Meet Your Hosts

Uniquely located within a Central Otago basin - where the Mighty Clutha meets the roar of the Kawarau river - winding from Wanaka and Queenstown respectively and mere stone throw from the new cycle trail-Highlands MotorSports Park – Lake Dunstan – Cardrona Ski Field – Wanaka WarBirds, the list goes on.

We first settled here in the early 1990’s, just after the Clyde Dam was built. The unique opportunities on offer here in Central Otago led to our children benefiting from a clean, rich, outdoor - growing environment. While experiencing weather extremes not been repeated for the 30yrs we have spent in Cromwell.

As they grew up and moved on we found ourselves reflecting on ways to contribute to the growing popularity of Central Otago, when “the pennie dropped” on the idea of accommodation.

The PENNY DROP INN was first envisioned in 2016 over a bottle of D.C Duck shooters port. Soon after the perfect piece of land was secured and plans were being put in place.

We were tested at times by boom-and-bust economies, but we finally have decided to firmly plant our feet in the basin, so as to give travelers to  the area, a unique affordable experience.

Hi I’m Des Offen, born in Dunedin in 1964.

I’ve been part of the construction industry since the 1980’s. The land where we have built PENNY’S DROP INN was purchased in 2016. Working on the project full time since late 2018 , finally completed December 2020.                 

Now open, I personally look forward to meeting new faces and hearing their experiences while visiting Central Otago.

My wife Lynlea - a dedicated mum to her 3 children and a consumed lover of animals. 

Over the years Lynlea has worked for retailers in the area – frontline and management rolls, selling to locals and tourists alike, that flocked to the lakes district.

You will be greeted with warmth and openness, only too keen to share her stories of riding the southern landscape on horseback as well as her children’s achievements. Lynlea’s touch has given Penny’s Drop a clean homely vibe.

You will be greeted on arrival by Penny the goat - she has been overseeing developments since day 1 and our Golden retriever, George (foreman) will be the first to help you with your bags

Regards 

Des & Lynlea Offen.