How to stay warm in NZ during the colder months.

New Zealand is not known for well-insulated housing stock. Much of the housing in the more rural parts of the country (and even in some of the cities) consists of simple timber clapboard with minimal insulation. Double-glazed windows are becoming increasingly common, but most homes still go without. Air conditioning is uncommon in most parts of the country.

Due to milder summers and winters, this lack of weather-proofing and climate control is usually not much of an issue. However, during the colder months, the lack of insulation and double-glazing can make for a uncomfortable night’s sleep if proper measures are not taken.

In the main house at Woodside we have two fireplaces, at least one of which is kept going throughout the night for warmth. And for our guests, we offer a range of heating options so that they are kept warm and toasty!

Heating Options for Guests

In Adelaide’s Barn we have heated floors in the bathroom. Nothing feels better on your feet during the colder months than a warm floor radiating heat. It certainly beats cold tile!

We also have a heat pump in the bathroom and a heated towel rack. For the rest of the apartment we have a column heater that can be transported to whichever room it is most needed for.

The biggest difference maker are our fitted electric bed blankets. These bed heaters have individual controls for each side of the bed so that each guest can adjust the temperature to their liking.

Another up-and-coming feature for Adelaide’s Barn is the arrival of a hot tub! The Spa International brand hot tub is made in NZ and well-insulated for heat retention. The filter on the hot tub filter is cleaned after each set of guests, so you know that the hot tub is clean before using. We are in the process of obtaining some replacement parts for the hot tub and hope to have it up and running soon..

Longer term in the future, we hope to offer our guests use of a sauna.

Our Garden Room Suite also has a heat pump in the bathroom, heated towel rack, portable column heater, and heated electric bed blankets. A portable porch heater is available as well for breakfast on the front porch.

May marks the arrival of the end of a burn ban in Marlborough, which means a fire pit for guests.

Taking Advantage of the Colder Months

The colder months are a lovely time to visit Marlborough. Tourist traffic is noticeably less pronounced. Our rooms are kept cozy by the array of different heating options we offer. The hot tub and fire pit add warmth and ambiance. The night sky is often clear, and during the day the sun often shines. It rarely gets colder than a bit of frost in the morning.

If you are thinking of visiting us in the colder months, use discount code offseasonspecial for a discount on your next direct booking through the website. We look forward to giving you a warm welcome at Woodside!