Mt Lyford Lodge is more than just a place to rest your head, it’s the result of a remarkable community vision, brought to life by a team of dedicated locals with a shared passion for the mountains. Construction began in early 2000 and spanned 18 months, led by Matt Chambers of Logic Construction alongside an extended family of skilled builders, plumbers, electricians, and friends. What stands today is a legacy of craftsmanship, determination, and a deep love for the Mt Lyford region.
The idea for the lodge originated from five local couples who dreamed of creating an alpine-style accommodation and gathering place for the Mt Lyford village. Their vision was to host up to 100 guests, primarily during the ski season, while also offering a hub for locals and visitors year-round. After building consent was granted (thanks to the design work of Graeme Chambers) the project was taken on by young Englishman Paul Dawson. The Chambers family, along with many others, contributed to every part of the build, from mixing 100 cubic metres of concrete on-site, to sourcing local timber, and even welding the balustrades themselves.
Building in an alpine environment came with its challenges, including a snowstorm that filled the half-finished lodge with snow and paused work for a month of skiing. But the highlight of the project came midway through construction when Paul met a local Christchurch teacher at the nearby ski field. Their connection led to a wedding that doubled as the lodge’s grand opening party, complete with top hats, bridesmaids, and an entire community coming together in the final weeks to help finish the lodge in time.
At the time of completion, Mt Lyford Lodge was believed to be the largest log building in New Zealand, constructed with an extraordinary 5,000 metres of Douglas Fir log and 100m³ of timber in the beams and trusses. Every element was carefully considered to fit its alpine surroundings and tight budget, with local materials, including approx. 5000m of log in the building all supplied by Doug Simpson. Though it now stands 135mm shorter due to natural log shrinkage, the lodge remains a towering testament to ingenuity, resourcefulness, and the spirit of Mt Lyford.
In September 2021, Mt Lyford Lodge entered a new chapter when it was purchased by Rodin Cars to support the needs of their growing team. With the business based in a remote part of North Canterbury, the lodge provided a comfortable, well-equipped base for staff working on-site during the week. It has also become a venue for hosting guests and offering tailored catering. As things evolved, Rodin Cars opened the restaurant and bar to the public and it’s since grown into a warm, welcoming space for good food, relaxed hospitality, and a connection point between the wider community and the exciting innovation happening just over the hill.
What to Expect
Mt Lyford Lodge is more than just a stopover. It's a destination. Nestled in alpine wilderness, the lodge offers ski-in proximity in winter and unbeatable hiking, biking and retreat potential all year round. Whether you want to unwind with a wine in one of our communal lounges or explore the wider region, Mt Lyford makes it easy to do both.
Discover the Area
With Kaikōura just over the hill and the Waiau valley below, you're perfectly positioned for whale watching, winery tours, or simply soaking in the mountain air.
