24 | RURAL PEOPLE » The Pear Orchard They knew they were onto a winner Aimee Wilson When Timo and Olivia Neubauer began receiving rave reviews on Trip Advisor, they knew they were onto a winner with The Pear Orchard Lodge. Their eco-friendly, eight-room self-catering lodge, set on 5.5ha in Hope near Richmond at the Top of the South Island, now attracts holiday makers from New Zealand and around the world - even including the occasional celebrity guest. Perched above the Waimea Plains with its orchards, wineries and market gardens, The Pear Orchard Lodge seemed like the ideal agri-tourism business for the former Auckland couple when they took the plunge nearly 13 years ago. Originally from Germany, Timo is an architect and urban designer and Olivia a New Zealand lawyer. Between them, they knew very little about growing fruit or hospitality - and were in for a shock when their first harvest yielded a massive 50 tonnes of pears to pick. After four years of battling hail storms, long hours, and low returns, the couple realised the orchard alone was not commercially viable. But having rented out a spare room on Airbnb back in Auckland, they also tested the market for a different idea - converting an old shed and a room in their 1910 farmhouse into guest accommodation. The idea took off. Within a year, they decided to build a dedicated lodge, giving them back their home - now shared with their three school-aged children - and establishing what would become a thriving destination. Today their neighbours at Echodale, who operate a large-scale pip fruit business, lease their pear orchard, freeing Timo and Olivia to focus fully on the accommodation business. Guests are treated to freshly baked bread, preserved pears, homemade jams and other home-grown produce - all part of the relaxed country experience. In addition to hosting guests, Timo has been experimenting with new crops. “We managed to grow avocados and even bananas” he said. “Our microclimate is similar to Gisborne - mild winters and plenty of sun.” The family also raises some sheep and beef cattle, keeps free range chickens, and is restoring a wetland area that is fast becoming a haven for native birdlife. “We’re making the most of the land and like sharing that with our guests.” Since being discovered by international travel agents, The Pear Orchard Lodge has continued to flourish. “We completely underestimated the appeal of the offering we created,” admits Timo. His passion for thoughtful development has also carried into the community. In October he was elected to the Tasman District Council, finishing second in his mayoral challenge to long-term incumbent Tim King. “I have been very vocal in the community over the past four years. Originally from Germany, Timo is an architect and urban designer and Olivia a New Zealand lawyer. Since being discovered by international travel agents, The Pear Orchard Lodge has continued to flourish. Renowned for professionalism, safety, and service, we offer a full range of aviation solutions including luxury scenic experiences, commercial operations, emergency response, and professional flight training. From remote lodges and vineyards to fire and utility work, our highly skilled team delivers reliability and precision in every flight. 03 541 9530 | 0800 FLY NELSON fly@helicoptersnelson.co.nz www.helicoptersnelson.co.nz My experience of getting the business to where it is by consolidating, nurturing and building on the inherent qualities of the land, is something I can amplify for the district - by helping set the right direction on council.” Timo and Olivia took a punt and stretched their resources knowing that it would not make a return immediately, but they had faith it eventually would. And it has.
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