Staff Trip: Lake Coleridge

​What a great winter adventure!!! Poppy, Levi, and I recently managed to sneak away for a long weekend in the staff motorhome. Last time Levi was only tiny and not moving very far or fast. This time around he was on the move and had lots of energy to burn.

Above: Incredible calm morning at Lake Coleridge.

The trip was all about pushing the boundaries and discovering how he likes the confined space as well as travelling for extended periods of time. The weather certainly helped and all in all the weekend was a great success.

Below: Our much-loved staff motorhome posing on the top of Arthurs Pass.

Blenheim - Lake Brunner

We started on Thursday just before his lunch nap and were aiming to get all the way to Lake Brunner. The weather forecast was stunning so we decided to take the longer west coast route and were hoping that Arthurs Pass would be open the following day.

Left: Most modern car seats can be fitted with a standard diagonal seat belt. Levi was stoked.

​We made it all the way to Lake Brunner and only had to stop once to burn some energy and visit the toilet.

Right: Levi posing in front of the Pilote decal not knowing how lucky he is travelling in such style and comfort.

When we arrived at the lake the sun was setting, and the evening was beautiful and calm. We all enjoyed dinner overlooking the water staring into the distance before drifting away into a well-deserved early night’s sleep.

Tip: We stayed at Iveagh Bay Campground which is a free park over site for self-contained vehicles right next to the water.

Below: Quick pit stop on the way to Lake Brunner.

Lake Brunner - Lake Coleridge

We woke up to a frosty but perfect winter morning and enjoyed a relaxed breakfast and some delicious pastries from the general store in Moana before heading off on our first little hike of the trip.

Below: Levi enjoying dinner and snacks in the motorhome. A portable toddler camp chair is a must have and prevents food stains on the soft furniture.

After the hike and lunch, the temperature was high enough for me to be comfortable driving over Arthurs Pass to Lake Coleridge. The trip takes approximately 3 hours and was stunning. It’s not very often you drive any of the South Island passes in perfect weather like this.

Tip: Parts of the road can still be frozen even in well above zero temperatures. In winter I would suggest driving during the warmer part of the day and take it easy especially in shaded areas.

Above Left: Early winter morning at Lake Brunner.

Above Right: The top of Arthurs pass looking towards the west coast. We arrived at Lake Coleridge Power Station Lodge to meet up with family for a 50s birthday party weekend and were warmly welcomed by our hosts and owners of the property. We plugged the motorhome into an external power socked next to the building and set up for the rest of the weekend.

Below: Levi taking in the beauty of Lake Brunner.

Lake Coleridge - Blenheim

After enjoying a family weekend full of food, activities, play and adventures we headed back home on Sunday via Christchurch and Kaikoura stopping in Cheviot for a play at the school and a strong coffee.

Below: Poppy and Levi overlooking the lake during sunset and Levi playing in Cheviot.

Below: Friday evening cheese board.

Arriving back in Blenheim just on dark Levi was ready for dinner and bed. The weekend was great, and I can't stress enough how beautiful and fun it is travelling in winter. The snow changes the scenery and crisp mornings will give you a clarity in the air you won't experience in summer. A trip we won't forget in a hurry and as always, we are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to use the staff motorhome.

​Let's not forget that owning a late model European motorhome is a privilege most people can't afford and the comfort it provides even during the coldest months of the year allows us to enjoy it all in style and warmth!!!

Above: The best of both worlds. Enjoying a warm fire inside after a hike in the crisp winter air.