The Pear Orchard Lodge

24/07/2026

31/03/2026

Unfortunately, last night’s storm has claimed our oldest grapefruit tree.

To be fair, it wasn’t in the best condition - but it still feels like the end of an era. It’s been part of the place since we moved here 14 years ago.

On the upside, it won’t go to waste: the sheep have already enjoyed a feed, and the woodpile is about to get a boost to keep us warm for a while.

22/03/2026

Cuddles with chickens…

21/02/2026

Summer at The Pear Orchard Lodge

01/02/2026

It’s never too late to learn new tricks… 😅

In my quest to earn Dad of the Week, I let my 13-year-old son convince me to go mountain biking.

All great fun… right up until the WTF moment when we inadvertently dropped into Dark Weka - an expert track.

10/10 parenting. 2/10 life choices.

23/01/2026

🚙 Lost Jeep Wrangler (Sport Edition)

One of our guests seems to have forgotten their vehicle…

Claim it quickly or we’ll assume it’s been donated to the lodge fleet 😜

07/01/2026

Hard to beat this. Tramping into Nydia Bay in the Marlborough Sounds with the family for a few days away - quiet, rugged, and properly beautiful.

Living in the Top of the South, this is one of our biggest advantages: incredible natural landscapes right on our doorstep. It’s something we’re lucky to enjoy, but also something we need to protect and be smart about how we use and share - for locals, visitors, and future generations.

30/12/2025

Can’t escape your guests anywhere! I went all the way to Formerly The Blackball Hilton on the West Coast today, only to find our guests - who checked out today - already set up and enjoying the sunny verandah. That’s New Zealand for you… 😄

20/12/2025

Lamington getting her TLC…