Kowhai Lane Lodge

everything was fantastic

nothing, except the wet cold Stewart Is weather

From the minute Peter picked us up at the ferry, he and Iris were ultimate hosts. Kowhai Lodge is welcoming, fully stocked (even a bowl of apples for the parrots) and you could not ask for better accommodations. Thank you Iris and Peter!

We loved our stay on Stewart Island, staying at Kowhai Lane with Peter and Iris. The accommodation was fantastic in every way and the Information supplied by our hosts was comprehensive, their knowledge of the island and it's history was shared with great enthusiasm. Our visit to Ulva Island with Peter as our guide was a highlight of our stay. Great friendly hosts!

There was nothing not to like, cannot recommend this property too highly.

Location was good.

A half hour talk upon arrival to inform us of various things would be good for foreigners but unnecessary for people who have visited the island several times before.

The lodge is in a provate residence a short walk from the center of of Oban. We definately noticed that the walk was up (or down) a hill, but also that almost all lodging in Oban is up or down a hill and most are quite a distance from the town center. The lodge is quite clean and comfortable and Peter and Iris are delightful hosts. The included tour of Ulva Island Preserve was a highlight. Peter was the first forest ranger on Ulva island many years ago and provided many insights into its management challenges. We also arranged for a water taxi to the Port William hut on the beautiful Northwest Circut Track and hiked back to Oban. We also did a nighttime tour to observe kiwi's and saw three of the interesting birds. It was a moonless night and the stars were incredable. The hour-long ferry ride to Stewert Island was smooth, but the return was a bit rough and several of the passengers (fortunately not us) were seasick.

Location and facilities were relaxing.

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