Cabot Lodge

Absolutely fantastic! Truly amazing experience in this beautiful Lodge.... thoroughly recommend. Stunning location, beautiful room, excellent food and superb staff who are so friendly and welcoming. Nothing is too much trouble and everything is quality but beautifully understated. An absolute must when visiting New Zealand!

Top holiday experience , small , boutique and unique atmosphere , excellent team to make you happy and you holiday unforgettably! Diner was a unique experience as well, the chef has worked all over the world and now landed in this wonderful hotel. So they deserve a M star

I wanted to take some time after our stay at Cabot Lodge before writing this review. Now that I’ve had a few weeks — and a few visits to other spectacular lodges in the South Island — the short version is that Cabot Lodge is a treasure in almost every way. We stayed for 3 nights and wish it had been many more. The longer version follows. There is something almost unbelievable about Cabot Lodge. Set off above Lake Manapouri, via a private, unpaved drive the winds through sheep fields, one arrives wondering what sort of no doubt well-meaning but rustic farm-stay awaits. Instead, set below the parking area are a handful of low-profile, elegant, modern buildings that hold the guest quarters, the comfortable central lounge/living room and the dining room with its partially open kitchen where guests take breakfast and dinner. (There are very nice outdoor options for dinner when the weather cooperates.) There are lovely plantings everywhere. Immediately, you realize something special is happening here. Our room (the Premier Suite]) , one of 4 — a very separate two-bedroom dwelling will soon be completed — was large and well designed to have a great view over the nearby fields and out to the lake. The furnishings are all modern and understated. Importantly, the bed and the bed linens are of super high quality. The soaps, shampoo, conditioner and body lotion in the bathroom (separate spacious shower and deep, soaking tub) were also high quality and organic. (The only quibble would be that there is only one sink in the bathroom.) The very pleasant comforts of the room pale, however, in comparison with the quality and warmth of the service and food. Owners Brad and Breidi are hands on and fantastic from the time you make your reservation. No question seems too small (or too rudimentary) for Breidi to respond to with genuine concern and intelligence, always quickly offering guidance and help. (The day-long kayak excursion on the Doubtful Sound that Breidi arranged for us was top notch! We cannot recommend it and the guide, Blake, highly enough!) On site, Brad is the best host; your needs are largely anticipated and 100% catered too, all with good humor, comprehensive knowledge and creativity, all without any hint of artificiality or fatigue. And then there is the chef Brad and Breidi have engaged. Rob has trained and worked in world class kitchens and has stepped away from that world to cook breakfast and dinner daily for just 8 guests. 8 very lucky guests. The dinner menu walks that very delicate and difficult line between “cheffy” and comfortable; it avoids the fault that so many so-called upscale lodges fall into where someone in charge thinks the menu needs to be exotic, “gastronomic” or “fancy,” but, whether due to the limitations of supplies in remote settings or kitchen staff talent, or both, the food fails to meet basic requirement of being tasty. To the complete opposite, Rob’s food is fully delicious while it also, subtly, makes the point