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Parkbrae Estate

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Room & Suite (34)
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#2 of 2 ranches in Lake Tekapo
Location
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Parkbrae Estate is so much more than a stay... it is an experience! Preferred by so many due to its unique style cottages and units (apartments), peaceful surroundings and privileged location! No doubt the spot in Tekapo! Only a stone's throw away from the stunning turquoise lake and a few steps from the Church of Good Shepherd and Collie Dog Statue, Tekapo's best known icons!! When at Parkbrae Estate, wake up to breathtaking scenery or warm up by the fire on a cold winter night... stroll through the gardens with camera in hand soaking up the morning light... sit on the balcony with a book or a glass of the finest NZ wine...wait until the stars come out in the mesmerizing night sky and make a wish... or two... Perfect for romantic getaways, family holidays, weddings, gatherings or just an excuse to treat yourself!!
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Wifi
Pets Allowed ( Dog / Pet Friendly )
Room features
Kitchenette
Refrigerator
Flatscreen TV
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Good to know
HOTEL STYLE
Romantic
Charming
132Reviews9Q+A35Room tips
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kms389 wrote a review Feb 2019
North Yorkshire, United Kingdom19 contributions11 helpful votes
We stayed at Stargazers Retreat which is in an enviable location on the shore of Lake Tekapo. Lovely cottage style accommodation with a very comfortable bed and an excellent shower. So there you have the positives. Sadly, for the price we paid it failed to deliver on so many other levels. No welcome pack, an oven that needs an engineering degree to operate. Finally, we googled the model and got the instructions from the internet. Having read the comment book this is an issue that most guests encounter. A television which we never did get to work as it kept saying failed signal. Now the title of the cottage prepares you for the ceiling window to enjoy the view from your bed. It would appear that the cleaner only cleans at eye level as the first thing that greets you as you look towards the stars is the cobwebs and dust, perhaps they could supply the cleaner with a step ladder - just a suggestion? We also went on the night visit Star Gazing from the observatory which means getting up in the middle of the night and navigating your way around the cottage in total darkness, down the steps before you reach the carpark. An outside light at the back is so needed. One of the most expensive bed and breakfasts and one of the most disappointing we stayed in during our visit to NZ.
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Date of stay: January 2019
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Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Zayla wrote a review Dec 2018
Perth, Australia300 contributions171 helpful votes
My partner and I booked a two night stay at Mary Mac's Cottage. We had a slight hiccup obtaining the key to check in as it appears the Reception office had moved but once we were able to make contact with Parkbrae Estate and find the new location, check in was fast and efficient. The cottage is literally directly across the road from Lake Tekapo and has no obstructions blocking the view, it is simply stunning. Both bedrooms overlook the lake and there is also a beautiful dining table/sitting room with views of the lake. The cottage is visibly old however it adds to it's charm and the kitchen and bathroom have been renovated. The cottage is well equipped with all amenities and the wifi worked great. It is an easy walk 5 minute walk to town and close to the food options in Tekapo. We had a fabulous stay and would definitely recommend to other travellers.
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Date of stay: December 2018
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Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Thesons wrote a review Jul 2018
Adelaide, Australia125 contributions20 helpful votes
It is very rare that we write a negative review but in this case there is no option. We stayed 4 nights in The Church House @ Parkbrae Estate, Lake Tekapo. New Zealand. The price was over $220 a night. The view is world class, hard to beat, sadly the standard of the accomodation fell well short. The heating was severely inadequate for winter conditions where temps are around or below zero overnight or during the day. The toaster was not working correctly, the small electric fan heater was firing sparks out the back & then stopped working. Both these items were replaced when they were brought by us to the property managers attention. The replacement heater was an old oil stained electric column heater which only partially worked but it assisted the 3 ancient electric element wall plate heaters to do their best to make some heat that was never sufficient. The building is old & appears not to be well insulated which allows any heat generated to rapidly escape. There is a dishwasher which leaked every time it was used with seperate puddles appearing on the kitchen floor creating hazards for slipping or soaking your socks. A light globe blown as well in the bedroom. There was a miss matched lounge suite set up in the living area with one portion more like a cane outdoor seating arrangement which lacked comfort. There is better value for money with the same view for half the cost when we made enquiries & where we will stay next time. Some of the income made from The Church House needs to be put back into it, to make it of a standard befitting the price, & giving the customer good vallue for money. On this NZ holiday we stayed in 6 lodings & sadly The Church House came last when rated value for money.
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Date of stay: July 2018Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Ian F wrote a review May 2018
2 contributions
Totally overpriced for the product offered. Its no doubt in an amazing location once the tour buses and camper vans leave for the day. It is however tricky to negotiate the track from carpark area in dark -there are no external lights. Please look at providing toiletries not just soap Robes should be part of the deal for this price. A welcome pack with breakfast at the very least. I have travelled extensively through many countries and not found such a mismatch between price and product The added bonus for the price was doing my own dishes and taking out the rubbish Could be a fantastic stay but many things need tweeking
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Date of stay: May 2018Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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foodguru010390 wrote a review Dec 2017
111 contributions42 helpful votes
Using words it's going to be impossible to do justice to how amazing the Dr's Retreat is. Prior to visiting New Zealand I had done some research on where I wanted to propose to my girlfriend. After deciding on Lake Tekapo I struggled to find accomodation that lived up to such an occasion. I wanted it to have it all; facilities, location, and that something special. The Dr's retreat ticks every one of those boxes. The location is absolutely spectacular, walking distance to town and the Church of The Good Shepherd on your door step. The accomodation itself is immaculate with excellent attention to detail from the decor to the cleaning and everything in between. The kitchen is well equipped and has everything you need. There is a fire to keep you warm in the winter and a balcony/patio to sit on in the summer. There is parking, Wi-Fi, comfy beds, excellent showers and even sky on the TV. There isn't a single thing I could fault. What makes the Parkbrae Estate even better is the staff; they were incredibly accommodating, helpful and friendly. Whether you are just looking for luxury accomodation or somewhere special, the Dr's Retreat is where you should stay.
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Date of stay: November 2017Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Xinyuan W wrote a review Aug 2017
Beijing, China183 contributions35 helpful votes
We stayed 2 nights in Aug 2017 at the Stargazer's Retreat. It's totally as advertised, locating at a fantastic position! 1 min walk to the world famous Good Shepherd Church, and you can literally see the gorgeous view of the snow mountains and the lake Tekapo when sitting in your bed! Besides, the wood hearth just makes everything even more romantic. The amenities are great, high shower water pressure, comfortable bed, and effective heating blanket for winter travelers. The only flaw if have to say, it's there's no washing/drying machines in the room. but, well...doing laundry won't be that important to you when you see the view out from the front door. XD
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Date of stay: August 2017
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Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: the checki
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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MVP40 wrote a review Jul 2017
Bristol, United Kingdom25 contributions6 helpful votes
Our stay at Tekapo was our last holiday location at the end of a 4 week holiday. There is no doubt that Tekapo is the most beautiful place and that this appartment is ideally situated overlooking the church and in beautiful gardens. It however lacks the personal touch unlike many places we stayed. It is managed through a holiday company who are indeed friendly and efficient. The appartment lacked some basic kitchen equipment. It also smelt on smoke. We suspected that this was because the bathroom adjoined the laundry room where possibly someone had been smoking. The staff were not interested when I told them. The wifi only works if you stand on the lawn! Luckily the weather was fine. We did have a lovely stay here and a few adjustments would make this appartment perfect.
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Date of stay: January 2017
Cleanliness
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Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: There is some noise from the flat above.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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wolfegod wrote a review Jun 2017
86 contributions63 helpful votes
If you have to stay in Lake Tekapo, look no further! Most of the units are facing the lake (just across a tiny street from the touristy dog statue and Church of Good Shepherd) but we had the good fortune to stay in Mary Mac. There was a slight hiccup with the water pressure in the bathroom, which the owner promptly turned up to fix. There are many good things to say about this place. If you appreciate a good quaint cottage like feel, this place is for you. It even comes with a fireplace which I greedily indulge in. I wish there were more firewood even though I had 3 hours of fiery fun. It also comes with a full kitchen (head to Foursquare in Village Centre for groceries) and two dining table options - one in the kitchen (which we moved into the living space, right in front of the fireplace) and the other in the veranda (which... was unfortunately too cold in winter, even with the 2 heaters we brought in). The 2 bedrooms had were wonderfully facing the lake (which, admittedly, can be creepy if the place was a lot more crowded with human traffic) with electric blankets to keep you toasty. This was the rare place with good wifi (good speed and connection). Also, if you're in luck, there's an apple tree on the adjacent compound (which also belongs to the same owner). Free fruit. The view is certainly the best thing. Just wake up early, or just sit there and watch the darkness claim the waters. Either way, Mary Macs command the best view.
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Date of stay: May 2017
Value
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Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip: Choose Mary Mac!!
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Blank_Expressionism wrote a review May 2017
Perth, Australia93 contributions38 helpful votes
Wow. I can't believe it has almost been a year since I was lucky enough to visit. My now husband and I visited Parkbrae as an engaged couple and married near by! We had photos in the large area outside and found everything fantastic. Whilst we stayed in the Doctor's Retreat, we had family members in two other houses. All were satisfied with accommodations. However, the Doctor's Retreat is superior. The bathrooms and bedrooms are fantastic, it is close to everything and the house has an amazing space directly behind it. Our only issue was that the fire failed and we were given instructions to start the fire even though we had a very similar fire at home... As there were heaters and it happened on the second last night, it wasn't a big issue. Fantastic place with excellent management.
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Date of stay: July 2016Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Russell B wrote a review May 2017
Auckland Central, New Zealand21 contributions1 helpful vote
Stayed 2 nights in the garden cottage. The cottage has an excellent location with a lovely view of the church of the good shepherd. The cottage is a bit run down but has a lovely atmosphere with an open fire ( firewood provided). 3 bedrooms & 2 bathrooms make it spacious. I hope future renovations will be sympathetic to the age of the cottage & keep the historical features. Staff at tekapo holiday homes were very friendly & helpful.
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Date of stay: May 2017Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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LOCATION
New ZealandSouth IslandCanterbury RegionMackenzie DistrictLake Tekapo
NUMBER OF ROOMS
15
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Parkbrae Estate - UPDATED Prices, Reviews & Photos (Lake Tekapo, New Zealand) - Ranch - Tripadvisor

Frequently Asked Questions about Parkbrae Estate
Which popular attractions are close to Parkbrae Estate?
Nearby attractions include The Church of the Good Shepherd (0.1 km), Mackenzie Sheep Dog Statue (0.1 km), and Aotea Gifts Tekapo (0.4 km).
Which room amenities are available at Parkbrae Estate?
Top room amenities include a kitchenette, a flat screen TV, and a refrigerator.
Is parking available at Parkbrae Estate?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Parkbrae Estate?
Conveniently located restaurants include TLV Restaurant & Bar, The Greedy Cow Ltd, and Blue Lake Eatery & Bar.
Is Parkbrae Estate located near the city centre?
Yes, it is 0.2 km away from the centre of Lake Tekapo.
Are pets allowed at Parkbrae Estate?
Yes, pets are typically allowed, but it's always best to call ahead to confirm.
Does Parkbrae Estate have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the lake view available here.