At The Retreat
Read
The snug has a small selection of books to choose from to read during your stay.
Indoor Games
There are a selection of games stored in the media unit in the snug.
Outdoor Games
There are a couple of outdoor games including cornhole (a favourite of ours). We are establishing a pétanque court. In the meantime there is a pétanque set and the outdoor space to set up a game.
TV and Projector
There is a Samsung frame TV in the dining room. Odd place to have it, however it can be viewed from the armchairs in the lounge. The snug has an electric drop down projector screen and projector for watching your favourite streaming programmes and movies, Netflix is available.
Walking and taking in the Views
As well as the driveway, there are three tracks on the property. A loop track up the hill behind the house, a track that connects you to the Department of Conservation Devil’s creek track and a short track to a view of Cromwell and the Cromwell end of Lake Dunstan. There is also a track which highlights some of the stonework used during the gold mining period where the pack donkeys would walk. If you walk up the stone stairs beside the garage you will arrive at our favourite viewpoint on the property where you can sit and watch the sunset.
Relaxing in the Bath
The front deck outside the master bedroom has a lovely organic stone bath which fits two people comfortably. While running the bath, add some of the complimentary soaks to add an extra layer of relaxation.
Yoga
There is a yoga mat and bolster in the queen bedroom wardrobe for use.
Wildlife
The terrain is home to small lizards known as skinks and geckos hidden in and around the rocks close to the home and all over the property. They are protected and should not be disturbed. At certain times of the year, you may be fortunate to have a visit from a bevy of quail with their offspring in tow. They often hang out in front of the covered patio. There are rabbits, goats and the occasional deer that wander the property too.
Close By
There is a lot to see and explore.
- Cromwell Township – 8 minutes drive with two supermarkets, and several cafes and restaurants
- Cycling Tracks including the Dunstan cycleway – Lake Dunstan Trail – Cycling and Walking Trail | Central Otago (centralotagonz.com)
- Bendigo Tracks – Just a short drive heading north to the scenic and historic reserve has several short trails suitable for walking and mountain biking. https://centralotagonz.com/explore/listing/bendigo-tracks
- Wineries including Cloudy Bay which is next door https://www.cloudybay.com/en-nz/visit-us/central-otago/ and is open for tastings and for lunch in the latter part of the week as well as the Bannockburn wineries
- Scapegrace Distillery – which is dedicated to producing exceptional Gin, Vodka and Single Malt whiskey is our next-door neighbour. You can see their operation from the lounge further North along the ridge. They will be open to the public for tours and other experiences soon Scapegrace | Distillery (scapegracedistillery.com)
- History
– Devils Creek (Devils Creek Track: Things to do in the Bendigo area, Otago (doc.govt.nz)),
– Quartz Reef, Bendigo Historic Reserve – Bendigo area: Places to go in Otago (doc.govt.nz)
– Lake Dunstan – Lake Dunstan – Wikipedia
– Cromwell Heritage Precinct also known as “Old Cromwell Town” – Cromwell Heritage Precinct - In Season visit the local orchards for amazing world class cherries, apricots and other stone fruits – Cromwell’s Proud History of World-Class Stone Fruit
- Highland Park – not to be missed even if you are not a motor racing fan – Queenstown Activities | Highlands Cromwell | Highlands – go-karts, museum, lap experiences, a loo with a view and loads of humour
- Spa – Contact – Radiance Skin & Day Spa
We are happy to provide suggestions for eating out.
Further Afield
Central Otago and all it has to offer is at your fingertips.
The charming historic town of Clyde nestled at the base of a river gorge is just 20 minutes away.
Within a 35 minutes drive, you can explore the resort town of Wanaka which is located at the southern tip of the stunning Lake Wanaka.
40 minutes (56 kms) will find you at Arrowtown, a historic gold mining town located on the banks of the Arrow River.
Queenstown is a further 10 minute drive from Arrowtown. This is renowned as the adventure capital of the world!
FAQs
What is included in my stay?
- Breakfast provisions – bread, eggs, bacon, honey and jams, yogurt, cereals.
- Coffee, a selection of teas, milk and juice.
- Welcome gift of locally produced wine, nibbles and fresh seasonal fruit.
- Basic pantry supplies including sauces, salt and pepper, spices and oil.
- Linen, towels, bathrobes and eco-slippers.
- Natural (where possible), locally sourced consumables.
- Pre-arranged services for stays of longer than two nights.
What are the house rules?
- ‘The Boulders’ is a gated property, shared with three amazing neighbors and we request that you respect their privacy and lifestyle.
- Given the rugged terrain and house design and fittings, the retreat is for adults-only. No children under the age of 16 are permitted on the property.
- We do not have permission for parties or events.
- No amplified noise is permitted to be used around the property and the use of the outdoor areas are restricted to between 7am and 10 pm daily.
- Smoking or vaping only permitted in the designated smoking area outside.
- Be aware of any potential fire risk outdoors.
- No pets/animals are permitted on the property.
- No unregistered guests are allowed. The accommodation is consented for a maximum of 6 guests only.
- We kindly ask that you observe the 3pm check-in and 11am check-out times.
- This is a brand new home with high end fittings and luxurious furnishings and we ask that you take care of the home so we can continue to offer quality stays for many years to come.
Is there cell phone coverage and wifi?
What should we bring?
Any provisions for lunches and dinners if you are intending to stay in.
What else should I be aware of?
We have two power lines that run through the property. Both are at a safe distance from the home.
What is a passive house?
