A river runs right by it

By COLIN MOORE

When it came to finding a theme and a name for the Coromandel Peninsula's latest luxury tourist lodge, the answer lay on site.

Riverstone Lodge, nestled in the bush 7km inland from Whangamata, is built alongside the Wentworth River and has been landscaped with many tonnes of river stone.

The result gives the lodge the feel of sitting in a dry river bed with the river having carved itself a new path. To heighten the effect, Riverstone owners Terry and Ali Keillor, Sid Lane and Katherine Watson plan to construct a waterfall on a nearby bank of the Wentworth.

A century ago prospectors searched the river for gold, and the surrounding bush was mined for its kauri timber. Now the area, about two hour's drive from Auckland and Hamilton or 40 minutes by helicopter is a refuge from the hustle and bustle of nearby cities.

Riverstone's owners, with the help of tourist design consultant David Scott, set out to develop a retreat for people who wanted to unwind for two or three days in peaceful isolation and with only the tranquillity of nature for company. The Wentworth Valley that carves its way into the Coromandel Ranges is the perfect spot.

From Riverstone, set in 2ha of native forest, guests can walk the bush tracks of the Coromandel Forest Park, explore old mining caves, rivers and waterfalls. You can sit in a hot tub that the lodge has set in the bush or take a 4WD journey into remote reaches of the ranges.

There are two golf courses nearby and Whangamata's famed surf beach is just 7km away.

The lodge has five suites with king-size or twin beds, each with their own fireplace, lounge area and private balcony. It also has six self-contained villas.

An original miner's cottage on the property has been restored as a dining room where the cuisine of young chef Rob Maxwell is served.

To relax in the Riverstone experience costs $245 a person a night on a twin-share basis or $365 a single. The tariff includes a country breakfast, pre-dinner drinks and a four-course dinner. Bed and breakfast rates are $165 a person a night, twin share, and $285 a single.

A weekend unwinder that includes Friday evening nibbles, Saturday breakfast and dinner, and Sunday brunch, costs $980 for two people and $730 a single.

Contact:

Riverstone Lodge

Tel: (07) 865 7210

Fax: (07) 865 7215

E-mail: lodge@riverstone.co.nz

Web site: www.riverstone.co.nz