Ariari Lodge, Lake Rotorangi is a Maori business operated by a small team of enthusiastic whanau members who will do their best to ensure that you experience the beauty that enticed us to this whenua and moana during your short stay. Our aim is to re-introduce you to nature, calming water flow, country surroundings, environmentally friendly focus and away from the fast city life. Provide you with
an incredible breath of fresh air approach hidden in the country to relax, and pamper yourself with a level of service that is both friendly, attentive and not over-fussy. Nga kaitiaki, your devoted team that is willing to share their piece of paradise with you:
Proprietors: Steven and Cathy Katene (Dordor & Nana)
Lodge Coordinator: Adrianne Ngatai (Daughter)
Groundsman: Brian Te Wani (Koro or KB)
Darryl Katene (Son)
Poto roopu (Little helpers):
Kauby Northcott-Ngatai (Grandson)
Hunta Northcott-Ngatai (Grandson)
Parka Moseley (Grandson)
Tytan Moseley (Grandson)
Akaruke Ngatai (Granddaughter)
Teghan Omelvna-Ngatai (Granddaughter)
Maia Eichstaedt (Granddaughter)
Lleyton Eichstaedt (Grandson)
Ringaraupo Hemaima Te Wani (Daughter)
Micheal Eichstaedt (Son in law)
Rochelle Ngatai (Daughter)
Jason Boyle (Son inlaw)
Ariari Lodge is an original Boon and Goldsmith architurally designed lodge built by Colliers in 1985, with landscaped gardens and manicured lawns. Their son Cameron Collier still owns, resides and operates the surrounding valley farm. Our journey began on 1 March 2011 with our vision to purchase, rename, and operate the lodge as a whanau business and acknowledge that we are only kaitiaki o nga whenua (caretakers of the land) so that our future generations can enjoy it.
“Plant a tree to shade our future generation”
Part of our journey was to meet with our Ngati Ruanui and Ngaruahine kaumatua and tell them of our acquisition of the lodge, highlighting our aspirations, vision and the significance of renaming the lodge. Our kaumatua research included reviewing the original land maps, identifying that the land was within the Ngati Ruanui rohe and the history behind the formation of the lake. The original name of the land block and meaning was “Tutai-ariari” stands tall - 11th-day moon, undistributed view, gleam, fence in, exposed, and cloudy. Staying at the lodge you can understand why and what inspired its name and its significance. Ariari Lodge, Lake Rotorangi
Karakia was held on the 2nd March 2012 with Aroha Wharemate, John Ho**er and Te Pahunga Davis supported by many whanau. Karakia was to bless the land, and buildings followed by planting and naming New Zealand native trees to signify the occasion were supplied by Ki Tahi, Waverley. Branding with our whanau depicts the whanau identity that we are proud of who we are, our origins and gifts that we bring to people and everything we do every day. Ariari Lodge, Lake Rotorangi is our vehicle for portraying our unique talents, and hospitality through sharing and caring for people that come through our doors. Nga mihi
Steven and Cathy Katene
