History

You know those long car drives where the radio isn't working and there's no one to talk to?

Well LKNZ does. In the summer of 2008-09 founders Bodhi Vette and Simon Coates both had sales jobs which required long car rides on their own. It was in these times where Vodafone "best mate" came in handy, and a lot of ideas for the business were thrown about.

The final idea was to take outdoor activities directly to the backpackers by having a location that had everything at its doorstep, but was less crowded and commercialized that some already developed tourist spots. This spot was deemed to be the central north island, more specifically Ohakune. When you stay with LKNZ, you don't only get a bed, you get the option of an enthusiastic opinion about what the weather is doing, what activities are best suited to the day, and how the best and most cost effective way of achieving your goal can be attained.

LKNZ is a new company with plans to expand into adventure tourism as well as accommodation. Bodhi has 9 years experience in the backpacker industry, including as a tour guide and sales rep for Kiwi Experience, and as business development manager for flight centre UK and Nakedbus NZ. Simon has a double degree in Economics and Marketing, and over 10 years of surfing and snowboarding experience both in New Zealand an internationally, plus guiding and customer service experience.

We got our ideas from our personal backpacking and traveling experience, and are basing the development of our lodge and company on what we think the average activity or thrill seeking traveler would enjoy.

Keep checking the website for the latest LKNZ activities.