THE HEART OF RIBBONWOOD HOST RELIEF
WHY WE EXIST
At Ribbonwood Host Relief, we understand the unique challenges that dedicated hosts and owners of thriving accommodation businesses face. The fast pace, constant demands, and unrelenting responsibilities can make stepping away feel impossible. We recognised the need for a trusted partner who can seamlessly step in during times of need or when you deserve a well-earned break.
No one should carry the weight of worry while they’re away. That’s why we exist—to provide the peace of mind that everything is safe. From ensuring your guests are cared for to managing the day-to-day details, our mission is to offer reliable and professional support, giving you the freedom to relax and recharge with complete confidence.
With Ribbonwood Host Relief, you can step back when life calls, knowing your business is running smoothly, just as you would expect it to. We’re here to help you take that break you deserve, without the fear of things going wrong.
THE JOURNEY
For nearly a decade, Jo and Julie lived near the tranquil shores of Lake Mahinapua in Ruatapu. Jo spent his days as a possum hunter, while Julie shaped young futures in her role as a school teacher. Life was fulfilling, but as the year 2000 approached, they felt an undeniable pull towards the mountains. It was a calling they couldn’t ignore, one that promised new adventures and a deeper connection to nature.
Both avid hikers, bird enthusiasts, and passionate lovers of the outdoors, their hearts were drawn to the picturesque town of Franz Josef Glacier. Known for its extraordinary glacial landscapes, it was a place where nature's beauty thrived in harmony. Jo discovered an opportunity to channel his love for conservation into work as the manager of the "Save the Kiwi" initiative at the Department of Conservation, solidifying their move south in pursuit of a shared dream.
Two years later, their dream began to take shape when they purchased two bare plots of land. The vision for these once-empty paddocks was ambitious yet deeply meaningful. They wanted to build their dream home, grow their own food, and rejuvenate the land by planting native trees. And so began the creation of Ribbonwood Retreat, a sanctuary rooted in sustainability and their love for the natural world.
When Jo and Julie first arrived, the landscape consisted of little more than open paddocks and a few stately totara trees standing watch. With Jo’s innate passion for gardening and an eye for horticulture, they set out to transform the land into a lush, thriving haven. Over the years, more than 200 trees and shrubs were planted, a meticulous blend of native species to support the local ecosystem and exotic varieties for practical purposes like firewood and nuts.
Today, their hard work has created a sanctuary for birds and wildlife. Tuis, bellbirds, kereru, and many others fill the gardens with life and song. Thoughtfully arranged to preserve the property’s open vistas of the mountains and nearby Kiwi sanctuary, the Retreat is a testament to the power of vision, dedication, and a love of nature.
Their connection with others blossomed unexpectedly. One day, they received a call from local motel owners seeking help for travellers who were stranded without a place to stay during a busy season. Jo and Julie didn’t hesitate to open their home to these weary visitors. This simple act of hospitality sparked something profound within them. They realized their love for hosting and their ability to create meaningful connections with others.
What began as a chance encounter grew into something much larger. By 2005, Jo and Julie expanded their venture, thoughtfully constructing a boutique cottage on the property. Ribbonwood Retreat became known as a place where guests could enjoy more than just a comfortable stay. Jo and Julie shared their West Coast way of living with every visitor, offering homegrown food, local knowledge, and a glimpse into their harmonious lifestyle. A stay at Ribbonwood became an experience that left guests feeling inspired, refreshed, and deeply connected to the serenity of the retreat.
Yet, as the years unfolded, Jo and Julie noticed a recurring concern among their peers in the accommodation industry. Hosts and owners poured their hearts into creating memorable experiences for their guests but often struggled to step away when life called for it. Taking a break felt impossible, as the fear of something going wrong loomed large. Jo and Julie empathized, having shared similar feelings themselves during the early years of their hosting journey.
It was this understanding that sparked the idea for their next adventure. Drawing on their hospitality experience and deep appreciation for the challenges of running an accommodation business, they launched Ribbonwood Host Relief.
With Ribbonwood Host Relief, Jo and Julie created a way to help other hosts find balance. They provide trusted, professional support to accommodation owners during times of need, allowing them to step away without worry. Whether it’s for a well-deserved break or an unforeseen event, they ensure everything runs smoothly in a host’s absence.
For Jo and Julie, Ribbonwood Host Relief extends their legacy of care, connection, and service. Just as they built their retreat into a sanctuary for guests, they now offer peace of mind and support to fellow hosts. It’s a natural progression of their values, ensuring that no one in the industry has to feel alone or overwhelmed.
Through Ribbonwood Host Relief, Jo and Julie continue to share their commitment to living in harmony—not just with nature, but with the people and community around them.
JONATHAN
Jonathan studied botany at University. He came to Westland in the 80s to work for the Forest Service and never left.
Reliving his days as a possum hunter in the backcountry on the Coast, he will regale you with stories galore from 'going bush' for months at a time.
In 2000. he was appointed manager of the local Kiwi Recovery Programme, working for the Department of Conservation in Franz Josef. Jo has extensive knowledge of the flora and fauna in our area and loves to share his knowledge and stories.
JULIE
Julie's career highlight was gaining a Royal Society Science Award which enabled her to work with the Kiwi program on Rowi.
Living overseas, she taught children in Jordan, Egypt, and Italy. Julie was a teacher at the local school, fostering an appreciation for caring for our environment, and won a West Coast Community Award for her environmental work with children.
