THE SKYBED
Each SkyBed nestles within native scrub and tussocks in a private location. With the units recessed into the ground, you feel part of the environment, whilst also having shelter and privacy. The bed rests at ground level, so you are, in terms of perspective, lying on the ground viewing the stars.
This unique building comprises a glass-roofed bedroom, as well as an earth roofed kitchenette and bathroom. Outside, in a sunken courtyard, you can relax in a 2m long stainless steel-cedar bathtub. No chemicals are added – just pure (heated) water – sourced from a nearby spring.
Booking information
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Only 12Km from Twizel
- Three seperate SkyScapes
- Sleeps a maximum of two people
- All guests must be over 16
- Each building has the same design and view
- Continental breakfast included
- Evening meal platters on request
- Self check in directions emailed before stay
- Nightly rate - current pricing in Booking tab
- Vouchers available
- Accessible unit for limited mobility
Accessibility
One building is accessible meeting the building code 4121. Amenities include a ramp down to a sunken courtyard, a walk in shower with handrails and a fold down wall seat, floating vanity and accessible toileting facilities . A floating kitchen table and wheel chair access to the sink, low shelves and drawers for accessible access. Please note that accessing the outdoor bath may be challenging for those with limited mobility. Please notify us at the time of booking if you wish to stay in our accessible room.
Cuisine
A gourmet continental breakfast is provided which can be prepared in the kitchenette. This includes a selection of Muesli, Yoghurt, Fresh Fruit, Bread, Local Jam, Juice, Tea and Coffee
An evening dinner platter or salad is available on request.
- Option One- Evening Meal Platter for 2. Local cheeses, local smoked salmon, cured meats, chutney, fresh vegetable sticks, fresh bread and crackers.
- Option Two – The Ultimate Salad for 2. Leafy salad greens, local feta cheese, local smoked salmon, pickled beetroot, cherry tomatoes, orange segments, sweet lemon dressing and fresh bread.
Amenities
- King Bed
- Wifi
- Kitchenette, including double gas hob, fridge, toaster and kettle
- Bathroom, large tiled shower, vanity and toilet
- Blinds / fly screens
- Airconditioning / Central heating
- Luxury Cedar outdoor bath tub
- Private outdoor courtyard with seating and umbrella
- 24 hour phone support
Location
Approximate driving times
To SkyScape from…
- Christchurch International Airport: 3 hours, 25 minutes
- Tekapo: 40 minutes
- Twizel: 10 minutes
- Queenstown: 2 hours, 30minutes
- Timaru: 2 hours
- Oamaru: 1 hour, 50 minutes
- Omarama: 25 minutes
- Wanaka: 1 hour, 50 minutes
- Mt Cook: 50 minutes
OUR ENVIRONMENT
Temperature control
Concrete mass, ventilation, extraction fans, roof blinds and an air conditioning unit all help keep the SkyBed cool in summer. Central heating keeps you warm during the cooler months.
Weather
Summers are usually very hot and winters cold, often with a frost in the early morning followed by a clear sunny day. Being so close to the Southern Alps means our weather is very changeable and often we have four seasons in one day – so come prepared for all eventualities!
Off-Grid
Here at SkyScape we are completely off-grid, using solar, gas and a back- up generator for those cloudy days, so we ask you to please conserve energy where possible.
Access tracks
A dirt road leads to your SkyScape accommodation, traversable by standard 2WD vehicles.
Water
The spring water, sourced from deep under the Ben Ohau Range, is as pure as it gets and free from contaminants. No chlorine is added, just 100% pure NZ water.
Landscape
All planting around the unit is native to the area to help the SkyBed blend into the environment.
Architecture
This building is the creation of New Zealand designer, Ian Perry. The shape of the building, chosen to reflect the angles of the mountain peaks around, is recessed into the ground to allow guests to feel part of the landscape.
Aoraki International Dark Sky Reserve
Twizel is part of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve. This area of sky is protected from light pollution by local bylaws, with tight controls on outdoor lighting. This means that the stars you see in Twizel, Tekapo or Mt Cook are some of the clearest in the world.