Allan's base camp

Cosy and basic place to stay, all of the cabins are very cool cabins. Alan was great to chat to and gave us a ride into town which was much appreciated.Great for pre hike if you are heading to North Arm Hut first but it is about 2km from Oban so just be prepped for a little walk.

It’s my first time ever leaving a review and doing especially for Allan. We all felt that he is an amazing man. He upgraded our campsite after the three day hike because there was a storm coming that night.The cabins are basic but comfortable and the kitchen space and hot shower and flushing toilets were greatly appreciated.Allan was cheerful and full of wisdom and even drove our group back into the ferry.The place might be a little under maintained but considering his age it’s a credit to him.Will stay again.

Unfortunately, I can't recommend this place. I could see that it was very nice at one point. The property is beautiful! However, Allan is getting on in age and not capable of managing the place it seemed to us. Cleanliness is seriously lacking (overflowing rubbish, mold and spiders in cabins, holey roofs, leaking shower and toilet etc). You can expect a lecture on not getting water on the floor with the leaky shower and not using the electricity. Too bad- could have been nice. Price 15 pp tent , 35pp cabin.

Beautiful location. Not so nice if you just walked for days, because the facilities are old and dirty. Luckily we didn’t need them. Allan is an eccentric old man, but he was nice and in for a chat. We got a free upgrade because of the weather. You can also listen to a kiwi pair in the evening and maybe spot them…

First of all I want to say that we were really grateful to stay here, because it was the only accomodation available on the island. Alan I tried to communicate the following to you but because you didn't have your hearing aid in, hopefully you can read this message.We had the best trip and we were happy to look past the unswept floors, the smelly rubbish, no fridge, the leaky toilet, the drop saw at 8am every morning and the 1 shower to share between 10+ people (depending how many people were there at the time). Sitting by the fire in the evenings was nice and the scenery was nice.What was not ok was the way Allan treated guests. He often said he was sick of guests and didn't want them, and when the shower broke (total accident, that's what happens when everything is old and not upkept) he turned off all the power and demanded someone pay. Allan let us know that 'he is not a house keeper!' which is OK - but as the accommodation provider you are responsible for the house and if you aren't the house keeper then you should hire one. Also I suggest putting some laminated signs around to help guests know a few things: for example how to turn on the hot water, and any expectation you have of them staying there would be nice too.Stewart Island was great and like I said - we had an awesome trip and were really grateful for somewhere to stay to let us enjoy such a magical place.

I really enjoyed this place. By far the cheapest indoor accommodation on Stewart Island (except for DOC huts 2+ days walk out of town), and better than staying in town if you want to maximize your time around the island's wonderful nature. I even saw a kiwi on the lawn one night. I was surprised by some of the bad reviews here. The facilities are a bit run-down and not sparkling clean, but no more so than a low-end hotel or cheap backpackers hostel. Allan is a character and I loved it. The hot shower worked well, and the kitchen was much appreciated regardless of the lack of any electrical appliances. For backpackers used to rough-and-tumble world travel, it's more than good enough. It's a camp"

Cabins were unique and cozy. About a 20 minute walk to the town. Having a shower on the campsite is always a plus. Saw a Kiwi on the grounds too!

I was there with my girlfriend and my kiwi friend. It was the worst experience for us ever! The place is quite beautiful, Alan looked like normal friendly man at the beginning. He is very capable man who build all the cabins there alone which is nice but around hour later he was moralising us all the time. The bathroom was really dirty without toilet paper. He always cared about electricity and water we were using there. He was knocking on the door of the bathroom to let us know to quit the shower. During night around 10pm he entered to big shelter and start jellying to us to turn off the lights and go sleep etc. Don’t go there if you don’t want to ruin end of your journey on Stewart island.

Host mucked up our booking so put us in a larger bach some distance away for the same price which was fortunate. The state of the accommodation was consistent with the experience of the other reviews (building and amenities dirty / cobwebbed, bedding old) so expect a lower standard than backpackers. Positives are that the site was secluded and very quiet in the heart of the bush, and had gas for heating and lighting. The host had some strong opinions about certain professions, so be discerning about disclosing your occupation!

Allan stayed open for 3 weeks so I could stay. That's a measure thanks. Great shower. Easy 25 minute walk into the main town, Oban.