Your host 

Wendy is a member of a well-established and well-known island family with a long history of providing hospitality to visitors on Rakiura, Stewart Island.

Wendy is of Portuguese and Maori descent, a great great granddaughter of Josef Antonio a sealer, whaler and early settler. Also of Irish, English and Cornish heritage – her whakapapa (genealogy) is a rich tapestry of hospitable women from many different national backgrounds.

Wendy has lived and travelled overseas but has been drawn home to the beautiful and peaceful Stewart Island. Wendy would love to welcome you to her Greenvale Bed and Breakfast home to share the joys of native birdsong, southern light on gentle harbour waters and a magnificent view that stretches back to mainland New Zealand.

Let the comfort and warmth of Greenvale soothe you.  Allow Wendy, as your host, the privilege of doing what she enjoys most – caring for your every need and ensuring your visit to Rakiura is a memorable experience.

Greenvale's History 

The original Greenvale Boarding house was destroyed by fire in 1942 and the new Greenvale Bed and Breakfast has been built on the same site. The following articles appeared in local newspapers.

Destroyed By Fire
Boarding House at Stewart Island

"The well-known accommodation house at Stewart Island, Greenvale House, conducted by Mr and Mrs C.V. Thomson, was completely destroyed by a fire which broke out early last evening.  Bedding and kitchenware only were saved and the thick smoke greatly hampered the endeavours of the local unit of the Home Guard who endeavoured to help in salvaging part of the contents of the building.

This well-known boarding house opened by the late Mr J.R. Thomson in 1886 was a two-storied wooden building of 30 bedrooms, dining room, kitchen, two public sitting rooms and staff bed and living rooms.  It was charmingly situated on an elevated position overlooking Halfmoon Bay.  During the season it was well patronised and often more than 100 guests were staying there at a time.

The fire, which was first noticed while the evening meal was on, apparently originated in the boiler room of the hot water service in the basement at the back of the main building. The flames quickly established a strong hold and with no water available for proper fire fighting, the fire rapidly spread through the building.  Although there was little wind at the time the dry timber burned merrily."
 
   
 

Salvage work Difficult

Home Guardsmen and the household staff did what they could to salvage the contents of the building but the smoke soon became so dense that little could be done. Some bedding and crockery were saved but the bulk of the contents was destroyed.

At the time of the fire only one guest was staying in the house but more were expected on Monday.  A year ago there were four boarding-houses at Halfmoon Bay but the loss of Greenvale House now leaves only one open.  As heavy bookings were expected for the Easter holidays the accommodation problem will be somewhat acute.

The boarding-house was insured for £2000 and there was a cover of £800 on the furniture but replacement costs would be heavy these times and the loss will be considerable. The building was owned by Miss B.J. Thomson, a sister of Mr C.V. Thomson, who took over the management from his sisters several years ago. The late Mr J.R. Thomson arrived in Stewart Island in 1876, where he was engaged in farming, fishing and mining. When in 1886 the licensed house in the Island was given up he opened what was destined to become one of the most popular establishments on the Island and a familiar landmark.

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