The many challenges of running a remote luxury lodge

Managing the lodges on the Hollyford Wilderness Experience requires a love of food, people and adventure, reports Great Walks.

Nestled in the heart of Fiordland National Park, the Hollyford Wilderness Experience offers a rare chance to explore one of New Zealand’s most remote and awe-inspiring landscapes.

For Stephane and Caroline Dussau, the role of lodge hosts at Ka Tuku Lodge and Waitai Lodge combines the adventure of living in isolation with the joys and challenges of hosting up to 16 guests at a time.

Their life now is a stark contrast to the one they left behind. Originally from France and Ireland, Stephane and Caroline spent 14 years running a restaurant in the North Island. Burned out and craving deeper connection with their adopted country, they sold their business, bought a van, and hit the road. It was during this journey that they discovered the opportunity to host in the Hollyford Valley — a role that aligned perfectly with their love of food, people, and nature.

As lodge hosts, they manage all aspects of the guest experience: welcoming guests, preparing meals, coordinating logistics, and ensuring comfort in a rugged environment. “What’s incredible is the diversity of people we meet,” says Caroline. “It’s remote, but never lonely. Every day we welcome new guests with shared passions for hiking and the outdoors.”

Access to the lodges is an adventure in itself — walking trails, jetboats, and helicopter rides connect guests to the sweeping landscapes. Coordinating supplies, from fresh food to linens, requires precision. “Time management is probably the biggest challenge,” Stephane explains. “There are tight schedules to meet helicopter deliveries and guest arrivals.”

The weather in Fiordland is famously unpredictable. “A beautiful day can quickly turn cold and wet,” Stephane says. Still, the ever-changing environment adds to the magic. Both lodges offer warm refuge with private rooms, hot tubs, and stunning views — a contrast to the rugged terrain beyond.

But the lodges are only one part of the experience. The guides play a vital role in connecting guests to the land. “On the first day, there’s a 20km hike,” Caroline says, “but guests are so captivated by the scenery and stories that the distance flies by.” Stephane adds, “Our guides know every plant and animal and share cultural insights that bring the landscape to life.”

That cultural connection is central to the Hollyford experience. The valley holds deep significance for Ngāi Tahu, the local iwi (tribe). Ngāi Tahu Tourism, one of New Zealand’s leading tourism operators, manages the lodges and has made significant investments to upgrade facilities while preserving the land’s heritage. Place names across the valley tell stories of ancient pounamu (greenstone) trails, connecting the present with the ancestors of Ngāi Tahu. Their role as kaitiaki (guardians) is embedded in every aspect of the operation.

The Dussaus credit Ngāi Tahu Tourism’s commitment to excellence with helping them deliver a truly memorable guest experience. “They’ve thought of everything,” Caroline says. “From the facilities to the cultural integration, it all supports the feeling that this is more than a holiday — it’s a deep, immersive journey.”

What keeps them motivated, despite the challenges of remote living, is the privilege of sharing this special place with others. “Sometimes it feels like we’re living in an AI simulation — it’s so unreal,” Caroline reflects. “But the real reward is seeing guests reconnect with nature, history, and themselves.”