About Us

To Our Guests - A little information about ourselves.

We are both enjoying our new life style here in Cromwell at Carrick Lodge. We have a close affinity to Central Otago, the Mountains and Lakes and have long enjoyed the rugged and tranquil beauty of the region through camping in the area with our family when they were young to tramping and skiing latterly! Rob enjoys delving into the historic past of Otago and I am currently attempting to hit a golf ball.

We were also attracted to Central Otago for its climate and all those sunshine hours!

Our three children, now adults, are pursuing their dreams. Sarah has traveled and taught overseas for the past four years and is now back in New Zealand teaching in Martinborough. Hayden has spent time studying, with one or two other jobs along the way and he is now heading towards secondary teaching. Matt our youngest has always had a passion for farming and he is dairy farming with his wife Keryn, on the Taieri.

We enjoyed 30 years teaching in Primary Schools in areas such as Nelson, rural Southland, Mosgiel and Dunedin in Otago. In 2004 we decided to take a year out and spent three fantastic years based in Essex, England. Our family supported our decision yet found it strange to be sending their parents on their "OE". This was a time of unique adventures. The experience encouraged us to consider other options for ourselves on our return to New Zealand, with possible new directions.

So here we are at Carrick Lodge enjoying the interaction and life experiences that you bring to our door, whether older or young, from overseas or closer to home. It is our pleasure to continue our journey here in this slice of paradise and learn about the Tourism industry.

We trust that you will have a comfortable and enjoyable stay here at Carrick Lodge. Do take time to enjoy the slower pace of life in "Old Cromwell". Rediscover the historical relevance and impact of the Gold Mining era in the development of provincial Otago and ultimately of New Zealand. There are some great walks through the sluicings and mining areas of Bannockburn and Bendigo. And of course the latest strike for the area, Pinot-noir and Pinot Gris in the surrounding vineyards.

Kind Regards
Rob and Joan Luke
Managers Carrick Lodge