A place with quiet history

A wooden dining table outside of a house with sliding glass doors, set with a flower in a vase, a carafe of water with lemon, a coffee mug, a French press, a glass of water, and a plate of food, with trees and a clear blue sky in the background.

Aldourie began in 1945, when Scottish immigrant Andrew Mackintosh built a quiet cottage overlooking Lake Tekapo and named it after the estate he once called home near Loch Ness. That small, simple house became the foundation for what Aldourie is today — a collection of Tekapo stays that hold their history lightly while offering the comfort and ease travellers look for now. Each property has been restored with restraint, keeping the original character while introducing the modern details that make a stay feel genuinely enjoyable. Natural materials, thoughtful design choices, and a calm sense of place guide everything we do.

Our purpose is simple.

Create accommodation that feels honest, comfortable, and connected to the landscape. Places with character rather than polish. Stays where the details matter and the pace slows naturally. A base that makes exploring Tekapo, Aoraki Mount Cook, and the wider Mackenzie region easy and enjoyable. Aldourie exists to offer the kind of hospitality people remember — calm, considered, and grounded in the place it comes from.

What sets Aldourie apart is not just the homes themselves, but the way they’re cared for. On-site hosts Chris and Dawne bring a quiet, concierge-style approach to hospitality — warm, present, and thoughtful without being intrusive. Whether it’s sharing local knowledge, ensuring your cottage is perfectly prepared, or simply being available when needed, they make the experience feel personal and well looked after.