Back blocks accommodation

Annie and Rob Fletcher's Back Country Accommodation. Photo / Supplied

The spectacular scenery is what draws visitors to Annie and Rob Fletcher's Back Country Accommodation with campsite, motorhome parking and B&B between Stratford and Taumarunui. But it is also the remoteness that poses their biggest challenges.

The pluses are the views of Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe and Tongariro, and the Taranaki hill country. "Both day and night the views are magnificent," says Rob. "We have no light pollution and some tourists from overseas have never seen the night sky. Also, the amazing location of the site means it is quiet, private, secure and, being midway along a 150km highway, is ideal for cyclists."

And the downsides? "We have none of the usual services that townies have - water, sewerage, rubbish collection, deliveries, and public transport. And our electricity can be a bit temperamental as well."

Annie had been working as a caterer and Rob as a motorcycle shop mechanic/handyman in Hawera when they heard the business, midway along The Forgotten World Highway (SH43), was for sale.

They took over the business in 2005 as a going concern with a cafe and accommodation, but closed the cafe four years later to concentrate on the accommodation.

The site has 4.5ha and they use 1ha for themselves, leasing out the rest to a neighbouring farmer who runs sheep and cattle. There are walkways through a small amount of native bush and rhododendrons, plus the couple have a vege garden.

Accommodation comprises one double-room B&B and one single, a caravan which sleeps four, plus four powered sites for motorhomes and parking for about six more unpowered.

There is also a campsite for eight to 10 tents.

A big drawcard is that the property is dog-friendly for motorhomers and campers. "People who learn we are dog-friendly are surprised and say that it is hard to find places that are," says Annie.

The couple's busiest times are October to April. Their customers hear about them mostly when passing through the area, and through word-of-mouth. "We get referrals from the local hotel, but are starting to get a bit from the internet," says Rob. "A few come from the info centres, but we think it could be better."

Most guests are from overseas, "starting with Germany, the UK, Switzerland, Holland, Israel ... There are a few Australians and we are starting to get more Kiwis. We have varied age groups and mainly couples."

The Fletchers enjoy meeting the many people from other countries and all walks of life. "It's like having a holiday without leaving home. The bad points are the one per centers - who, no matter how hard you try, will complain and be dissatisfied with everything."

And their advice to someone wanting to run a similar business? "You have to like meeting people of all countries. Be organised, open-minded, and a bit of advice given to us was, 'It's your ship and you are the captain'. Don't let the business run you. You run the business."

* www.nzstays.co.nz #8489