Be Inspired at Ariari Lodge
Ariari Lodge is a hidden gem, overlooking the beautiful Lake Rotorangi. The unique blend of nature, culture and luxury allows to you to relax, put life on hold, stop the watch and enjoy the breathtaking surrounds for a romantic getaway, corporate retreat or time to reflect and re-energise.
As you wind up and over the Mangamingi Saddle, through Mangamingi settlement to Aorere Road (Aorere means “fly away”) with stunning vistas of rolling hills and native bush, you will instantly connect with what inspired us, our family and grandchildren to move here.
The luxurious chalets are perched on a ridge overlooking the peaceful flowing Lake Rotorangi in eastern Taranaki with views to inspire. You will experience exquisite privacy and nature at its finest. Relax and unwind with a bottle of wine in the spa, talk a leisurely walk down to the lake through native trees, enjoy a spot of fishing or perhaps something a little more adventurous is on the cards.
Our Story
Ariari Lodge is an original Boon and Goldsmith architecturally designed lodge built by Colliers in 1985, landscaped gardens and manicured lawns. Their son Cameron Collier still owns, resides and operates the surrounding valley farm.
The lodge with 100 hectares was purchased by Maureen and Jean Gauvin, who realised the potential tourism opportunities, built four chalets overlooking the lake and began Caniwi Lodge and Chalets, Lake Rotorangi. The name Caniwi means “Can” Jean is a Canadian and “Iwi” because Maureen is a Kiwi.
Our journey began with our vision to purchase, rename, operate the lodge as a whanau (family) business, acknowledging that we are only nga kaitiaki o te whenua (guardians of the land) so that our future generations can enjoy it.
Our kaumatua’s research included reviewing the original land maps, identifying that the land was within the Ngati Ruanui rohe, the history behind the formation of the lake. The original name of the landblock and meaning was “Tutaeariari” stand tall – 11th day moon, undisturbed view, gleam, fence in, exposed, cloudy. Staying at the lodge you can understand why and what inspired it’s name and significance.
We are proud of who we are, our origin and the gifts that we can bring to people in everything we do everyday. Ariari Lodge, Lake Rotorangi is our vehicle portraying our unique talents, and hospitality through sharing and caring for people that come through our doors.
Nga mihi
Steven and Cathy Katene
Tohu
The tohu was designed by Te Arawaka Hamana, specifically for our wedding and whanau
Hover over different parts of the image to find out more
- The tohu consists of two Manaia, lead by myself, Steven(as parents) protecting our whanau.
- The whanau line connecting myself, Steven, our four children, and three grandchildren.
- Hemaima, our eldest daughter.
- Adrianne with her two sons either side of her.
- Rochelle with her daughter.
- Darryl, our son.
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