The owners are Bob & Maxine. Bob is a retired Telecommunications Engineer. We do everything here so it’s done right & to the best of our ability.
The lodge is amazingly equipped with all sorts of extras. For instance we have a boot drying machine! We don’t have a manager whose aim is to cram as many people in for minimum effort. We aim to surprise our guests with the best experience of staying in a backpacker lodge.
Experiences are shared, friendships are forged, romances are common, kids find it very stimulating with people from all sorts of places & ages. The lodge was designed & largely constructed by us in 2006.
So we have been running a very successful lodge for some 16 years! The time has passed quickly as we really enjoy inter-reacting with our guests. On our site are many items of interest which ensure long conversations. There are vintage tractors, classic motorcycles, an ancient stationary engine, classic cars, etc. Bob is Secretary to the Vintage Machinery Museum just over the road & can take you for a personal tour at the drop of a hat.
We do a lot of 4WD’ing & hiking & can provide first hand track knowledge. Bob has done the Kepler & Milford Tracks over 12 times each & kayaked just about every major lake in Fiordland.
Both Bob and Maxine are wonderful people. Bob even helped me change a flat tyre. The backpackers are extremely warm, self sufficient. Highly recommend this place.
Nice airy place with comfy area to collapse or relax?. Fine welcome from Bob and Maxine. Good for local chat & advice on walks.
Great place to stay, Bob and Maxin are so helpful and friendly. Small but really familiar with the best living room I’ve ever seen in a backpackers!!
One year ago I was in NZ for 2 months and stayed in 35 different hostels. This one was the best of the bunch! Just arrived yesterday for a revisit and my conclusion is the same. The absolute best!
Bob and Maxine have a breezy place a little further from town. Big and nice living space and very clean bathrooms. They are one of the kindest hosts I’ve met in NZ. Free bikes!
This place is a gem! we stayed here for 2 nights. Big comfy ensuite with parking just out the door. Big lounge which felt like home with a kitchen, a fireplace and very big windows to look over to the mountains. Maxine and Bob are just adorable people! Stay here 🙂