Ruakahu Lodge - Private Lodge in Ben Ohau - Twizel

About the Home

Ruakahu Lodge is private, luxury accommodation for up to four adults standing proudly in the awe-inspiring landscape of the Mackenzie Region, home of the Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve. The Lodge is a beautifully designed, architecturally inspired retreat, built in 2020, and maintained to a high standard. Relax in solitude and silence only open space can give. Experience stargazing as it was meant to be, with the clarity that comes with a truly dark sky from the comfort of the outdoor bath big enough for two. The Lodge offers the opportunity to experience Aurora Australis, with all the colours of the rainbow. Thoughtfully positioned to capture the breathtaking vistas of the Ben Ohau region, the Lodge escape offers a perfect balance of modern comfort and rustic simplicity. Ruakahu Lodge is just 12 minutes’ drive from Twizel village, an hour from Aoraki Mt Cook, 4 hours’ drive from Christchurch International airport, and 3 hours’ drive from Queenstown International airport. Whether you're seeking peace and relaxation or outdoor adventure, Ruakahu Lodge has been thoughtfully designed to provide the ideal setting for an unforgettable getaway. The Lodge is equipped with all the amenities you need for comfort and luxury yet still preserves a sense of space and tranquility that allows you to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. A perfect base for outdoor activities, Ruakahu Lodge invites you to soak in the serenity of the surroundings—or unwind in luxury after an adventurous day. Every aspect of the lodge has been designed with your privacy and comfort in mind, providing a unique, peaceful escape that allows you to immerse yourself fully in the beauty and magic of the region. We look forward to welcoming you to Ruakahu Lodge—a place where relaxation meets adventure, and every stay is unforgettable. A region of breathtaking beauty: Sitting under the world acclaimed Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve, Ruakahu Lodge is located 10-minutes from the South Island township of Twizel, on 12 acres (4 hectares) of peaceful, private land. Here nature takes centre stage, every direction you look. Framed against a backdrop of the Ben Ohau range, our lodge is perfectly situated to take advantage of all the region has to offer. A getaway to remember: If retreat and relaxation is on the agenda, you don’t even need to leave the cabin to experience the magic of the region. The mesmerising, world-renowned Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve will have you captivated as you soak up the serenity of a dazzling starry sky from the comfort of your bed or outdoor bath. A star-gazers paradise, the gold-rated dark sky reserve is considered the darkest in the world. The remote location of our cabin ensures minimal light pollution for capturing once-in-a-lifetime images and memories of the starry night sky. Visitors from the end of February through to June will witness the spectacular Milky Way core rising from the South East, or right above your head as the year progresses. The best time to photograph the Milky Way is between February and October, with the summer months being shorter nights. Over summer, the full splendor of the Milky Way may not be visible, but billions of stars will still dazzle and impress. Adventure time: Action seekers will be equally awed by the opportunities to explore on their doorstep. The area is renowned for its cycle trails, in particular the Alps to Ocean Cycleway (2km from cabin) which winds its way alongside the canal. Scenic freshwater salmon fishing in the canals is a popular drawcard, or try your hand fly-fishing in the Ahuriri River for trout. It’s also a popular spot for boating, fishing and water skiing over the summer months with five lakes within close proximity of the cabin - Lakes Ohau, Tekapo, Pukaki, Benmore and Ruataniwha. World-class ski slopes are just an hour’s drive away to Ohau Ski Field, with the season running from approximately the end of June through to the start of October. A whole region to explore: For those who wish to explore a little further afield, not-to-be-missed Aoraki Mount Cook National Park is a 58-minute drive away, with incredible photo opportunities and stunning glacier walks, including Hooker Valley and Tasman Valley (visit the Department of Conservation website for more details on weather and safety). Lakes Pukaki and Ohau are only a short distance from Ruakahu Lodge (8km), with incredible views to soak up. The stunning sight of Lake Tekapo can be reached within a 56-minute drive, while popular resort towns, Queenstown and Wanaka, are also a comfortable distance for day-tripping. Dining & Amenities While your lodge is comfortably equipped for your stay, Twizel town has all the amenities you need for necessary supplies, including supermarket, petrol stations, and snow, hunting and fishing supplies. There are plenty of opportunities to indulge in fresh local fare with a variety of local cafes and restaurants. If you haven’t had any luck in the rivers yourself, salmon lovers will enjoy a visit to High Country Salmon or Aoraki Salmon for the experience of freshly caught fish. - Free parking for up to two cars - One King-sized bed - One queen-sized bed - Free Wi-Fi - Washing machine - Large outdoor hot-tub - TV - Blue-tooth speaker