Life in Taihape hits the rusty nail on the head

Rusty Nail Backpackers Lodge owner Jenni Caldwell (left) and daughter Louise Dewes. PHOTO/LINFERGUSON

Jenni Caldwell has opted for a new life in a new town and says she's hit the jackpot.

As well as working part-time as the Taihape community activities co-ordinator for the elderly, she is also the proud owner and hostess of the Rusty Nail Backpackers Lodge in Dixons Way, Taihape.

Jenni, who was living in Ashhurst in Manawatu, said Taihape had always appealed to her.
"It has something ... it needs more but there's still a lot of charm so there's plenty to work on."

Her backpackers lodge is a log house on a hill just outside the town.
It has that cosy, out-on-the-prairie feel except it is surrounded by lush gardens, trees and ferns rather than flat rolling tussock.

The dorm rooms are pretty bare and rustic but the double rooms are comfy and warm.

An outdoor deck has great views over the town, with Mount Ruapehu in the background. Meals are available, as are laundry and internet.

Jenni, a vibrant woman, said the whole rustic warmth of the place appealed to everyone.
She is delighted she is so busy.

"I have people staying practically every night. Most are overseas travellers arriving either on bikes or in cars."

Travellers have come from Turkey, France, Poland, Britain, Australia, Spain Germany and the United States. They are all ages.

"We had two lovely women come and stay, one was 90 and the other one was about 81. They were stunning."

Jenni sees herself as perfectly placed for all the extreme and outdoor pursuits enthusiasts.

"We're only an hour from the skifields and the Tongariro Crossing. We are quiet and peaceful and ensure a restful, fun stay."

A French couple on a cycling holiday arrived with their 5-year-old daughter tucked up in little towing basket pulled by one of the bikes.

Unfortunately the weather packed up and they asked if they could stay another night but the lodge was fully booked

"I felt terrible so took them upstairs to my three-bedroomed house and let them stay. I've never regretted it. They were so happy. It was really worth it."

Jenni loves her community activities role and plans everything from a singalong with a local ukelele group to heading on a drive through the beautiful Kawhata Valley.

"There is so much beauty around Taihape ... It's all here."