I had a fantastic experience at Amanda's Garden Apartment. I came to New Zealand for 10 days just to hike, draw and relax and this place exceeded all expectations.

First of all, the location of the apartment is just amazing. Lake Hawea is easily one of the most beautiful places I've seen in the world. Jaw-dropping views of the mountains and lake are right outside your window, and a 5 minute walk takes you to a beautiful stone beach which was the perfect place to watch the sun creep up over the mountains while drinking a morning coffee. Incredible hiking trails are walk-able right from the apartment, and even more remote ones into the rugged rain forests in and around Mt. Aspiring National Park are within an hour's drive. A 2-3 hour drive can take you to the west coast, with amazing glaciers, swamps and beaches. So many beautiful places are withing reach from this place. Just the drive through the lakes (Wanaka and Hawea) is breathtaking. There was so much to see in the immediate area that in my 10 day stay I couldn't possibly see all of it.

The apartment itself was spotlessly clean, cozy and well organized. Parking was easy, I was very warm in the cold winter, and the bed was very comfortable. I cooked my own meals most nights and the local store (a 1 minute walk down the road) had everything I needed. Wanaka, the closest larger town, was 10 minutes away and had some larger stores and many restaurants in case I wanted more.

Most importantly, however, Amanda was a fantastic host. The apartment is free-standing in the garden of her house, but her door was always open to me. She made sure I had anything I needed, but was never intrusive. She also introduced me to the people living in Lake Hawea, and I had a great time at the local pub. No matter how many sights you see on a trip, nothing makes you feel as connected to a place as meeting the real people who live there and being welcomed by them. I had been travelling for several months before I came here, living out of a suitcase and hopping from one place to the next, but I truly felt at home in Lake Hawea. Amanda and her friends had everything to do with that.