New lodge set in Coromandel forest

Riverstone Lodge is a new lodge in the Coromandel Forest Park which can be booked for up to 22 delegates.

Situated in 2.2ha of native forest, with waterfalls, rivers, goldmines and tracks to explore, it is at the head of the Wentworth River Valley, 7km from Whangamata.

The lodge fully opened only at the beginning of February.

It has five spacious suites with king-size or twin beds, fireplaces, generous lounge areas and private balconies. Six self-contained one-bedroom villas have similar facilities, plus spas.

All suites and villas have wet bar facilities, complimentary port, home-made biscuits, Sky TV, fresh flowers, ensuites and faxes and modems on request.

The lodge has a variety of dining areas, including a breakfast room, cafe with wood-fired cooking, and a formal dining room in a restored miner's cottage.

It has a main conference room and a number of breakaway rooms.

A one-hour walk leads to a superb waterfall and glow-worms can be seen at certain times of the year. Guests can relax in a hot tub set in native bush and go on a four-wheel-drive adventure safari on board a Mercedes Unimog.

Petanque, golf putting, archery, and therapeutic massages are available.

Riverstone's owners say it is an excellent venue for personal development programmes, team building and training. Trained facilitators are on tap.

The owners are Katherine Watson and her partner Sid Lane, and Ali and Terry Keillor.

They believe their market is in business conferences and general tourism. There is a large domestic demand for two to three-day breaks, they believe.

Auckland tourism design consultant David Scott helped them develop the lodge and many tonnes of riverstone have been used in its landscaping.

A waterfall is being designed for guests' enjoyment nearby.

Stage two will include a tennis court and "swimming hole" surrounded by rocks and native palms.