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Welcome to New Zealand at its Best

Organic Explorer has carved out a name for itself as a comprehensive resource for travellers seeking eco-friendly experiences in New Zealand.

Through its website and travel guides, it has provided travellers with an abundance of information about everything from organic cafe's and eco-lodges to nature tourism and Maori cultural experiences.

But Organic Explorer’s efforts have gone further than just informing travellers about the variety of eco-friendly experiences available in New Zealand. It has also helped raise international awareness of New Zealand as a visitor destination.

Eco-tourism experiences feature on many international visitors’ holiday plans and that will only increase Organic Explorer’s relevance to visitors and local eco-tourism businesses.

Kevin Bowler
Tourism New Zealand Chief Executive

Waipiata

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657 Pukapuka Road, Mahurangi, Auckland
Tel: 64 (0)9 422 0156
www.waipiata.co.nz

Full Description

Waipiata is a secluded luxury lodge just 30 minutes drive north of Auckland and 1 hour from the Auckland International Airport, New Zealand. Designed by renowned architect Noel Lane and awarded the NZIA New Zealand Award for Residential Architecture it is set on the coast in 5 acres (2.2 hectares) of lawn and gardens surrounded by towering native trees and small tidal coves. The lodge is contemporary yet timeless, with pavilions of stone and walnut featuring glass walls, limestone floors and New Zealand art works. The guest rooms have super-king beds with fine cotton, down duvets, merino blankets and throws. Sustainability. The lodge was designed to be sustainable, maximising the use of passive solar and thermal mass. Thousands of native trees have been planted, rain water is the sole water supply and waste water is purified and fed back to the land. The large orchard, vegetable and herb gardens are grown following organic practices. Awarded Enviro-Gold by Tourism NZ. Close to beautiful regional parks, Goat Island marine reserve, Tititiri Matangi bird sanctuary, Tawharanui bird and marine sanctuary, Pakiri Beach, Puhoi historic Bohemian village, sculpture parks and Matakana vineyards.

Environment Friendly Action

We conserve heat
We conserve water
We reduce/limit oil/gas carbon emissions
We employ alternative energy resources: wind/solar/water
We recycle where possible
We compost food waste
We use sustainable toilet/grey water waste disposal
We use bio-degradable cleaning agents
We use reclaimed or low embodied energy building materials
We use renewable natural furnishings
We instruct staff in green practices
We include green room info packs
We mention green/eco issues on our website
We conserve/care for wildlife in our area/ natural pest eradication
We participate in community environmental initiatives
We use principles of permaculture and/or biodynamic method of farming

Other Environment Friendly Initiatives

The lodge was designed to be sustainable, maximising the use of passive solar and thermal mass. Stock have been removed and thousands of native trees planted, protecting the foreshore and attracting back great numbers of birds. We have built boardwalks under mature native forest to protect the regenerating bush. Rain water is the sole water supply and all waste water is purified and fed back to the land. The large orchard, vegetable and herb gardens are organically grown.
We continue to find ways to better sustain and enhance our land.
Enviro-Gold award for sustainable tourism practices

Dietary Selections: We offer

Vegetarian
Organic Food
Locally sourced food
Home-grown spray-free produce

Organic Meals

We grow our own produce using organic practices. Other produce is sourced locally, organic where possible.
We specialise in sumptuous breakfasts and also fine dining when required.

Facilities

Three ensuite guest rooms with glass walls and large private decks to the harbour and rural views. Guest lounge, laundry, free broadband access, kayaks, bush walks.

Total Capacity

Electronics

Bigscreen TV
Sky
Hi-Fi with CD & DVD player
Phone & Broadband

Activities

Kayaking
Walking
Swimming
Vineyards
Sculpture trails
Close to marine reserves and bird sanctuaries

Tariff Includes

Breakfast

Directions

We are midway between Orewa and Warkworth in North Auckland. From the Mahurangi West Regional Park road turn left into Pukapuka Road and continue to end. From there separate directions are provided with your booking to guide you across private farmland to the harbour.

User Reviews

There are: 3 reviews, with an average rating of 0.0 out of 5

"This is just paradise! We stayed for three nights at this beautifully situated property which is definitely an architectural highlight of New Zealand! The hosts are unbelievably friendly people and the level of service is unheard of! The lodge is extremely well maintained and spotless like it has just been opened. The food is outstanding (Natalie is a marvellous cook!!!!) and the wines selected by her and her husband Ross were superb. Yes we had dinner every night (only by special arrangement as we had booked the whole place) and it was a great culinary experience every time.
The Waipiata is definitely among the top 3 places we ever stayed!!!!
GO FOR IT!!!!!!!" Jochen, Germany

Posted by Jochen on 2009-09-15 12:06:52

"We loved the location, the architecture and the warm friendly hospitality of the hosts. We were even given a bag of home grown produce on departure." Petals,Perth, Australia

Posted by Petals, Perth on 2009-09-15 12:05:18

"My wife and I had one of our best travel experiences in recent memory during our stay at Waipiata. Ross and Natalie are simply magnificent people first and foremost...and amazing hosts as well. For those interested in architecture, you will be astounded with this place. The design is unbelievably unique with an attention to detail and luxury like nothing we have seen. The fact that Waipiata just won the Residential Home of the Year Award from the NZ Institute of Architects says it all.
With regards to our stay, Natalie`s breakfasts are fantastic, and should you choose to, the dinner was equally as memorable. There are also a handful of restaurants within a short drive, should you wish to explore a bit.
The local area, while an hour from Auckland, truly evokes a rural feeling and is great fun to explore. From local wineries to scenic parks/shoreline to interesting sculpture gardens, there are a tremendous amount of activities.
We simply cannot say enough about our stay at Waipiata. The Aitkens are the most gracious hosts we have ever experienced in 20 years of travel. If you want to stay in a world class house, experience the unique local culture and interact with people you hope to have as friends for years to come, you must look into staying at Waipiata." Chicago

Posted by The Pooles on 2009-09-15 12:04:28