Frequently Asked Questions

Everything You Need To Know - Directions/Food/Facilities

GETTING TO HOPEWELL

Where are you located?

Hopewell Lodge is located in the beautiful Marlborough Sounds. You will find us in Double Bay on the water’s edge of the remote Kenepuru Sound. Click here to view our location on the map.

How do you get to Hopewell?

There are six ways to get to Hopewell: by car, by water taxi, by plane, via your own boat, by bicycle or even kayak! Visit our Getting Here page for specific details and various options to visit Hopewell.

If driving, how is the road to Hopewell?

It is not necessary to have a 4WD vehicle; the road is in very good condition with only 16kms of unsealed road. Click here to visit our location on the map.

What is the approximate driving time and distance to Hopewell?

Linkwater | 72km | 2 hours
Picton | 100km | 2 hours 30 minutes
Havelock | 85km | 2 hours 15 minutes
Blenheim (via Havelock) 120km | 3 hours
Nelson 175km | 3 hours 30 minutes
Golden Bay 300km | 5 hours 15 minutes
Christchurch (via Lewis Pass & Renwick 600kms | 8 hours
Westport (vis Renwick) 400kms | 6 hours 30 minutes

Food & Meal Information

Is it necessary to bring our own food to Hopewell?

Yes. Hopewell is primarily a self-catering lodge and you need to bring your food with you. We do offer gourmet pizzas and bake delicious breads and make espresso coffees. You can organise a delivery from the supermarket in Blenheim for you but need a few days notice. We do offer breakfast and packed lunches for folks walking the Queen Charlotte Track. Please contact us for more details.

Are there any supermarkets nearby?

There are no shops in the Sounds. The nearest supermarkets are in Havelock (2 hour 15 minute drive), Blenheim (3 hours) and Picton (2 hours 30 minutes). Deliveries from Blenheim can be organised, but require three days notice.

Are there any nearby restaurants?

No there are no restaurants nearby. It is important to bring your own food with you or contact us to organise a grocery delivery. We do sell some basic groceries, you’ll never starve!

Does Hopewell have kitchen facilities?

Yes. Our brand new designer common kitchen / dining area is fully equipped with fridges, freezer, kettles, toaster, ovens, microwave, panini press, pots and pans, all cutlery and crockery, wine glasses, serving dishes, sharp knives, tea-towels and complimentary tea and coffee. There are no tea and coffee making facilities in your bedroom.

Is it necessary to bring bottled water?

No need to bring bottled water. Our water supply comes from a spring and is UV treated. It is delicious and safe to drink.

Are there any other food options?

Yes. You can collect your own shellfish (mussels, oysters and cockles) from the beach around us and there is a good chance you’ll catch fish. We will give you some tips on how to prepare your fresh seafood.

Does Hopewell have barbecue grills?

Yes. A large gas BBQ and undercover area is available free of charge for our guests. And the cottage has it’s own BBQ.

ACCOMMODATIONS

What time is check in?

Check in is any time after midday and before 9:00pm.

What time is checkout?

Check out from your room on the day of your departure is 10:30am. You are still welcome to use the facilities and we ask that you leave Hopewell by 2:00pm.

Is it possible to get a late checkout?

If you require a late checkout, please discuss it with us in advance, prior to your departure day.

What methods of payment do you accept?

We accept cash, EFTPOS, bank transfer and most major credit cards (there is a 2.5% surcharge on credit cards. Please note we do not accept American Express. 

How do you confirm a booking?

We require credit card details or a deposit before your booking will be confirmed. Your credit card is not charged at this stage only validated and you may pay with cash,  EFTPOS or credit card when checking out.

What is your cancellation policy?

We appreciate at least 48 hours notice if you have a change of plans. You may be charged if you cancel after this time. Different cancellation policies apply to group bookings and Christmas and New Years bookings.

Do you take group bookings?

Yes. Hopewell can be booked out exclusively and it is the perfect venue for a family reunion, birthday celebration or wedding. It is also ideal for workshops or retreats. There is a minimum two night stay and we have rates which are inclusive of all activities. We can accommodate up to 28 people. Please contact us for our group rates. We have reduced rates from April to November.

Does Hopewell have access to the internet?

Yes. We have limited high speed WIFI available and this can by accessed in most places around our accommodations.

Does Hopewell have laundry facilities?

We have  washing machines (including detergent) and dryer available for our guests. We also have large clothes lines outside with pegs.

Do you have accommodations for families?

Yes. Our fully self-contained cottage is the best accommodation option for families. We also have one king ensuite adjoining a four bed bunk room (family ensuite).

Does Hopewell have television?

No televisions here. There is a great collection of movies available free of charge, and we have portable DVD players.

Does Hopewell offer any activities?

Yes! A lot! We offer fishing, dinghies / rowboats, mountain biking, sailing charters, the Pelorus Mail Run, kayaking,  stand up paddle boarding, bush walks, swimming, hot spa pool, hammocks, golf, glow-worms, bird watching and access to the Queen Charlotte Track. Please visit our Activities page for additional information.