PLACES
New Zealand's North Island: The Tree House
It isn't a cabin perched in a tree. You also could call this
a backpackers' retreat -- which it is -- but that doesn't do
justice to the lavish plantings of native and exotic trees,
the extensive research done by the eco-sensitive owners and
the lovely wake-up calls by resident songbirds.
Located on the shore of historic Hokianga Harbour, the lodge's
main building has decks that flow into an artfully planted forest.
Charming cabins sit beside a pond or stand on a hilltop for
a harbor view. Walk the hilly nature trail, and you'll encounter
native manuka, piriri, and totara trees.
Although it takes effort to get there, via bus, ferry, or
shuttle, the appeal is its isolation -- nothing else is close
by. The Tree House is inexpensive and a favorite among eco-travelers
in New Zealand. Owners Phil and Pauline Evans use only environmentally
safe cleaning products. And the kitchen, toilet and shower facilities
drain into a subsoil effluent system -- one that doesn't use
pumps or electricity. It's an inspiration to learn that anything
so eco-sensitive can be this lovely. To learn more, visit the
web site http://www.treehouse.co.nz.
South Island: Awaroa Lodge and Cafe
This place is a favorite among knowing Kiwis. Set in the woods
where the Abel Tasman Coast track meets the Awaroa River Estuary,
the place has aaward-winning cafe -- indoors and out -- along
with some of South Island's sunniest weather. Guests arrive
by water taxi, kayak, yacht; or discover this oasis after a
morning on the trail. Lodging choices include a main building,
as well as smaller cottages; some have private (ensuite) facilities,
others have shared. For some guests who are just passing through,
it's a crossroads; others guests use Awaroa Lodge as a base
for day hikes, or paddling kayaks around the bay to see the
seals. The food is quite good, and you can enjoy a glass of
wine, or a cappucino under a market umbrella. Visit http://webnz.com/awaroalodge/
for more information.
South Island: Arthur's Pass Wilderness Lodge
Located in New Zealand's Southern Alps, Arthur's Pass Wilderness
Lodge -- and its sister property, Lake Moeraki Wilderness Lodge
-- were developed by an ecologist. With its double-glazed windows
and passive solar features, this mountain retreat blends into
a stunning landscape, attracting friendly guests who mingle
during daily nature excursions. Each of the 20 guestrooms has
a private bath and a mountain view. From this location, guests
can go canoeing, visit a cave or a sheep station, or hike challenging
alpine trails. The owners work with New Zealand's DOC to protect
special plants and animals, conserve soil, and so on. Lodge
rates include a full breakfast and a four-course dinner -- which
can be vegetarian. Lake Moeraki Wilderness Lodge has a location
on the island1s west coast near a colony of penguins. Both lodges
share a web site: http://www.wildernesslodge.co.nz.
FOCUS ON NEW ZEALAND ECOTOURISM INDEX
New Zealand Natural History
- The Focus Has Always Been Natural History
New
Zealand Tourism Q&A
- What is nature tourism in New Zealand? What are the bioregions?
Who are the conservationists? What's at stake? Which New Zealanders
make nature tourism a priority?
Places
- New Zealand's North Island: The Tree House
- South Island: Awaroa Lodge and Cafe
- South Island: Arthur's Pass Wilderness Lodge
Helpful
New Zealand Books and Web Sites
Recommended reading
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