Stake your claim on iconic lodge

As the last remaining relic in what was once the thriving Kyeburn Gold Diggings town, Dansey’s Pass Coach Inn continues to pull in punters from far and wide who are keen to indulge in the warmest country hospitality you could imagine. Linda Miller takes a

In the 1860s gold fever took Central Otago by storm and fostered the very real need for a service industry to provide food, accommodation and entertainment for the miners. The building originally known as The Pass Hotel and now renamed Dansey’s Pass Coach Inn was constructed in response to the influx of miners who needed a stopover between the gold fields and the Waitaki Basin. Built in 1862 by ‘Happy Bill’, legend has it the stonemason was paid at the rate of one pint for every schist boulder shaped and laid. While times have certainly changed, with guests no longer arriving in horse drawn stagecoaches, long-time owners Monica Blaser and Rodney Humphries have made every effort to retain the period features of this 19th century coach inn without compromising on the comfort of guests. The real estate on offer is certainly impressive in terms of both size and quality – with 19 guest rooms most with ensuite bathrooms and central diesel heating, a manager’s flat, two bedroom staff accommodation, a bar and excellent restaurant, plus the most inviting lounge with roaring log fireplace you will ever see. The business has an exceptional reputation and is currently bolstered not just by word-ofmouth and repeat customers, but also by a professional website. “The upside could be huge with so much land to develop and markets to explore like conferences, weddings, tour groups, helitourism and the famous Otago rail trail, fishing, hunting and adventure,” Monica and Rodney say. Turnover is seasonal, leaving plenty of opportunity to improve, and there is potential to further develop the 14 hectares of land with the ability to be as “hands-on” or removed from day-to-day operations as you like. “We have enjoyed running this business for so long thanks to the range of people it attracts. The guests are extremely varied and always exceptionally interesting!” Another vital component of Dansey’s success is its dedicated employees, many of whom have been involved with the business for years. “We have always found one of the most enjoyable aspects to be the quality of the staff that choose to work here. They come from all over and all thoroughly enjoy working in such a beautiful establishment.”