When searching for the perfect intimate wedding venue, Jono and I each had a simple but special wish. Jono wanted to be near a lake, and I was looking for a place with stunning ceremony views. The moment I stumbled upon Lake Hāwea View, I knew we’d found something special. The setting, surrounded by majestic mountains and overlooking the serene Lake Hāwea, was nothing short of breathtaking. It felt like we’d discovered a hidden gem, perfectly suited for the destination elopement.
We were planning a small celebration, with 26 guests travelling from afar to share our special day. We both agreed that we wanted to make this as seamless as possible for everyone. Having our loved ones stay at the venue itself would help reduce travel costs and allow them to experience the beauty of Lake Hāwea as we did. So, for three nights, from Thu 6th to Sun 9th December, we called this incredible place home. Not only did Lake Hāwea View meet our expectations, but it exceeded them in every way.
Location, location, location!
Perched high above Lake Hāwea, this 25-acre property offers panoramic views of the lake and the Southern Alps, creating a stunning backdrop that’s hard to beat. The nearby township of Lake Hāwea is about a 15-minute drive from Wānaka. The area is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Activities like swimming, canoeing, fishing, and boating all popular on the lake. The water is a captivating shade of blue, and the mountain ranges that run parallel with the lake create a scene that’s nothing short of sublime.😍
The property itself is accessed via a long, winding gravel driveway that initially gave us pause. However, as soon as we reached the top and Lake Hāwea View came into sight, any doubts vanished. The view was like a dream come true, and our excitement grew with every step we took towards the house.
Features Galore
The large stone and cedar homestead at Lake Hāwea View is the epitome of rustic elegance. With seven bedrooms, there’s ample space for a group. The modern kitchen, with its expansive granite countertops and espresso machine. It quickly became a favourite spot, especially for Jono, who loves his coffee.
The living room is equally impressive. Featuring luxurious leather lounge suites and an elevated daybed that practically begs you to relax. The striking stacked stone fireplace, which extends from the indoors to the outdoors, adds a touch of grandeur and warmth. We found ourselves always gravitating towards it. Whether to warm up after a day exploring or to enjoy a glass of wine under the stars.
One of the most enchanting features of Lake Hāwea View is how seamlessly the indoor and outdoor spaces blend. Sliding cedar doors open up to a lovely lawn area, where we held our wedding ceremony, overlooking the stunning alpine scene. The hot tub and BBQ area added to the laid-back, celebratory atmosphere. We made full use of them the night before our wedding to welcome our guests.
In addition to the main house, the property includes a guest house with a second kitchen and dining area. It was perfect for accommodating our larger group. Three of the seven bedrooms are located here, providing privacy while still being connected to the main living area by a hallway that can be closed off if needed. This setup was incredibly convenient and made hosting our group of 13 a breeze.
Beyond the accommodation, Lake Hāwea View is an ideal venue for special events. Whether you’re planning a wedding like ours, or other event, this property offers the perfect backdrop.
We’ll be back!
Given the extent of travel people did to come to our wedding, we loved being able to host some of them in the same place we were staying. It was wonderful seeing them enjoy Lake Hāwea View as much as we did, snapping photos of the house and of the views.
We truly made the most of our time here, from hosting a BBQ on the lawn to enjoying late-night chats around the outdoor fireplace, swinging on the swing, marvelling at the sunsets, and unwinding in the hot tub under a blanket of stars. Despite having 13 people in the house, it never felt crowded or like we were encroaching on each other’s space. Instead, it felt cozy, intimate, and exactly what we had hoped for.
As we packed up and prepared to check out, there was a tinge of sadness knowing that our incredible stay was coming to an end. Even though we were about to embark on our honeymoon, leaving Lake Hāwea View felt bittersweet. But as we look ahead, we’re already filled with excitement at the thought of returning, hopefully with a little one in tow. There’s something about this place that makes it impossible to resist coming back. It’s more than just a stunning location – it’s a place where memories are created, and we can’t wait to make more.
Have you ever considered a destination wedding or an intimate getaway in a place like Lake Hāwea View? If so, what would be on your wish list for the perfect venue?
Lore & Tempo is where motherhood meets adventure. I’m Ren – storyteller, explorer, and single mum in Wellington, New Zealand. I’ve been lucky enough to wander through 45 countries. 15 of them with my +1, Kaydes, either strapped to my front, on my hip, or running ahead on her own adventures. I created this space to share single parent life, travel tips, and the joy of exploring the world.
