Podium Lodge

Just a good bed and a decent shower – that's all most of us need when on the road. But what if a night's accommodation also helped to do some good? Podium Lodge in Cambridge is a social enterprise owned and operated by the Brian Perry Charitable Trust – so not only does money rent a room but all of the proceeds are returned to the community. That's one way to sleep easy at night.

Podium Lodge is located a short distance from the Avantidrome, and was purpose-built to suit business travellers and sports groups – people who spend most of their days out and about, and require excellent yet simple accommodation. While Podium Lodge has been designed with athletes in mind, all are welcome here; there's no fitness checks before bed. Not knowing who might pop in is one of the work perks for managers Bill and Wendy Heslop, with every day bringing something a little different. Accommodation options vary from a full house to apartments, studios and a dormitory, all with a distinct ‘Olympic Village' vibe (the rooms are named after hosting cities), plus there's bike hire, bike repair and maintenance stations, a pool, kitchen facilities and laundry. Podium Lodge has also been designed with accessibility in mind, so it's wheelchair friendly.

The Brian Perry Charitable Trust has also launched Cycle Cambridge (cyclecambridge.co.nz) in conjunction with Podium Lodge. With cycling tours, trail shuttles and hireage, Cycle Cambridge caters for casual cyclists looking to explore on two wheels. 20 Peake Road, Cambridge. (07) 974 1710, podiumlodge.co.nz