What Our Guests Say
Based on 18 reviews
Nina
14 days ago
Had the best time staying at the Balance Base. The view is so beautiful!! Max hosts plenty of fun events you can join (usually in the evenings after working). It's a great place to meet like-minded people:) I will definitely come back!
Chelsea Chamberlain
15 days ago
Excellent location, with great Lake views and easy walk into town. Activities organised by friendly host for addition fee. Great place to meet people, best for solo travellers as Queen rooms are comfortable but pretty snug for a couple.
Jana Reuther
about 1 month ago
Such a great experience. Balance Base felt like home—a big family away from home. I stayed for 3 weeks while working remotely, and it was the perfect setup. The co-working space was a game-changer (just having a proper office chair made all the difference). And I even had my own table in my room for private meeting calls with Europe. There were tons of social events, and always someone around for a chat or a helping hand. The location? Absolutely stunning—right by the lake. I loved using the bikes to ride to the gym or just explore. But what truly made it special were the people. Everyone staying there was super cool, interesting, and easy to connect with. Big thanks to Max for creating such an incredible space at the end of the world.
Ryan Gold
about 1 month ago
I’ve stayed in a few colivings around the world and I can safely say this is the one that most felt like home. I stayed about 5 weeks and was truly sad to leave. The house is ultra comfortable, plenty of space for everyone, nice rooms, modern kitchen(s), great hang out and work spaces - and the view from just about everywhere in the house is unparalleled. The location was perfect, I could bike into town in 5 minutes, take a beautiful walk along the lake by just walking out the front door, bike to the gym in 10 mins… everyone I met during my stay was awesome and Max effortlessly made everyone feel welcome and at home. There was something organized almost everyday, from hot tub nights looking at the stars, board game nights, group hikes and excursions, swims in the lake, pickleball, to beer and pool at the local pub. I honestly couldn’t have asked for more. I’d go back in a heartbeat.
Matt Hooper
about 2 months ago
Balance Base NZ is an absolute gem! Max is an incredible host—welcoming, friendly, and always making sure everyone feels at home. The vibes here are unbeatable, with a perfect mix of relaxation and inspiration. The views are stunning, and it’s a fantastic spot to work remotely—great WiFi, cozy spaces, and just the right atmosphere to focus while still feeling connected to nature. Whether you’re here to unwind or get some work done, this place has it all. Can’t recommend it enough!
Jarryd Alfaro
about 2 months ago
Y’all, if you’re looking for a place to explore Wanaka and the surrounding regions, while also meeting fellow travelers and making new friends, this is the spot. Ideally located a 30-minute walk/8 minute bike ride from town, it’s the perfect place for anyone who wants to have meaningful travel experiences. The rooms are comfy and the kitchen is fully equipped with everything you need to cook if you want. Weekends are always filled with excursions and during the week there is always something going on so you’ll never be bored. And with a view like the one you see in the pictures, it’s an easy decision to stay at the Balance Base.
Ted Synnott
about 2 months ago
I used the Balance Base as my home between walks around the lower South Island and I couldn't recommend it more highly. It's social in a way that feels very organic, everyone is welcome to join in and there's always fun activities to do. It's a beautiful spot on the lake, surrounded by a network of footpaths to access the wider town. The house and amenities are clean and tidy. Stay here, you will love it.
Nick Faber
about 2 months ago
Had the best time staying at Balance Base! Wanaka is truly the place to be in NZ and I couldn't imagine a better spot to enjoy all that this area has to offer. 10/10 recommend!
Dominik Kropacek
2 months ago
Only have good things to say about BB! I the things that stood out to me was the community aspect, cleanliness, and all around awesome location. Was great that Max always had things on the go which you could take part in. Hopefully it’s lot long until we’re back again
Kristen Briglia
2 months ago
I feel so lucky to have stumbled upon this place—it’s truly incredible! Let’s start with the view: right across the road from the lake, you get breathtaking panoramas of Lake Wanaka and the surrounding mountains. The house itself is fantastic—modern, beautifully designed, and equipped with everything you need, including super comfortable beds and well-stocked kitchens. Max is an outstanding host, always planning fun activities and ensuring everything runs smoothly. During my stay, his volunteer, Dustin, helped keep the space spotless, and they were always on top of things. Whether you need a quiet spot to focus or a social space to connect, there are plenty of great places around the house to get work done. The community here is truly next-level. I loved it so much that I left—twice—only to come back again. It’s the perfect base for exploring nearby adventures like Mt. Cook and the Aspiring Hut (both highly recommended!) as well as iconic destinations like Milford Sound. Wanaka itself is absolutely stunning. I always felt safe running solo, with endless trails of all levels and distances to explore. This place offers the perfect balance of work, adventure, and community—an experience you won’t forget. 10/10 recommend!
Luke Stock
3 months ago
You should have no doubts if planning to stay at The Balance Base! I can’t recommend this place enough. The hosts, Max and Dustin did an incredible job making me feel welcome and relaxed, whilst creating a space to knuckle down and get work done. The workspace was spot on, and the view from my desk was beautiful. There’s plenty of hikes and water activities already on offer in Wanaka. Max did a great job tailoring fun activities, including pickleball, pub quizes and live music events. Max’s local knowledge was super handy! I’d recommend Roy’s peak, Rob Roy’s and Diamond Lake/Rocky Mountain hikes. Jumping in the hot tub after is highly recommended too!
Franz Queißner
3 months ago
Amazing place to relax and get stuff done! The stunning view on the mountains, the activities, the housemates and the awesome host Max provide the perfect environment to work and have a ton of fun at the same time!
Zoe Warrender
3 months ago
Highly recommend. I had the pleasure of spending some time here and I can’t recommend it enough. Max and Dustin are 10/10 hosts who go above and beyond to make your trip as best as it can be. Arranging boat trips, hikes, quiz nights, pub nights and everything in between. The rooms are clean and well decorated with some of the most comfortable bunk beds I’ve ever slept in. Plenty of space to work or just enjoy the views from the balcony’s. I’ll be back!
David Rey
3 months ago
Can't recommend this place enough. We chose to stay at the Balance Base with a colleague when working abroad between gigs. It was the best decision ever. Max is a great host that put a lot of effort into organizing many activities like Pickleball, pub quizzes, amazing end of day hikes, etc... to always end our work days on high notes. Wanaka lake has stunning views, and the sky will show the Milky Way on clear nights.
Brigitte Hicks
3 months ago
We had an amazing time staying at the Balance Base. It was the perfect spot to relax in Wānaka in between tramps. Max and Dustin were incredibly helpful, organising fun social events for us like the secret sauna in Lake Hāwea. Don't miss out on this gem right on the waterfront!
Alex France
3 months ago
Picturesque spot! Max is super friendly and knows a lot about the local area. Was great meeting other like minded people from around the globe
Zack Kimelheim
3 months ago
Incredible value to stay in beautiful Wanaka. Max runs a clean, fun, and authentic coliving home right on the lake. Must stay here before it blows up in popularity. Hidden gem to experience NZ in a special way.
Aubrey
3 months ago
I spent an incredible few days at The Balance Base and cannot recommend it enough! It felt like home within a few hours of arriving. Max and Dustin were warm and welcoming, and the sense of community was truly special. So many highlights to share – but getting out on the boat, late night board games, and star gazing in the hot tub were some of my favs! The rooms were clean and spacious, the kitchen fully stocked with all the cookware you would need, board games galore, and the best view of the lake. Superb location - only about a 20-25 min walk to town. If you’re looking for a sense of community, fun weekly activities, a calm and peaceful space, plus awesome hosts – look no further. 10/10 – thanks guys!