Ariari Lodge, Lake Rotorangi

Tena koutou katoa, nga mihi katoa, nau mai haere mai o nga moana o Rotorangi, Ariari Wharenui.

Welcome to Ariari Lodge, Lake Rotorangi.

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 surrounds, environmental friendly focus and away from the fast city life. Providing you with an incredibly breath of fresh air approach hidden in the country to relax, pamper yourself whit a level of service that is both friendly, attentive and not over fussy.

Nga kaitiaki, your devoted team that are willing to share their piece of paradise with you:

Proprietors: Steven and Cathy Katene (Dordor & Nana)
Lodge Coordinator: Adrianne Ngatai (Daughter)
Lodge technician: Jade Jorgen (Son in-law)
Groundsman: Darryl Katene (Son)
Little helpers: Kauby Northcott-Ngatai (Grandson)
Hunta Northcott-Ngatai (Grandson)
Teghan Omelvna-Ngatai (Granddaughter)

Ringaraupo Hemaima Te Wani (Daughter)
Micheal Eichstaedt (Son in law)
Rochelle Ngatai (Daughter)
Trio Hughes (Son inlaw)

Ariari Lodge is an original Boon and Goldsmith architurally designed lodge built by Colliers in 1985, landscaped gardens and mancured lawns. Their son Cameron Collier still ownes, resides and operates the surrounding valley farm.

The lodge with 100 hectures 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 business and acknowledging 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, told them of our acquisition of the lodge, highlighting our aspirations, vision and the significant's of renaming the lodge.

Our kaumatua 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 “Tutai-ariari” stand tall - 11th day moon, undistrubted view, gleam, fence in, exposed, cloudy. Staying at the lodge you can understand why and what inspired it’s name and the significants.

Ariari Lodge, Lake Rotorangi

Karakia was held on the 2nd March 2012 with Aroha Wharemate, John Hooker and Te Pahunga Davis supported by many whanau. Karakia was to bless the land, buildings followed by planting and naming New Zealand native trees to signify the occasion were supplied by Ki Tahi, Waverley.

We are proud of who we are, our origins and gifts that we bring to people and everything we do everyday.

Ariari Lodge, Lake Rotorangi is our vehicle of portraying our unique talents, hospitality through sharing and caring for people that come through our doors.

Nga mihi
Steven and Cathy Katene