North Island lodge listed among world’s best

Press release from River Birches
15 May 2007

North Island lodge listed among world’s best

River Birches lodge, a fishers paradise on the banks of New Zealand’s Tongariro River, is among the world’s best, according to Travel + Leisure’s “The Best of 2007: The World’s Greatest Hotels, Resorts and Spas”.

The international accolade which is to be published in the prestigious magazine’s annual compendium is welcomed by River Birches owners, Jason and Rebeca Bleibtreu.

“This is a great privilege not only for our lodge, but for the Tongariro area and for New Zealand tourism in general,” said Mr Bleibtreu.

Established in February 2006, the stylish boutique lodge was awarded a five-star rating under New Zealand’s official quality tourism rating system Qualmark just six months after opening. The lodge gardens too have received national recognition.

River Birches lodge is located at the southern end of Lake Taupo, close to World Heritage Tongariro National Park. It is also a 30 minute drive from Mount Ruapehu, the largest ski field in the Southern Hemisphere.

Travel + Leisure lists River Birches alongside distinctive properties in London, Manhattan, Miami, Istanbul, Buenos Aires, Hong Kong, Mexico and Caribbean – the pick of a bunch of quality accommodations covered in Travel + Leisure during the past year, as chosen by the magazine’s expert travel editors.

Many years spent living in Asia inspired the entrepreneurial Bleibtreu’s in their choice of exotic furnishings – an East-meets-West collage of Thai silk curtains, hand-embroidered linens, Maori weavings, native Rimu wood and Burmese furniture.

River Birches is also part of a ‘fair trade’ project for disadvantaged Thai women, and offers guests artisan produced natural soaps, shampoos and conditioners made in Thailand.

The couple renovated an old property into a modern lodge in stunning surroundings with the help of architect David Page of the award-winning Page Henderson practice in Te Puke.

“We’re extremely proud of the publicity and awards we’ve received since opening River Birches,” said Mr Bleibtreu.

River Birches’ three secluded rooms, each with its own deck, kingsize bed, large luxury ensuite and iPod music station, are surrounded by ponga ferns and silver birch trees, with peaceful company from birdsong and the quiet roar of the passing Tongariro River. The Admiral’s room has its own cedar hot tub – hugely inviting after a day of fly-fishing, tramping or skiing.

Stunning gardens offer a meditative mix of traditional roses, annuals, lawns and natives. From each bathroom on the property guest can enjoy views directly into their own privately enclosed garden as they soak in an oversized bath.

River Birches is truly a fishers paradise. Three renowned fishing pools – Major Jones, Breakfast and Hydro – are literally steps from the lodge’s back gate and a tackle room stores high quality fishing gear and waders which are available for fishing guests.

A Rivercam shows all three pools throughout the day and lodge staff will recommend experienced local fishing guides.

“We established a weather station beside the webcam to show current temperature, wind direction and speed,” explained Mr Bleibtreu. “This allows keen fishermen to check out the fishing conditions from the comfort of their own computer. They can then decide at a moments notice to head to River Birches”

Technologically adept Jason installed Wi-Fi broadband around the property, inside and out, to cater for executive and international visitors.

River Birches Lodge manager and qualified chef Marilyn Wright will prepare any freshly caught fish or game (often by her keen fisherman husband Chris) for an evening meal at the lodge, and partner it with a great New Zealand wine. Dining at the lodge is a sublime experience with menus based on locally sourced organic produce. Marilyn ensures guests are set up for the day with freshly cooked breakfasts included in the tariff.

“The lodge is a great short break destination for North Islanders,” said Jason. “Turangi is within easy reach of Auckland, Wellington and all parts in between.”

About Travel + Leisure
Travel + Leisure magazine is regarded as a trusted information source for millions of travelers. It describes itself as the source for people who make travel a priority in their lives. The Travel + Leisure 2007 the world’s greatest hotels, resorts, and spas (available from May 2007) lists around 500 hotels, resorts, and spas around the world, each carefully chosen by T+ L’s experts.

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