Mother and daughter team Annie Murphy (51) and Claire Sisterson (34) beat dozens of other applicants after the Macraes Community Trust became desperate and offered a free lease to anyone willing to run the hotel.
With the help of an Otago Daily Times story shared on their respective Facebook pages, the Australian-based pair applied, were shortlisted and interviewed, and ultimately became the new faces of "the hub'' of the community.
"The highlights [so far] have been the acceptance of the community [and] catching up with people I haven't seen in a good 15 years,'' Ms Murphy said.
"Just connecting with people again. Everyone has been so positive about the experience.''
The pair had an interesting background.
Ms Murphy adopted out Ms Sisterson as a baby but the pair reconnected years later and have lived and worked together "more like friends'' ever since.
They had lived and worked together in Western Australia for the past 10 years, Ms Murphy as a mine safety officer and Ms Sisterson as a chef.
The pair had earlier worked together at the Beach Hotel in Dunedin, where Ms Sisterson dealt with the day-to-day and Ms Murphy did the cooking.
Before that, Ms Murphy spent 20 years in Naseby while Ms Sisterson lived in Nelson.
"We are very community-oriented,'' Ms Murphy said.
"I was, for me personally, was searching for community. It's very hard to maintain relationships in that industry [mining]. I have it ... here.''
Business had started well, with employees from the nearby Oceana Gold mine, locals and tourists enjoying a new menu developed by Ms Sisterson, with healthy options and old favourites.
They had plans to get people in to Macraes, including hosting regular functions and offering day trips from Dunedin.
"People say it's in the middle of nowhere. We're only an hour from Dunedin. It's an opportunity to bring something to this part of the world,'' Ms Murphy said.
There was no hesitation in jumping on the opportunity.
"I sort of knew the area and what was expected. There were no hurdles. There was no doubt. There was no 'Oh my God, what are we doing?'.''
Ms Sisterson said the pair were both "really happy'' in Australia but it was "really nice to be home''.
"I never thought I was going to move back to New Zealand any time soon. It's just sort of really kicking off really well for us.''
As for how long the pair would stay, Ms Murphy said the lease was for three years with an option to renew it for another six.
She hoped to retire after that.
Ms Sisterson had a partner now working in the area and said it was "just kind of wait and see''.
