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Sails Ashore Lodge
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About
#3 of 4 B&Bs in Stewart Island
Location
Rooms
Value
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Sails Ashore is a boutique luxury homestay overlooking Halfmoon Bay and is a perfect base for guests wanting to experience the peace and beauty of Stewart Island. Iris & Peter have a long association with Stewart Island and as well as welcoming you into their home are professional guides and will be happy to assist with your enjoyment of their Island home.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Wifi
Hiking
Airport transportation
Baggage storage
Concierge
Laundry service
Shuttle bus service
Non-smoking hotel
Shared lounge / TV area
Sun terrace
Room features
Safe
Bottled water
Refrigerator
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Modern
Luxury
Location
11 View St, Stewart Island 9530 New Zealand
Getting there
Somewhat walkable
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travellers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
Grade: 69 out of 100
69
10 Restaurants
within 10 kilometers
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We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
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Detailed Reviews
Sails Ashore Lodge has only two guest rooms and normally only one is occupied at a time. Staying here was a uniquely special experience. Peter & Iris are the most delightful, interesting & welcoming hosts. They make you feel like you are part of their family yet, at the same time, give you complete privacy and space. Our room & ensuite bathroom was very well set up, quiet & comfortable with a mini fridge, tea and coffee making facilities & small sink hidden away in a cupboard. We had robes and a hairdryer and excellent heating in both the bedroom and bathroom (not that we needed them in late summer) We also had access to the living area opening onto a deck overlooking Halfmoon Bay. This proved a great spot to relax with one of the many interesting books owned by Peter & Iris. Every morning Iris prepared us an excellent continental breakfast. In the evenings we wandered down to the village for dinner. Peter provides transport if the hill is too steep for you. I recommend doing the half day Ulva Island Discovery Tour with Peter. You will see & learn things that you would miss, if you went out there without a guide. Peter’s passion & knowledge of the bird life and native bush on Ulva Island, is based on a lifetime of experience. Our 3 night stay at Sails Ashore Lodge was a truly memorable experience and we hope to return.
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Date of stay: March 2021
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Oban on Stewart Island may be small but Sails Ashore Lodge is a great place to stay in luxury. The well equipped rooms contained kitchenette, fridge, TV, video, books and more. The stunning view over Oban made the stay with hosts Iris and Peter a treat. We visited Ulva Island with Peter, who was a wealth of knowledge about the flora and fauna as well as the history of Stewart Island. To sit having breakfast overlooking Halfmoon Bay was a wonderful way to start the day. One evening we went on a Kiwi spotting tour where we were able to watch kiwi in their natural habitat.
Many thanks Iris and Peter.
Many thanks Iris and Peter.
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Date of stay: November 2020
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We stayed with Peter and Iris three years ago and so enjoyed our visit that we booked a return visit on our second trip to NZ. Stewart Island is not a typical tourist destination with lots to do. It is a very different experience, like NZ say twenty years ago, laid back, very local, with limited places to eat (and thence often booked up), and indifferent weather. If you expect something else, you will, like some of the reviewers be disappointed. But if you want to chill, do spectacular walks, play golf on a six hole course with views of beaches in every direction, see nature in the wild, this is the place to go to. And, if you do, stay with Peter and Iris. Charming hosts, passionate about the islands and their conservation, very knowledgeable about all the birds you will see, and in a delightful property with glorious views. Yes, breakfast is perhaps limited, but it is fresh and healthy, as it says on the can. And sitting in their lounge over fish and chips and a glass of wine talking about their islands is fascinating - different certainly, but what wonderful hosts. Nothing is too much trouble. They want to make friends not be remote hosts. And as returners, we were welcomed with open arms. Thanks so much, Peter and Iris
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Date of stay: February 2020
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip: Stay at Sails Ashore, rather than Kowhai
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
They will not refund your money, unlike every other establishment we're have dealt with in New Zealand. A travel agent recommended that we go to Stewart Island to see kiwis, dolphins, and albatross. It turns out that kiwis are a maybe if you pay $200 a person to go out in the night to find them with a guide. When we arrived we realized that spending 3 nights there was a waste, so we let the owners know that we would like to change it to two nights. They were dishonest with us about more guests coming, because somehow no one arrived and refused to refund our money for the day we did not spend with them.
Make sure before you book that you won't have any change in travel plans as no refunds are given.
Make sure before you book that you won't have any change in travel plans as no refunds are given.
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Date of stay: February 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We stayed here recently for three days, Pete and Iris the ultimate hosts the accommodations impeccable, the bed so comfortable, included in the tariff a tour, who better than a couple who have lived and worked on Stewart Is ffor close on 50yrs.
Check out the web siteand live web cam.
Highly recommend.
G&D Alley
Check out the web siteand live web cam.
Highly recommend.
G&D Alley
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Date of stay: February 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We spent three lovely days being hosted by Peter and Iris. Their knowledge of the area and what it had to offer combined with their eagerness to share it certainly increased our appreciation of Stewart Island. The breakfasts were great as was our room. Highly recommended.
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Date of stay: February 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We have just completed a lovely 4n stay at Sails Ashore Lodge. Our hosts Peter & Iris were great hosts and went above and beyond for us.
Our trip out to Ulva Is with Peter as our guide gave us a real insite into rainforest in the deep south (although it is in drought!).
We enjoyed chattting with them about their sea experiences as well.
We met as strangers but felt we came away knowing them as friends.
Thank you for the experience,
Cheryl & Ross
Our trip out to Ulva Is with Peter as our guide gave us a real insite into rainforest in the deep south (although it is in drought!).
We enjoyed chattting with them about their sea experiences as well.
We met as strangers but felt we came away knowing them as friends.
Thank you for the experience,
Cheryl & Ross
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Date of stay: February 2022
Value
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip: Beautiful views overlooking Oban
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are 4 weeks or so into our NZ trip so have an idea what to expect. We paid a lot of money (up front) so were expecting something super special. At the end of the day this was just an ordinary B & B. For me it was OK though my wife feels it was a little better than just OK. We both agree that for the price it should have been a bit more customer focused and a whole lot more. The hosts are friendly enough, if anything too much, but my wife doesn’t like me being rude so I put up with Peter’s illinformed talk on European politics at breakfast foregoing my preference for peace and quiet. The breakfast, for me was poor. They gave you what they wanted whereas for the money they really should be asking you what you want. On the first day I asked for simple white bread for toast, no chance of that happening. I ended up with some tinned peaches with yoghurt, which was uninspiring, though to be fair their very sharp fruits went down OK with my wife though not for me.
They throw in some biscuits and some food when we arrived but again absolutely none of it appealed to me. Had I been asked what I would have liked, a simple cheese sandwich would have been brilliant!
They were helpful with their offer of lifts etc. And the trip to Ulva island was a bonus though Peter, when he strayed of things outwith his ken, told a few things that appeared to be just wrong or made up.
I think if they took the time to visit some other accommodation providers at the price they charge they would realise their offerings are way below what others provide even taking into account their island location.
Their website says they try to ignore clocks but Iris was wrapping on the door when it looked like we might stay beyond the 10:00 check out time (which we weren’t and had all in hand).
We have certainly stayed in far better accommodation for about $200 a night and significantly better for the same as we were charged for staying here.
As it was we left, having enjoyed our trip to Stewart Island, but with an overwhelming feeling of having been well and truly fleeced.
They throw in some biscuits and some food when we arrived but again absolutely none of it appealed to me. Had I been asked what I would have liked, a simple cheese sandwich would have been brilliant!
They were helpful with their offer of lifts etc. And the trip to Ulva island was a bonus though Peter, when he strayed of things outwith his ken, told a few things that appeared to be just wrong or made up.
I think if they took the time to visit some other accommodation providers at the price they charge they would realise their offerings are way below what others provide even taking into account their island location.
Their website says they try to ignore clocks but Iris was wrapping on the door when it looked like we might stay beyond the 10:00 check out time (which we weren’t and had all in hand).
We have certainly stayed in far better accommodation for about $200 a night and significantly better for the same as we were charged for staying here.
As it was we left, having enjoyed our trip to Stewart Island, but with an overwhelming feeling of having been well and truly fleeced.
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Date of stay: January 2018Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: There better value accommodation available on the Island
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Everyone knows that I don't like B&B's; however, Iris and Peter run the best damn accommodation we've stayed in - in a long time. Nothing was a problem, from booking a table at the pub so we had somewhere to dine, to dropping us off and picking us up after. Their knowledge of the islands ( Stewart and Ulva ) and also knowing the people ( and in the case of Ulva the owners - who were so welcoming ) was second to none.
The room was well appointed and clean - bed was comfy, heated floors in bathroom. Breakfast was great as was afternoon tea on arrival.
The room was well appointed and clean - bed was comfy, heated floors in bathroom. Breakfast was great as was afternoon tea on arrival.
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Date of stay: January 2013Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Possibly the best holiday we have had. Iris and Peter were great hosts, and made us feel very welcome. One major benefit of staying with them was the chance to talk with true 'locals' who could tell us so much about the history and nature of Stewart Island. The trip to Ulva is a must for anyone interested in native plants and birdlife - we had South Island Robins pecking at our shoelaces, wekas under our feet and saw saddlebacks and a yellowhead. We didn't even bother trying to count the native pigeons, tuis, kaka, etc, we saw on both Stewart and Ulva.
Sails Ashore is not cheap,but is great value for money - excellent beds, excellent breakfast, the afternoon tea was substantial with a good variety (much locally sourced, or from their own garden). We walked many tracks (about 40km over 4 days, and we are nopt hikers!), and afternoon tea on our return was always very appreciated. The bonus of being with Peter (20 years with DOC, many years fishing, expert boatie with a large yacht they have chartered from the Southern Ocean to the Pacific Islands) who was so interesting and informative, and Iris who could tell us about the people and history of the island, made this a very special holiday.
Check out their website and webcam.
Sails Ashore is not cheap,but is great value for money - excellent beds, excellent breakfast, the afternoon tea was substantial with a good variety (much locally sourced, or from their own garden). We walked many tracks (about 40km over 4 days, and we are nopt hikers!), and afternoon tea on our return was always very appreciated. The bonus of being with Peter (20 years with DOC, many years fishing, expert boatie with a large yacht they have chartered from the Southern Ocean to the Pacific Islands) who was so interesting and informative, and Iris who could tell us about the people and history of the island, made this a very special holiday.
Check out their website and webcam.
Read more
Date of stay: January 2011Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PRICE RANGE
$794 - $930 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
New ZealandSouth IslandSouthland RegionStewart Island
NUMBER OF ROOMS
2
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect total costs of the stay, including all taxes and fees known to our partners. Please see our partners for more details.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Sails Ashore Lodge
Which popular attractions are close to Sails Ashore Lodge?
Nearby attractions include Beaks And Feathers (0.5 km), Ulva Island (2.8 km), and Rakiura Museum (0.4 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Sails Ashore Lodge?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free parking, and airport transportation.
What are some restaurants close to Sails Ashore Lodge?
Conveniently located restaurants include KaiKart Takeaways, Church Hill Restaurant, and South Sea Hotel dining room and pub.
Does Sails Ashore Lodge have airport transportation?
Yes, Sails Ashore Lodge offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Are there any historical sites close to Sails Ashore Lodge?
Many travellers enjoy visiting Bunkhouse Theatre (0.4 km).
Is Sails Ashore Lodge accessible?
Yes, it offers wheelchair access. For specific enquiries, we recommend calling ahead to confirm.