What we enjoy most about what we do is the friendships we make and also that we get to see so much more of our Island home through our guests eyes.

 

Guest Book

In the hurly-burly of our NZ tour Sails Ashore stood out as the best home we stayed at.
The rooms were comfortable and warm, the breakfasts copious. Iris and Peter are consummate hosts,
ever friendly, willing and considerate.
The trip to Ulva Island, led by Peter, is one that should not be missed.

James & Patricia, UK, Nov. 09

Thank you both so much for your hospitality, even slightly belated!!  The Ulva island and Island road tour with Peter was the icing on the cake for my visit to the island.  But it wasn't really a tour, more like a day out with friends.  Thank you both.

Patricia, Australia, March 09

we think of you folks often and your wonderful hospitality.   Don't tell this to too many folks, but your place was the BEST of all the places we stayed in our 10 week journey. (Aust/NZ)

Dave & Ruth Anne, Nova Scotia, Feb, 08

Hello Peter & Iris,

We just wanted to let you know we had an exceptional stay at Nisbet Cottage. Hildegard and Ralf were wonderful!! Out of all the places we've stayed in NZ (actually anywhere for that matter) nobody has ever gone out of their way to be so comforting & accommodating as the four of you. Thank you so very much.

I am still "buzzing" from the walk on Ulva Island. It was truely magical....it has permanently changed the way I look at everything! Peter your passion and knowledge about NZ wilderness is outstanding (and contagious). And Mark can't stop talking about watching the interaction between the kakas and tuis.

Here are some of my favorite photos from our stay. I hope you enjoy them. We will keep you posted on Borneo (we are leaving next week!)

Sarah & Mark, USA, Feb '09

What a truly magical place Stewart Island and Ulva Island is. I have been astounded, bought to tears and stood with jaw open at the beauty and wild feeling of both Islands
Your tour on Ulva Island was something I hope my memory never fails to conjure as it has been one of the highlights of my life, not just my New Zealand tour.
The accommodation here is well needed luxury and also a homely relaxed environment.
I wish you both good health & best wishes for your time in this enchanted place & I thank you most sincerely for your continued helpful advice, assistance & infectious happy natures.

Thank you for my new treasured memories

Elizabeth,   UK    Nov '08

Thank you both so much for looking after us. We had a great time on Stewart Island- don't let anyone tell you they are short of water after the last week of rain though. It was good to get home　 and everything dry and see the sunshine again. It is a gorgeous day here today.　

Anne's house ( Kowhai Lane) was perfect for what we wanted. Nice to all have our own bathrooms and really enjoyed the D.V.D's and the big kitchen. Really didn't want to go out for meals because we were so comfortable at home!! The others really enjoyed ( so did we of-course) the trip to Ulva and learning about the birds and fauna. The trip to Freshwater and walking back was really good. Peter the taxi man was immaculate. Nice to eat the blue cod we caught all week.　

All in all a lovely trip despite the weather and thank you both for all you did for us. Will keep in contact.

　Heather & Don. NZ   Sept '08

We have just watched your excellent DVD of Stewart Island and have realised that whilst we spent a magical couple of days with you  we only scratched the surface as far as what is offered by the whole of the Island.
When we come back next time I can see us staying at least a couple of weeks to do it justice.
As you know we travelled the length and breadth of both the North and South Islands during our nine week
visit and whilst we saw some of the most beautiful scenery in the world the most memorable was our short visit to Stewart Island.
You made us most welcome in your beautiful, comfortable home and could not have done more to make our stay more enjoyable.

Philip & Molly, UK, Feb, '08

Sails Ashore was an awe inspiring experience that thrilled with a land incomparable in its absence of human settlement and abundance of birdlife.
The guides were erudite and fascinated one with the islands history, geography, and ecology. A highly recommended experience for anyone with interests in naturalism and captivating remoteness.

Tom & Kathy. USA, December '07

Peter at Sails Ashore gives an incredible guided tour of Ulva Island (comment from agents feed back)

Carroll & Susan, USA, December 2007

 A short flight over to Stewart Island, we had to be weighed to get on the small plane. I sat in the co-pilot’s seat – thrill! At Oban on Halfmoon Bay, Iris Tait, our hostess at “Sails Ashore Boutique B&B”, met us and so started a two-daydream-like experience of elegant comfort and interesting discussions. A trip on Peter Tait’s boat to Ulva Island, the local history, a walk through the rain forest, meeting again tiny unusual plants, such as the Hen and Chicks fern which clones itself, miniature orchids, and unusual – for us – birds, the flightless Weka, the Kaka, and many others. Too soon the flight back to the mainland

Anne & Ivor......... UK, January, 07

Our time with you on the Island is something we will also treasure, thank you so much

Sheila & David ...... Oxford UK, Summer 2007

Our time with you on the Island is something we will also treasure, thank you so much

Sheila & David ...... Oxford UK, Summer 2007

During the last weeks we often thought about your wonderful Island and the time we spend at this lovely and beautiful place. It was great that you've shared your experiences and passions with us. We also often remember the few moments we could spend evening by evening with our little blue friends in the harbour (Little Blue Penguins) We hope they are fine too.

Dirk & Heike, Germany, Summer, 2007

thank you for hosting us on your lovely Island. Didn't expect to see such fantastic accommodation on the Island

Lin............ Wellington April 2007

Why has it taken us four visits to NZ to find the perfect hosts and location.
We were made to feel welcome and at home from the moment we arrived.
The accommodation is excellent as is the hospitality coupled with the
knowledge of the island and it's flora and fauna.
We would have no hesitation in recommending it.

Barry & Jacquelyn L........ UK, December '06

Still remember the great time we had on your Stewart Island hope to come back soon

Dominique & Gary, .... Singapore, Christmas 2005

Bob and I had such a great time staying with you at Sails Ashore I just wanted to write a short "thank you"

Greg E......USA, Feb'05

The accommodation and attractions were excellent, especially after we had a chance to compare this part of our NZ
trip with the rest of our South and North Island stopovers, which happened afterwards.
Rooms were 5 star, guest relations were 5 star and (Iris & Peter) were extremely patient and
helpful with us as first timers. The experience was an adventure.
We will come back for a "more roughing it" journey.
Stewart Island has much unspoiled beauty to explore without any commercialism.

George & Marsha S...........Florida, March '05

Thank you so much for having us at your house. We had a wonderful time and will never forget your Southern Hospitality.

Amisha, Jayesh & Vidhi...... Auckland, May '05

I would like to thank you for your time and hospitality when I stayed at Sails Ashore. You guys are definitely "Hosts with the Most".....
Dianne Mc..... Maniototo, June '04.

I would really love to come back to Stewart Island one day, it was one of the best bits of my trip and I shall always remember your hospitality- thank you.

Joanna W... UK., April '04.

Talisker circumnavigation of the Island was the highlight of our holiday

Pauline, Tony & Philip....... UK, Nov'04

"As we moved over the water and began to gaze upon Stewart Island my heart sank in its simple beauty.  My husband and I were on a month long holiday to the South Island of NZ from the States and had been taking in sights and experiences for several days.  In fact, I believe we were perhaps the first guests at their newly completed B&B.  Beautiful accommodation boasting amazing local woods, pristine views, everything was pleasant and comfortable here especially the laid back peacefulness of town.  We fell in love.  I was pregnant then (2004) with our first child and Peter and Iris is just what we needed!!  Charming, knowledgeable, genuine, and considerate forever they will be in our hearts as they have become our friends...we love you both and we HIGHLY recommend their accommodations, Stewart Island and the Ulva Island tour...Enjoy!!"

Jay & Allison, USA, Dec '04