Guest Comments
“best backpackers I’ve stayed in”
Wow! I think this maybe the best backpackers I’ve stayed in. You have a lovely place which is equally matched by your kind & friendly natures. Thank you so much for the dolphins – truly amazing!
Liz, NZ/Canada – January 2011
“a real winning formula”
The comments speak for themselves. Shayne & Tanya – you have a real winning formula. This little place in this little location was a true gem of my month in NZ. You have been so helpful & generous. Unforgettable! Thank you so much.
Russell, Northern Ireland – April 2010
“felt at home”
What a lovely place! We felt at home, that is the best compliment, no? Bravo for all the work done on the house and thanks to both of you for your friendliness and help during our stay – hope to come back!
Liska, Christian & Raphaelle, Holland, Sweden & France – February 2011
“comfortable, intimate & well-equipped”
Comfortable, intimate & well-equipped. Great bed & duvet, plus the serenity. Great spot at start of Queen Charlotte Track. Will recommend & will come again.
Paul & Helen, NZ – March 2010
“keep the place like it is – just lovely!”
Lovely, peaceful place. Everything we need – fully equipped kitchen, warm bedroom, good beds, hammock… thank you very much that we could use the kayaks – was just a perfect afternoon. Keep the place as it is – just lovely! Thank You.
Anne & Sebastian, Germany – November 2009
“use of kayak – great fun!”
Thank you for your very kind hospitality. Very comfortable accommodation – we had a very relaxing time. Thanks also for the use of the kayak – great fun!
Derek & Jackie, UK – March 2011
“best decision to stay here after the Track”
It was the best decision to stay here after doing the Track. This place is beautiful – house included! You are wonderful hosts and we hope your business grows. We will tell our friends to come!
John & Reena, NZ – March 2010
“charming homestay”
What a charming homestay! We changed our plans to stay one more night in this lovely place. Thank you very much for having us with you – and thanks for the white wine for cooking our self-catched mussels! All the best!
Tobias & Heike, Germany – March 2009
“deluxe bathrooms… warm welcome”
A beautiful place to stay with deluxe bathrooms. Tanya & Shayne have worked hard to create a well run hostel with a warm welcome. We hope many more will come & stay and appreciate their great hospitality.
Gillian & Donald, UK – January 2010
Read what one travel writer that stayed with us was inspired to write!
“a mini paradise”
I stayed in one of the best places in all I've been in New Zealand, Anakiwa Backpackers, where Tanya and Shayne have created a mini paradise in a house of 1926 that have not stopped since they decided to renew settle in New Zealand to escape England’s cold. The house, decorated with excellent taste, has a 1920 snooker table, also an old wall clock, 2 double bedrooms upstairs, a full apartment and a cabin for four in an old shed. On the ground adjacent to the Queen Charlotte Track, they have set up a cafe in an old caravan and all those who complete the track are thankful of something warm at the end.
With the satisfaction of having completed the Queen Charlotte Track and met people like Tanya and Shayne, who had left their paying jobs in London to fulfil their dream, and the universe conspired to that they succeeded. I took a coffee in their caravan and thought Anakiwa, a town of 100 houses and 300 inhabitants, no shop or restaurant or mobile coverage, but half an hour from Picton by road or by boat, was a perfect place for disconnected from the real world. The pastime of the civilians was a contest to see who had the most original mailbox, and in this I have to admit that I disagree with the tastes of kiwi, because the word kitsch is insufficient to describe the things I've seen.
Carlos Olmo Bosco, ‘Walk through the Queen Charlotte Track, 71 km of pure beauty’—vagamundos.net – April 2010