LUXURY

John Sax, was to build not just a lodge but also a wilderness
and personality and also his way of bringing you closer to
sanctuary. You certainly get a sense of that on the glorious
understanding and respecting the land and her abundance.
drive through native bush on part of the 2500-hectare
Having only just touched the surface of what Treetops Lodge
property. You arrive feeling like you really have stepped away
has to offer, I really do look forward to being able to visit
from the world. A grand entrance of flowing water, rocks,
again with more time to really explore this abundant estate.
native fauna and commanding carved wooden doors adorned
with ornate trout handles entices you inside to an impressive
space. Views out to the bush-clad property beyond catch
your eye but it is the ceiling height that is most striking in the
grand room and the abundance of artefacts and artwork that
captures the essence of New Zealand.
It was the end of my trip and I’d discovered a new Rotorua – a
plentiful oasis on our doorstep that can give you a different
experience every time you visit. I suggest you make a trip
there soon and embrace the beauty and abundance that is
Rotorua and at the same time open your mind to the lodge
experience. New Zealanders can be a little shy about this
My villa was nestled only a short walk from the main lodge
type of accommodation but we needn’t be. It’s people that
and elevated so that I really did get the sense of being within a
add so much to a travel experience and when staying at a
bush canopy. Slate columns accented the rich furnishings and
an open fire created a welcome setting to retreat back to.
The estate has over 70km of hiking trails, mountain bike
tracks, horse treks and 4-wheel driving plus clay target
shooting, stream or lake fishing and hunting. You can get
as innovative as you like and really immerse yourself into
what this magnificent environment has to offer. Or you can
stay around the main lodge house and enjoy each room
that has its own unique appeal – the comprehensive library,
traditional games room, the day room for quiet reflection or
Conservatory at Treetops Lodge
the communal kitchen that serves up a number of tempting
treats throughout the day.
I was up for a really humbling experience in the afternoon
and it was my pleasure to venture out with Chef Eru on a
walk through the bush. I learnt all about edible plants and
their other uses for healing and medicinal purposes that
date back into Maori heritage. We looked for and gathered
Kareao (Supplejack) vine – the young stems can be eaten raw
and taste similar to green beans, Horopiko plant – the leaves
are chopped up and added to food for a hot spicy flavour,
and Pikopiko fronds from the Manku (Hen & Chicken) fern as
we slowly made our way to the property’s aptly named Bridal
Veil Falls. The falls were a truly magnificent sight and added
a sense of connectedness between us and the land as Eru
prepared our ‘hangi in a pan’ using Manuka branches to add
a smoky flavour, Patete leaves to cover the food, followed by
wet potato sacking. The end result, served with Kawakawa
lodge you could learn first hand from the owner the intimate
history about the site and the lodge’s reason for being and
even share each other’s life stories. Or if cuisine is more your
thing then you have the opportunity to converse directly with
the chef and be inspired by their passion. And then there
are the guests – you never know where in the world they
may be from. But it’s not all about the interaction either.
Private dining is offered by most lodges nowadays and if you
are more into getting some much needed R&R, they won’t
interfere. It’s at lodges that you arrive as a guest and leave
as a friend with a host of unique and personal memories of
your stay.
leaf tea sweetened with Manuka honey was a delicious
profusion of flavours that made me exclaim, “This is the best
hangi I’ve ever tasted!”
More info
Lake Okareka Lodge by Lebua Hotels and Resorts
www.lebua.com/okareka
Rates start from NZ$5,063 based on 1-2 persons per night
and includes pre-dinner drinks, five course dinner and full
breakfast.
Solitaire Lodge is part of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World
brand. www.slh.com/solitaire
Rates start from NZ$720 per person per night and includes pre
dinner drinks and canapés, four course evening meal and full
breakfast.
Treetops Lodge & Wilderness Estate is part of Small Luxury
Hotels of the World brand. www.slh.com/treetops
Rates start from NZ$552 per person per night and includes
pre dinner cocktails, four course dinner and full breakfast.
Part of the charm of this experience was Chef Eru’s knowledge
Pure Cruise
www.purecruise.co.nz
Polynesian Spa
www.polynesianspa.co.nz
International flights
Air New Zealand will launch twice-weekly trans-Tasman flight
services between Rotorua International Airport and Sydney
International Airport on December 12. The airline will fly A320
aircraft on a Saturday-Monday service initially, becoming a
Saturday-Tuesday service from February 2010.
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Treetops Lodge at dawn