Glendaruel B& B
One thing soon becomes apparent when hanging out on Stewart Island: there are many ‘good sorts’ living here. Raylene Waddell is one of them. It takes a special person to open their home to visitors, cook breakfasts, share stories, help with transport and allow guests to wander through a prized garden. Guests at Glendaruel, the 100-year-old home that Raylene and her late-husband, Ronnie, developed from their holiday home to a threebedroom B&B, are treated like family.
Raylene knows the island inside out, and her home is in a perfect location to enjoy the highlights. It’s a short downhill walk to both Golden Bay and Halfmoon Bay, but garden lovers may not want to venture too far. Her garden has starred in several magazines and will entertain green-fingered guests. They’ll be sure to have company, too – it teems with birdlife, from weka to kererū and the occasional kiwi.
Breakfast is included in the room rate, and Raylene is always on hand to provide recommendations for food, walks or activities. Heading out with rod in hand? Bring back a catch of the day and she’ll cook it up free of charge. Book via Booking.com or contact Raylene directly. 38 Golden Bay Road, Oban, (03) 219 1092, glendaruel.co.nz