Possum Lodge — Hotel in Fiordland Community

On August 19, 2022, in search of the cheapest accommodation in the region, I stayed here for two days. There were two kayaks provided in the accommodation, and I filled up the ballast water and rowed out to Manapauri Lake with my younger brother. I was confident in swimming and thought a calm lake would work out somehow. When I reached the center of the lake, where the land was almost invisible, a sea-like wave struck with a gust of wind, and I soon fell out. I fell into a cold lake of less than two degrees where I couldn't tell how deep it was. Again and again, I tried to get back on the kayak, but I failed. Swimming wasn't important. The instinct to get out of the cold as soon as possible changed it to struggling, not swimming. My brother, who tried to save me somehow, was smaller and weaker than me. There was a conflict between the instinct to live somehow and the reason that even the younger brother should not be left out. I mustered up my courage and asked him to go and call the owner of the accommodation because I would somehow endure this temperature after getting on the overturned kayak. After about five minutes like that, a man with a beard like Jesus quickly approached me in a kayak that my brother had taken. I had drifted in very cold water for more than 20 minutes and my legs were immobile due to hyperventilation and hypothermia. But the master dangled me and paddled me to land "with incredible strength and speed." After that day, I was able to confirm once again how much I loved life, how much I had regrets to die today. "Jesus cannot walk on the water, but he can row very fast. Even with a person tied behind him." I still remember it today, more than a year later. Thank you, Predy,...

Mouse invasion in our van at 2AM, followed by hours of trying to get the bugger out. When approaching the owner after a pitiful sleep, he was not only unsympathetic and uninterested, but accused us of either bringing the mouse in with us or simply making it up entirely.

Responding to our comments on the Campermate app, this owner even had the audacity to claim we blackmailed him for a refund, or we would leave a negative review. What we in fact asked for was a mere smidgen of genuine compassion, and to not be blamed for the occurrence ourselves.

Did we ask for a discount? Yes, followed by hearing, "It's not my problem," and "What do you want me to about it?" we asked if we MIGHT be able to receive ANY discount on the $34 we'd already paid up for a terrible night's sleep. Not one demand was made. Nor was any form of apology.

After consulting with his wife behind closed doors, he returned to end the dialogue with, "Mice are a fact of life in New Zealand, and this is not our problem." After he refused to offer us anything more than an accusation, yes, we told him people would certainly want to know about mice before they stayed here.

Consider...

We stayed two nights in one of the self contained cottages which felt like staying in your grandma's house. Clean and functional but very old school/retro. The bed was comfy with a grandma coverlet. A full kitchen was provided including a stove and microwave. The cottage was warm and the shower hot. The location was excellent allowing a walk into the few shops in town and to the wharf for cruising including through the forest which reminded us strongly of Norway. The Church in town was a great pub also with a chilled vibe, frequented by locals and we had an excellent meal and a generous glass of wine and would recommend if it's open when you visit. Henry the owner/manager of the park was friendly and chilled. There were sports items like kayaks you could borrow which would be great in summer and a fire pit. We enjoyed the casual vibe here and would recommend if you need a...