Perfect location, amazing views, fabulous atmosphere & Mike and Linley were the best hosts ever.
Fresh Cinnamon buns and warm smiles welcomed us on arrival. Linley and Mike made great effort to keep us all enjoying the Lodge and the beautiful opportunities surrounding it. We’ve gone on beautiful walks, fishing, kayaking and biking. We enjoyed the Hot Tub facing the beautiful sound and our kids even got an opportunity to visit the local school –which was wonderful. There was excellent coffee available, yummy muscles brought by Mike and a great common room to sit back and relax. Clean and tidy with anything you can ask for; and more !! We cannot recommend Hopewell Lodge highly enough.
Everything Was Perfect
What an amazing place this is – everything was perfect; location, staff, cleanliness, facilities, activities, everything – they just cannot be faulted. We stayed here for 3 nights and loved every minute of it – when our last day came around (way too fast) we were sad to leave. Mike and Lynley the owners/hosts were just amazing, very friendly, welcoming and accommodating. They went out of their way to ensure we had the best stay possible, Mike baked up a storm and it was amazing! Hopewell had all kinds of people staying from very young to elderly so it is perfect for anyone who wants to escape to paradise for a time. Being animal lovers their dog Tui was a big bonus and we loved having her there to play with and cuddle. Thanks so much Mike and Lynley for your hospitality.
Cavan Jordan
April 2022
Home from home.
Loved every minute of our fabulous stay at Hopewell Lodge and was so sad to leave.
Mike and Lynley are the most generous, thoughtful and kind hosts I’ve ever come across.They make you feel instantly at home. Their attention to detail is evident across all areas from accommodation, kitchen appliances, super comfy beds, log fires, espresso coffee, outdoor activities – the list goes on. Can’t wait to get back there!!!
Kaye and Jonny
Tripadvisor March 2022
Thank you for our wonderful stay at Hopewell.
Hi Mike and Lynley,
We had to write and thank you for our wonderful stay at Hopewell.
It was all perfect and a great way to spend a couple of days to celebrate a special birthday.
Your hospitality was wonderful, so kind and considerate.
The information you gave us before and during the trip was so helpful and it seemed every question was answered, often before we asked.
The location is one of the most scenic we have stayed at.
The extras, such as the bread and the equipment were ideal as well.
We actually can’t think of one single thing that wasn’t 5 out of 5.
As we mentioned to you both, we have both worked in the hospitality industry for a life time and our compliments are quite hard to achieve.
Congratulations on such an amazing set up.
Look forward to seeing you again.
Many regards
And thanks
Tony and Kathryn Lovelidge. March 2022.
Legends
So, I’m reluctant to write this review. Why? because the secret will be out to this fantastic hidden location and lodge experience. My wife and I spent two nights at Hopewell while completing the QCT by bike. Mike picked us up on his boat from Portage for the quick trip across the sound, within 5 mins of setting foot on land I had a cold Speights in my hand, 20 mins in I was in the lodge hot pool overlooking what is some of the most stunning scenery NZ has to offer (and I have travelled all over this land), another cold brew in the tub and invited to a company dinner of fresh Mussels that Mike had been out to harvest 20 minutes prior!. Lovely guests and a stunning homemade Pizza later and the end to an epic day. Put simply, hospitality students should be sent to hang out with these guys as they have in my opinion the absolute epitome of Southern hospitality. They offer more than a place to stay, they have worked hard (so hard it seems effortless) to produce a unique experience. See you guys again without a doubt. Legends.
Dan Dempsey March 2021
Outstanding Hideaway
We had three nights at Hopewell. Absolutely fantastic. Lynley, Mike and Tui are first class hosts. The place is spotless. Excellent kitchen/ Dining/Lounging facilities. So peaceful and we loved every minute. Thanks so much Mike and Lynley for such a great stay.
Sharlene
October 2020
Homely Luxury at its very best
We had three nights at Hopewell Lodge and Mike and Lynley are the most amazing hosts we have ever met in all our years of travel, here and abroad. They are so kind and giving and nothing is a problem. The views of the Sound are amazing, everything is spotlessly clean and the kitchen and dining/cosy lounge area are fantastic. You can do as little or as much as you like and we went rock oystering and mussel farming. Enjoyed walks, and a mussel evening which was superb. Relaxed in the hot tub and hammock. We hope to return one day and thank you Mike and Lynley for an amazing stay.
Date of stay: November 2020
Noelene from Dunedin
LOVELYFORLIVING
http://www.lovelyforliving-mag.com/2017/03/20/checking-in-the-hopewell-lodge-in-new-zealand/?lang=en
ALIVE AND TREKKING-A Review
https://aliveandtrekking.com/2017/04/17/hopewell/Words from world traveller and blogger, Sanneke from the Netherlands
Caitlin F. via TripAdvisor
Mike and Lynley were fantastic hosts and clearly work extremely hard to make sure their guests have the best time possible. I will definitely be back to Hopewell!
I recently stayed at Hopewell and couldn’t have asked for a better experience! Hopewell has some of the cheapest kayak, paddle board and fishing gear rentals in the South Island and you could hardly find a more beautiful place to use them. The rooms are immaculately cleaned and the kitchen is stocked with every utensil/gadget you may ever need. My friend and I completed all 3 of the nearby hikes and loved the amazing views over the sounds. (They were also great way to try to work off one of Lynley’s giant gourmet pizzas!) Mike and Lynley were fantastic hosts and clearly work extremely hard to make sure their guests have the best time possible. I will definitely be back to Hopewell!
Penny H. via Facebook
A truly magical place to go – very special.
Wonderful, warm, welcoming hospitality – had a safe & comfortable stay despite mother nature’s disruptions! A truly magical place to go – very special. Many activities to do -or a beautiful backdrop to simply do not much at all. Thanks so much for looking after us so well & I look forward to next time.
William S. via Facebook
I’ve stayed in many, many, many hostels around the world. This one, without a doubt, is my favourite by a mile.
Hopewell is everything you could want in a hostel. Peaceful, friendly, beautifully equipped yet unassuming, welcoming, tranquil, seemingly remote but actually wonderfully accessible. The owners Mike and Lynley do a superb job of making guests feel at home from the very start of their stay. I’ve stayed in many, many, many hostels around the world. This one, without a doubt, is my favourite by a mile. A special place indeed: if you can spare the time, come here. You won’t regret it.
Rough Guide
A gorgeous backpacker hostel in a dreamy setting…
A gorgeous backpacker hostel in a dreamy setting where even a couple of nights isn’t enough to fully appreciate the relaxing setting , wonderfully welcoming hosts, waterside hot tub, kayaks, fishing and regular opportunities to visit the local mussel farm and taste the product, or go water skiing.
Lavi E. via TripAdvisor
Perfect location, amazing views, fabulous atmosphere & Mike and Linley were the best hosts ever.
Lonely Planet
Stay at least a couple of days, so you can chill out or enjoy the roll-call of activities…
Beloved of travelers near and far, remote Hopewell sits waterside surrounded by native bush. Savour the long, winding drive to get there, or take a water taxi from Te Mahia. Stay at least a couple of days, so you can chill out or enjoy the roll-call of activities: mountain biking, kayaking, sailing, fishing, eating gourmet pizza, soaking in the outdoor spa, and more.
Davina E. via Facebook
Worthy of 6 stars out of 5!
Well, I think this very special place in the sounds, is worthy of 6 stars out of 5!
A very unique New Zealand holiday experience, that more kiwis should enjoy. Such attention to detail and hospitality from the hosts. Thank you Mike & Lynley!
Hostelcritic.com Review
Hopewell is a jewel in the backpackers’ crown and you would be hard pushed to find a more perfect place to rest your travel weary body anywhere in the world.
Hopewell is a jewel in the backpackers’ crown and you would be hard pushed to find a more perfect place to rest your travel weary body anywhere in the world. Its waterfront location affords spectacular views of the Kenepuru Sound and the community feel makes everything friendly. The communal area is spacious and comfortable plus the modern, fully-equipped kitchen has everything you could need. Hopewell has a waterfront spa, two private pebble beaches, hammocks that overlook the Sounds and a boat/kayak launch. Hopewell is a great place to unwind but if you still have energy to burn then the numerous hikes and biking trails will not disappoint. A stay at Hopewell will be one of that will stay in your memory for many years to come and surely has to rate as one of the finest backpackers hostels on the planet.
