Our Story
A place to arrive, unwind and reconnect
Some places are simply somewhere to stay. Others have a presence of their own. Ōariki Lodge is one of those places.
Nestled in Maraenui on the shores of Te Moana-nui-a-Toi, the eastern Bay of Plenty, Ōariki offers visitors the opportunity to step away from the pace and pressures of everyday life and settle into somewhere warm, peaceful and welcoming.
Ōariki is owned by Te Houpoto Te Pua 123 Trust, a local Māori Lands Trust with a deep connection to this place. When the opportunity arose to purchase this exceptional property, the Trust saw more than a piece of real estate. It saw an opportunity to bring a special place into local ownership and to share it with people who want to experience the eastern Bay of Plenty in a different way.
That vision has become Ōariki Lodge.
Our place in Maraenui
Maraenui is a place where the whenua, the coast and community come together. It sits within a part of Aotearoa that rewards those who take the time to explore it.
At Ōariki, the pace changes.
The magnificent gardens create a sense of space and tranquillity. There is room to wander, sit, gather, reflect or simply enjoy being somewhere away from the demands of everyday life. Inside, the lodge is warm, comfortable and inviting, providing the kind of accommodation where guests can settle in, relax and feel at home.
Whether you arrive for a few quiet days, a whānau gathering, a hunting trip or an adventure into the wider region, Ōariki gives you a place to return to at the end of the day.
More than a place to stay
Ōariki was created to be experienced.
For some guests, that may mean doing very little at all. It might be a morning in the gardens, a long breakfast, good conversation and the luxury of having nowhere else to be.
For others, Ōariki is the base for something more adventurous. The eastern Bay of Plenty offers opportunities to explore the coast, whenua and surrounding landscapes, pursue hunting and outdoor activities, and discover places that sit well beyond the usual tourist trail.
It is a place for retreats, reunions, whānau time, adventure, exploration and those moments when you simply need to get away.
Whatever brings you here, Ōariki offers something increasingly valuable: space to slow down.
The jewel in our crown
For Te Houpoto Te Pua 123 Trust, Ōariki represents something we are immensely proud of.
The Trust's decision to acquire the property was an investment in an opportunity, but it was also an investment in what this place could become. We are proud to care for Ōariki and to open its doors to visitors who want to experience the warmth, character and beauty of Maraenui and the eastern Bay of Plenty.
We invite you to come and make Ōariki part of your own journey.
Come for the adventure. Stay for the peace. Bring your whānau, your friends, your hunting party or simply yourself.
Arrive as a visitor. Leave with memories of a very special place.
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