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

That we didn't stay longer!

Beautiful views, food and people!

Stayed in March 2024

There is not anything to not like about this property. Lynley and Mike have worked extremely hard to build this oasis and maintain it to a very high standard.

This is an exceptional place to stay. It is a unique experience to take the boat over to the lodge. We were fortunate to have good weather both trips. Upon arrival we were greeted by our wonderful hosts with cake and coffee. The accommodations are modern, very clean, a good size rooms with quality linens and furniture. The bed is very comfortable. The views from the rooms are beautiful. The shared kitchen is very clean, with abundant quality kitchen supplies and room. They have all the gear for utilizing their outdoor equipment. All the guests were treated to a night of mussels and homemade bread by the hosts which was exceptional. You can be as busy or laid back as you desire at this location. It really does have something for everyone. The Hosts and staff all went above and beyond to ensure your stay is great.

Stayed in March 2024

Nothing

Location, hosts, facilities

Stayed in March 2024

The location of this lodge is exceptional and the owners and staff could not have done a better job of making our stay enjoyable. Muscle night was a real treat, the icing on the cake.

Stayed in March 2024

The location was mind-blowing! Our hosts were fabulous. The meals they provided were outstanding. The mussells, bread and sauces......OMG! The pizza was fantastic, and even barista coffee. The facilities were excellent....kayaks, SUPs, boats with fishing equipment and bait supplied, bicycles....everything you could ask for. The cottage was devine. We couldn't have asked for anything better.

Stayed in February 2024

Nothing - it’s all fantastic!

Love the location and of course Lyn and Mike - such wonderful hosts! 3rd time visiting and can’t wait to come back again in the future!

Stayed in February 2024

There really was nothing

Everything, from the hosts Lynley and Mike to the accommodation, to the activities and the location

Stayed in February 2024

Most relaxing Best owners and kind service.

Stayed in February 2024

Absolutely amazing stay. Highly reccomend, lovely scenery and people!

Stayed in February 2024

Such a beautiful and peaceful place. Bikes, paddles and kayak are available for use. Warm welcome from the owners. We stayed only one night but it was 24h break in paradise

Stayed in January 2024

Lynley as a host will assist with anything and Tui will guard you from possums. On-site hot tub, glowworms, hiking trails, golf course nearby - just few of maaany attractions there. Take a warter taxi from Havelock, definitely worth it.

Stayed in November 2023

Nothing

I loved the location and the views. It was great being able to use the kayaks and fishing boat. Lovely welcome with fresh coffee and chocolate brownies. Delicious! The home cooked pizza on our first evening was delicious too.

Stayed in November 2023

Nothing.

Lovely accommodation in beautiful surroundings. The hot tub was marvellous. Wonderful place to relax & enjoy the beauty around you. Plenty of options for kayaking/fishing/walks if you want. A lovely warm welcome from Lynley & Mike who spoilt us with home baked treats (scones & sweet buns). We ordered pizza for dinner one night & it was more than enough to feed the two of us.

Stayed in April 2023

Nothing

Brilliant comunal kitchen living room…very relaxing and peaceful place to hang with extremely helpful owners

Stayed in April 2023

Nothing, l liked it all.

Stunning location accessible by boat (definitely part of the experience), great facilities (including kayaks and bikes) and a lovely, relaxed atmosphere. A great way of getting into the Marlbrough Sounds for a couple of days. Highly recommended.

Stayed in March 2023

Great rooms. Great communication -picked us all up on the Queen Charlotte track for a night and returned us the next morning to continue the walk. Great pizzas.

Stayed in February 2023

Nothing

The location is stunning and felt so secluded! Mike & Lynley were the most amazing hosts - the homemade pizza was particularly delicious! Well stocked kitchen and so many activities available to use at the lodge

Stayed in March 2023

Great place, a rest day from Queen Charlotte track. Pizza, kayaking, oyster gathering. Beautiful.Friendly.

Stayed in February 2023

Lynley and Mike have created a slice of paradise with Hopewell Lodge and we did not want to leave. Everything from booking to settling our bill was seamless. I had never seen such a high rating on booking.com but Hopewell Lodge lives up to it and exceeds it. Do not hesitate to book, you will not regret it! Don’t forget to try the pizzas too which are delicious.

Stayed in March 2023

It was all just fantastic. :Lynely and Mike were wonderful hosts. The amenities were cleverly thought out. It was just a magical couple of days. Highly recommended.

Stayed in February 2023