My wife and I stayed at Highland Peaks for two nights including 2012 New Year Day; there is only one word that describes the whole experience ''FANTASTIC''. The quality of the rooms and facilities is on par with any London 5 star hotel room, but peaceful!! Our hosts Peter & Di were so welcoming and nothing was too much trouble. Peter took us for a local tour to see the wildlife and his knowledge made the trip very special, he is a wealth of knowledge. If we ever get a chance to travel back to New Zealand this is a ''Must Stay Accommodation. A big thank you to you both for a memorable stay.

Peter, I have not read the book yet but will do and thank you for the quality nightcap great conversation!!

H & Y

Warm friendly hosts, Peter and Di greeted us and escorted us to a lovely room with gorgeous views and very nice amenities. Turns out we were upgraded to the next level room.

We were 'treated' to a good (but not as gourmet as touted) dinner with wines that were poured freely.

Our host, Peter, casually let us know that he could guide us on our visit to the Otago Peninsula to see albatross and penguins. We took up the offer and we can't fault his knowledge and enthusiasm about the ecology and history of the area. The day was fun and Peter took parallel photos to our own and gave us a CD at the end of our visit.

Like the gentleman who found the charge for the wine 'took the shine off', we experienced much the same thing at the end of our stay. If money is no object for you, this is the place for you because it's lovely. Otherwise, be very clear about what everything costs upfront. We have stayed at many wonderful places in our travels but we've never paid so much for a two- night stay -- anywhere!

We stayed at Highland Peaks for 3 nights in November and found it to be such a lovely place.
Rooms were cosy, comfortable and well decorated with all amenities you would expect from a hotel, available. The place is located about 15-20 mins from the city and is ideal if you are looking for a change from the usual hustle & bustle of the city. We didn't have any problems getting into or out of the city with lifts from Peter ( if arranged earlier with him). In any case, taking a taxi is not a big problem unless you are there on the day Elton John gave a concert!
We spent an entire day with Peter when we signed up for his day tour around Dunedin city and Otago Peninsula. We found Peter to be extremely accommodating, a great host and very knowledgeable.
Peter is also a great cook and we even enjoyed his simple preparation of burgers!
My two girls fell in love with Peter & Di's pet dog, Bud and cat, Cindy. Both are very friendly animals that love people. Bud is especially gentle and loves to be with children.
All in, it was a great stay for us at Highland Peaks.

A luxury Lodge said the Web Site. "Expect Excellence " It said.

We arrived brimming with expectation for our weekend away to watch the Rugby in Dunedin.

On arrival Peter was friendly and hospitable, the view was good and the rooms were good executive standard( but not luxury) from there it was all down hill.

There were 3 broken down old vehicles in the car park.

I walked out and my foot went through a rotten plank in the deck.

Sky TV but no Sport channel while we were there for the RWC.

We got home from the rugby, went to have a shower and there was no water in the taps.??

The friendly dog was smelly and stunk out the entrance.

The Garden was full of rubbish,

The Native forest appeared to be a paddock of gorse.

We paid big money to stay here and it was a rip off and was poorly run..

Peter appears to be a very nice and genuine guy. but he is charging top dollar for a "Luxury lodge" that is no better than an average bed and breakfast.

His web site mis-represents the place and the reality of it once you arrive quickly sobers you up.

After coming here with a high sense of expectation we left with a very sour and disappointed taste.

This is a rip off and an example of the NZ Hospitality industry at its worst.

Matthew Friost
Greymouth.