The long drive in such a windy road which took forever

Loved the setting and so much to see and do

Stayed in April 2025

Nada. Zilch. It was all wonderufl!

This place is a diamond amongst an already beautiful array of gems. The drive was a bit of a mission due to road repairs form recent storms, but we still got there safely and the information prior to coming in regards to the road conditions and time needed for travelling was accurate and helpful. The room was great, it had a small ensuite and it was comfortable and private. The owners are lovely people who were the highlight of the stay. They went above and beyond to help, to provide all information we needed and to look after us. There are shared cooking facilities at the Lodge, but we opted to order a pizza made onsite. It was the biggest pizza I've had in my life, and really delicious. They brought it right to our deck for us and we ate it whilst overlooking the most lovely views of the lake and surrounds. Just delightful. Espresso coffee the next morning was fab too! We didn't use a lot of the facilities, but we had many available, including fishing equipment, boats, boards, and all sorts of other amenities. Most impressive. There is a small private beach just small walk away and we were told that the temperature was 19 degrees that day. We didn't go swimming, but we did enjoy the tranquility and peace of just sitting there enjoying the natural beauty around us. The birds, the native bush and the lake were all stunning and made for a beautiful break away for us. When I mentioned that drive was a mission and that I wasn't particularly looking forward to driving on the 2.5 hour journey back to the main road, one of the owners offered to drive our car to Te Mahia Bay (a 1.5 hour drive) and meet us so we could take the water taxi across the lake (a mere 15 minutes). We were happy to accept this offer. It took all the stress away from the prospect of the long drive. Thank you so much for this! There is absolutely NOTHING I can say that is negative about this trip. It was wonderful! Highly recommended! Thank you!

Stayed in April 2025

Amazing, what an experience. We will stay longer next time! Staff amazing, views incredible

Stayed in March 2025

Outstanding friendly staff, they make you feel like home, and they make an incredible good pizza (we had the chicken plum - highly recommend) The place is really magical, you stay at the Fjord and can discover it kayaking, hiking or biking. If you're lucky you can see bioluminescent plankton glowing in the sea at night, beautiful stars and glow worms. You can watch the sunrise from the hot tup. It's a place to enjoy! You should stay there at least 2 days. The only thing we didn't like was that we didn't stay longer ;) If there would be an 11. Star, they would have earned it! ... And there is a chimney burning all day ... We had breakfast in front of it :)

Stayed in March 2025

The tide was out when we got there, and it was overcast so we couldn't see the stars.

NA

Stayed in April 2025

Beautiful location and amazing hosts Lynley and Mike. We had access to paddleboards and kayaks on site, a spa on the waters edge and numerous hammocks and deck chairs to soak in sunrise and sunset or while away the hours with a good book. Truly a special place.

Stayed in March 2025

Nothing

This was a little bit of paradise - hosted to perfection by Lynley, Mike and their team. We loved the relaxed feel of Hopewell Lodge, the excellent accomodation and facilities, the access to the Sound (on kayaks, fishing boats and SUPs), walks along the coast, foraging for oysters and mussels, Tui the dog, coffee and cakes, fresh bread in the morning...... but fabulous as all the facilities and experiences are, the real star are the brilliant team running Hopewell Lodge. We really would like to come back and stay longer next time....

Stayed in March 2025

What a great spot where we were completely able to relax and unwind. The dark sky with bright milky way made for a perfect view while sitting in the hot tub spa!

Stayed in March 2025

Everithing was outstanding

It is the paradise in the earth!

Stayed in February 2025

Nothing

Mike and Lynley, what great people. Looking after us so well with our disabilities. Best chocolate brownies. Thanks so much . We'll be back.

Stayed in February 2025

We didn't see a puzzle.

The property is very well kept. There were lots of toys and activities to enjoy. The vegetation on property was beautiful. The view from my room was beautiful. Such a relaxing environment. The common kitchen has all the cooking tools you'd need and is super clean. There are great books to exchange. Minimal bugs.

Stayed in February 2025

The weather and the fact that" booking.com" still clipped the ticket for 2 nights accom. when we only had 1 night, and that the booking was for only 2 people when we were 3 so had to except bunk beds instead of our booked room.

We self catered, but the mussel entree in the evening and the warm scones at morning tea were a wonderful surprise.

Stayed in February 2025

It was perfect

An amazingly relaxed 2 days and Mike and Lynley were so welcoming We would definitely visit again

Stayed in February 2025

A very relaxing place to stay. The rooms were comfortable. The bathrooms were clean. The grounds are fun to explore. We had a lovely time cooking and eating our hand-harvested mussels. The glow worms and bioluminescence are magical.

Stayed in February 2025

Everything! Honestly, Hopewell Lodge is marvellous and we're so pleased we stumbled across it. The setting is gorgeous, Mike & Lynley are excellent and welcoming hosts, the bed was very comfortable, the room was lovely and the kitchen facilities were exceptional. We can't fault it! The social aspect was a surprising bonus too, it was lovely to meet others over mussels & homemade bread in the evening, but it didn't feel like there were that many people staying there the rest of the time - a great balance of privacy & people-ing! My only complaint is our own fault - we only had one night to spend here and it would have been better to spend at least two, but probably more... and Lynley did recommend that at the time we booked, so she did her best to help us! We'll know better next time... and there will definitely be a next time!

Stayed in December 2024

The setting of Hopewell Lodge is so beautiful and serene. A wonderfully equipped kitchen and the many shared areas -both indoor and out were comfortable and spacious. The spa pool was so wonderful overlooking the bay. Above all of this, was the amazing hosts, Mike and Lynley, who were so welcoming and generous with their time. We had a delightful time, Thank you so much.

Stayed in January 2025

Magical place to stay with everything you need for a relaxing holiday with or without kids. Owners, staff and guests (most of which were returning guests) are what made our stay, the views are amazing, facilities clean and the activities available were an added extra. Mussel night and pizza were delicious. We will be back!

Stayed in January 2025

Having to leave!

Lynley and Mike so hospitable and lovely. An incredible setting and Hopewell Lodge full of heart and soul ♥

Stayed in December 2024

Beautiful setting! Wonderful amenities!

Stayed in December 2024

Everything! Comfortable, clean with excellent facilities.

Stayed in December 2024

Nothing not to like

From the moment you walk into Hopewell, you get a feeling you are staying somewhere very special. After a fun and scenic little boat ride to the property (which is part of the experience of ‘leaving the world behind’), we were greeted by warm and friendly hosts and staff. We were assisted with our luggage, along a magical short / easy path through the oasis to get to our cottage. With a view to die for, our cottage was perfect in every way, clean and everything we needed (with super comfy beds!). We could tell so much care had been taken to make our stay wonderful. Do yourself a favor and order the pizzas for dinner , homemade by our hosts. They are humongous and made with delish fresh ingredients. We enjoyed them outside on a candle lit table by a toasty fire, finished off with complimentary toasted marshmallows! We changed things up to prepare our own meals on other nights which we had fun preparing in the best shared kitchen / facilities I have ever seen! There is nothing you want for.. it has everything from basic staples to sharp knives.. something you miss during travels ! (Even includes a huge, comfy living room with a toasty fireplace the staff are constantly stoking up !) We also enjoyed freshly baked homemade bread in the morning for breakfast and delicious espressos (we are from Melbourne , so takes a lot to impress us with coffee!!!). After a long journey around the South Island, we chose to take it easy at Hopewell.. easy strolls around the property to enjoy the breathtaking views, took a bike ride, played and swam in the sound shoreline with our toddler, kayaked, read a book in the hammock overlooking pristine landscape, and an evening soak in the hot tub. But you could do as little or as much as you like, with generous hosts available to help you plan activities as you desire. We found Hopewell absolutely magical, where we got lost in relaxation and making beautiful family memories together.

Stayed in April 2024

Nothing.

Everything. The amazing hospitality from the owners Mike and Lynley is the icing on the cake when staying at Hopewell. From the lovely coffee and baking when we first arrived to scones and scrolls during our stay. We ordered pizza one night. It was delicious and big. Sat in front of the outdoor fire to eat it. Mussel night was great and got to chat with some of the other guests. We enjoyed all the activities from biking, walking, kayaking, attempting to fish. Going with Mike to get the mussels. And let’s not forget the hot tub. The communal facilities are great and plenty of room for everyone. So whether it’s meeting people or privacy you’re after, there is something for everyone.

Stayed in April 2024

Lynley and Mike are very friendly and helpful hosts. We enjoyed meeting with other guests, picking our own cockles and oysters for dinner, relaxing with the wonderful views all around and taking short scenic walks around. The property is beautiful too. And the cookies were so yummy :D

Stayed in March 2024

Leaving!

Hopewell is a little spot in paradise! The location is wonderful, beautiful and peaceful. Everything was done to make it easy and convenient to get there and Lynley and Michael were exceptional hosts. The evening of green muscles fresh from the sounds was a very enjoyable surprise and lovely way to meet other guests. Excellent facilities to cook and enjoy the environment.

Stayed in March 2024