About Bell Lodge in Tauranga

Sheree and Rick bought Bell Lodge back in May 2006

This was a big change for both as neither had any previous experience looking after so many travellers.

Sheree came from a background in life insurance having worked for one of the countries leading insurance companies for 12 years. Starting at the bottom Sheree came quickly to the attention of management, as her go get attitude was what they were looking for in a leader.

A quick succession of promotions allowed Sheree to save and travel, each year travelling to many different parts of the world, including Europe, Africa, Malaysia and the British Isles.

Passionate about travel, Sheree enjoys talking with guests about their country and if she has been there relating her experiences and memories. She says "it is great when I talk with people who came from the areas I have been to, and them telling me of the changes. They are happy someone actually knows where they are talking about and I am happy to hear of changes especially where they have been good changes."

Rick is the jack of all trades and master of none. With many a job behind him, Rick has a wealth of knowledge that supports the running of the lodge including working in retail, some database building, management roles and working in Government Departments. Ricks skills have helped in the extensive repair works that have been needed round the lodge. With the help of his Dad and great local tradesmen Craig Parker Builder, Jason from Contrast Plumbing, Roger from Electrical & Security Services and new to the team Tomas from Check Electrical, a lot of the rough repair work from the past has been sorted to the standard expected from world travellers.

Something that Rick was not too keen on the past was travelling the world. "That's because" he says "There is so much to see and do in New Zealand. One should not leave home until one has seen it all". That was until two years ago when both he and Sheree were able to travel to London, catch up with his brother Lance and his wife Lynn, on his birthday; then go on a whirl-wind tour around the Mediterreanean on a cruise.

Whilst on their holiday they did get to catch up with past guests in London, see the Edinburgh Military Tattoo live and check out a few hostels in Germany whilst catching up with ex guests in Berlin and Cologne. "It has certainly changed my mind about world travel" says Rick. "I wish now I had the courage these young travellers have, when I was younger. I've missed an opportunity".

Rick is still passionate about New Zealand and every opportunity he can will sit and advise the guests where they should go and why. Rick is currently working on a project that he hopes will provide guests with the info they need about NZ travel, even before they arrive in the country. Rick says "there is so much out there about NZ yet there is even so much more that is missed. Backpackers do want to spend their money wisely and get best value for dollar."

Lorraine has been working at Bell Lodge for 14 years now and has seen 3 owners come and go. "I'm not sure if I would like to continue after Sheree & Rick sell" she says. "The place has changed a lot since I started back in ... So have the travellers".

about us