Luxury lodge launches brand new development

Luxury lodge launches brand new development and scores top notch membership

Champagne corks are popping as luxury lodge River Birches celebrates two milestones in the heart of New Zealand’s North Island.

A new accommodation option for families and small groups known as ‘The Cottage’ is being launched at River Birches in an idyllic location beside the Tongariro River, and the Lodge is also celebrating acceptance of an exclusive ‘invitation only’ membership to join Lodges of New Zealand (LONZ).

LONZ is an elite marketing body renowned for its boutique properties in outstanding locations offering world-class and exceptional hospitality. The central North Island River Birches is pleased to be recognised among this elite group of top New Zealand accommodation providers.

River Birches Lodge Manager Anthea Tidswell said the timing of the LONZ announcement coincided with the launch of The Cottage, which had to be “just right” before it made its official debut.

“The Cottage was designed specifically in response to the tighter budgets imposed by the global economic downturn. We needed to provide a service for our families and groups that was more affordable than individual lodge rooms. In The Cottage, guests can enjoy privacy but also tap into whatever level of service they need or desire,” she said.

“Guests can create their own meals, eat out or choose from the gourmet food service provided by the lodge. By pre-arrangement dinner can be prepared by the talented lodge chef who cooks up such delights as Wagyu beef and organic salmon accompanied by fine wines.

“Guests simply decide on the level of self-catering they would prefer. The Cottage is the perfect complement to our existing lodge rooms. I can accommodate most guest requirements now.”

The Cottage is a fully self contained property which blends harmoniously with the unique riverside environment. It is located alongside the main lodge and is ideal for those who value the privacy, spaciousness and independence of a luxury ‘home away from home’ with full self-catering facilities.

Ms Tidswell said the wonderful hospitality that River Birches provided had been a driving force behind the Lodges of New Zealand invitation.

“To be invited to join LONZ is the icing on the cake for us, enabling us to be aligned with world class lodges such as Huka and Blanket Bay,” she said.

‘We’ve known for quite some time what a gem we have here, and feedback from guests has reflected that. Now we’re receiving industry recognition for what we offer and that makes all the hard work worth it.”

Lodges of New Zealand Chairperson Colleen Ryan said River Birches fulfilled the association membership criteria as it had a truly outstanding location, magnificent views and receives high praise for the quality of its hosting and cuisine.

"We are pleased to welcome River Birches to the group. The Lodge is in a perfect location for guests who are travelling through North Island - in an outstanding location near Tongariro National Park,” said Ms Ryan.

“It is a criterion for membership of the Lodges of New Zealand that the lodge adds value to the group and River Birches does just that. It also readily meets our standards of offering exceptional hospitality. Manager Anthea has impressed us with her professionalism and attention to detail as well as her warm welcoming style with guests. We are looking forward to working with the team at River Birches."

River Birches recently received a Qualmark Enviro Bronze 2010 award reflecting its commitment to sustainability, energy efficiency and conservation within the New Zealand tourism sector.

Internationally acclaimed by Travel & Leisure magazine’s Best of 2007: The world’s Greatest Hotels, Resorts and Spas, River Birches also features in Frommer’s New Zealand Complete Guide book as one of the Best Boutique Hotels & Small Lodges.

River Birches Spring/Summer Celebration Packages

Join us for a relaxing few days at The Cottage. Unwind with a welcoming bottle of New Zealand bubbles and enjoy the peace and tranquility of The Cottage, lovely garden views and a beautifully appointed kitchen, luxurious king size beds. Stay for three nights for the price of two, from $820 for two guests.

Stay at the Lodge and celebrate our acceptance of an exclusive ‘invitation only’ membership to join Lodges of New Zealand with a complimentary bottle of New Zealand bubbles. Relax in front of the crackling log fire or in our beautiful garden or stroll the banks of the Tongariro River. Enjoy the luxury of our beautiful rooms and blissful beds. Stay three nights for the price of two, from $850 for two guests.

Offers available October and November 2010 subject to availability.

ENDS

More about River Birches Set on the banks of the famous Tongariro River and in easy reach of other outstanding trout rivers, lakes and tributaries in the Taupo region, River Birches is the perfect location for fly fishing adventures. Access to professional guides is easily arranged and fly fishing gear is available at the lodge if required.

Guests can catch world-class trout just 50 metres from the lodge.

Beautiful river walks start right outside the gates of River Birches, spanning either side of the Tongariro River and offering gentle walking through bush tracks to the headwaters of the river.

For the more adventurous, the world famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing is nearby and popular with guests. Other alpine walks are readily accessible in the World Heritage Tongariro National Park.

ENDS

© Scoop Media