Prior to opening the Summit Lodge Tracey and Jim both held senior corporate jobs in Wellington. They both love entertaining, good food, wine and meeting people. Jim is a keen golfer and when not at the Summit can often be found on one of the Wairarapa’s golf courses. Tracey is a photographer and finds inspiration in the scenery and colours of the Wairarapa. Both enjoy cooking and baking - visitors to the Summit Lodge will not go away hungry!

Tracey and Jim have both travelled extensively and have many more overseas adventures planned for the years ahead. They built the lodge as somewhere they would stay if they were visitors! Somewhere that was friendly, inviting, with a touch of luxury but no pretentiousness. Tracey and Jim aim to provide their guests with a memorable experience and fond memories – not just a night’s accommodation. They love to help people discover all that the Wairarapa has to offer – be it the food and wine that the region is famous for; the stunning scenery and walks; the many attractions and annual events or the numerous sports and leisure activities – cycling, golf, ballooning, fishing, hunting, tramping, horse riding, flying, paragliding, motor racing – the list is endless.

Since buying the 10-acre block the Summit Lodge is situated in, Tracey and Jim have planted hundreds of shrubs and trees on the property. They both love gardening and the opportunity to create a new garden from scratch is a challenge that inspires them both. The landscaping is based on permaculture principles and is evolving all the time as trees grow and new areas are developed and planted.

Other residents of the Lodge include Osca, Freya and Gandolph – city cats who now love the country; and the seven alpacas Romeo, Petrelli, De Pasco, Falcor, Cookie, Beamer and Alfie who live in the paddock visible from the guest wing. They are very inquisitive, friendly animals and they each have their own distinctive personality! Guests are welcome to hand feed them and get to know a little more about these wonderful animals.