The Sanctuary

Bill is an incredibly patient, devoted and accommodating host. This truely is a Sanctuary.The Sanctuary a is simple and paired back “village” built on trust. It is great value for money and little bit magical. Bill runs this business by himself but always has time for his guests. I camped here for three nights and watched tens of TA hikers come and go. Bill remembered everybody’s’ names and offered counts lifts to trail heads and Christchurch.He has a brilliant sense of humour and was a true delight to meet along the TA.Bill, it was refreshing to meet you. I wish you all the best.

Despite not seeing Bill at all, this was a welcoming place. He told me on the phone where to find the red instruction book for paying, etc. It has just two options, camping or share an eight bed dorm divided into two sections. Other guests were very considerate of each other and kind. I was fortunate to have good room mates whom i just met. It's a small but comfortable place. Well done Bill. Would love to meet you sometime.

Very cheap $40 a room $10 a tent site. Caretaker Rob is a delight and all the amenities are in great condition you can shower as long as you like and the hot water doesn't budge.

Bill is an absolute legend! This is a small, quirky place but bursting with character. My partner & I put up our tent in the garden & our friends camped in their van in an off street parking spot.We weren't blessed with good weather but found refuge here. Bill was very accomodating & welcoming. He made our stay a memorable one & I highly recommend this unique spot in Arthur's pass.

The best place to stay if your looking for value for money. Nestled in the heart of the villiage between forest covered mountains. We really enjoyed the nearby walks, there are so many waterfalls to be found. Friendly kias was a hit with my son as was the local railway and trains. Our host Bill was so nice and welcoming, gave us lots of helpful tips. Camping with tents are aloud. Theres a hostel with everything you need including a fridge, cooking facilities, board games and guitar. A laundry which runs off gold coins. Just take your sleeping bag and toiletries. We will definitely go back as it meant we could holiday on a shoe string budget and enjoy nature.

I stopped in to use the public shower and was pretty disgusted with it. It was unclean and I was one amongst many travellers using it. There was no cleaning between users and I am surprised that a facility such as this can operate within the Covid-19 traffic light framework. I felt unsafe and will definitely not be using this facility again.

Wonderful place to stay! I loved being able to hike Avalanche Peak and then come back to a shower. We sat in the common room and watched Kea outside the windows in the evening. It was also a nice surprise to find wifi and charging station. Highly recommended!

Lovely camping spot. Basic but has everything you need + great access to amazing hikes. Also Bill is a BABE!The electric fences are a huge bonus because in previous campsites the kea munched on our tent :(

At 30$ a night with close to no extras, I should be complaining about over-pricing, and the damage of barely any competition around. But I just loved the place; it felt like an upgraded hut, the hot bath was so good, the kitchen was basic (but just enough), the sleeping area was comfortable and warm. I liked the trust-system, and (not related, I know) I had great luck meeting the people I shared the bunk-room with. But seriously, 30$? Any chance for a discount for returning customers? Because I will come back for sure.