HOSTS

With a long working history in tourism around Europe as well as NZ, Gilbert - who originally hails from Christchurch - is a multi-talented do-it-all come host with plenty of hair-raising travel stories to tell. He also used to guide for Elm Wildlife Tours for several years and has therefore accumulated invaluable knowledge about the Otago Peninsula and its rare and exciting wildlife. These days, he is often seen up a ladder or brandishing a tool or paint brush while tending to the many maintenance jobs around the sizeable building and grounds. Maja is Swiss-born and raised with a background in languages and has done her fair share of travelling before meeting Gilbert and settling in Dunedin in 1996. In 1999, they bought this magnificent building which used to be the Catholic Bishop's Residence for 137 years and eventually turned it into Hogwartz - the popular backpacker hostel it is today. Although slightly tied down with the hostel and their two dearly-loved Jack Russell Terriers, the couple still enjoys travelling and exploring new destinations whenever they manage to get away.

An important role in the department of guest relations at Hogwartz plays Asterix. His natural charm and funny personality along with his uncanny people skills make him an irreplaceable member of the team, hugely successful with hostel guests and staff alike. Despite his own advanced age, he still keeps his elderly mother on her toes – that is, during her rare waking moments. Bella no longer holds a position of responsibility at Hogwartz, but she still does her regular rounds of the kitchen to check that the floor is spotlessly clean at all times. Her failing sight and hearing unfortunately caused her to be less approachable these days – please don’t take it personally and feel free to ignore her (recommended approach).