.
Activities
  • Hiking
Food & Drink
  • Coffee house on site
  • Wine/champagne
    Additional charge
  • Kid meals
    Additional charge
  • Bar
Internet
WiFi is available in public areas and is free of charge.
Parking
Free private parking is possible on site (reservation is not needed).
  • Accessible parking
Services
  • Fax/photocopying
  • Packed lunches
  • Laundry
    Additional charge
  • Meeting/banquet facilities
    Additional charge
Reception services
  • Invoice provided
Safety & security
  • Fire extinguishers
  • CCTV outside property
  • CCTV in common areas
  • Smoke alarms
  • Security alarm
  • Key access
General
  • Minimarket on site
  • Electric blankets
  • Designated smoking area
  • Heating
  • Private entrance
  • Carpeted
  • Family rooms
  • Facilities for disabled guests
  • Non-smoking rooms
Accessibility
  • Toilet with grab rails
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Entire unit located on ground floor
Outdoor swimming pool
  • Seasonal
  • All ages welcome
Languages spoken
  • English

House rules
Wonderland Makarora Lodge takes special requests - add in the next step!

Check-in
From 15:00 to 20:00
Check-out
From 06:00 to 10:00
Cancellation/ prepayment
Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodation type. Please enter the dates of your stay and check the conditions of your required option.
Children and beds

Child policies

Children of any age are welcome.

To see correct prices and occupancy information, please add the number of children in your group and their ages to your search.

Cot and extra bed policies

Cots and extra beds are not available at this property.

Age restriction
The minimum age for check-in is 18
Pets
Free!Pets are allowed. No extra charges.
Groups
When booking more than 4 rooms, different policies and additional supplements may apply.
Accepted payment methods
VisaMastercardEftposCash
Smoking
Smoking is not allowed.
Quiet hours
Guests must be quiet between 22:00 and 07:00.

The fine print
Need-to-know information for guests at this property

If you expect to arrive outside reception opening hours, please inform Wonderland Makarora Lodge in advance, using the contact details found on the booking confirmation.

Quiet hours are between 22:00:00 and 07:00:00.

FAQs about Wonderland Makarora Lodge

  • The prices at Wonderland Makarora Lodge may vary depending on your stay (e.g. dates you select, hotel's policy etc.). See the prices by entering your dates.

  • Wonderland Makarora Lodge is 250 yards from the centre of Makarora. All distances are measured in straight lines. Actual travel distances may vary.

  • Yes, this hotel has a pool. Find out the details about the pool and other facilities on this page.

  • Yes, Wonderland Makarora Lodge is popular with guests booking family stays.

  • Check-in at Wonderland Makarora Lodge is from 15:00, and check-out is until 10:00.

  • Wonderland Makarora Lodge has 1 restaurant:

    • Wonderland Cafe

  • Wonderland Makarora Lodge offers the following activities / services (charges may apply):

    • Hiking
    • Swimming Pool