WELCOME: Thank you for choosing Lake Rotoroa Lodge. We are delighted that you have trusted us
with some of your valuable holiday time. We aim for
the best possible standards within the confines of
where we are located, wherever we are located. Lake Rotoroa Lodge is founded on a belief that
a happy and appreciated staff makes for a happy lodge
and that is the key to the personal service and attention
to detail that we strive for. We hope that you will
enjoy your stay with us and hope that you will make
Lake Rotoroa Lodge your home from home while you are
in New Zealand. Please do not hesitate to ask our
team anything - whatever it may be - we will do our
best to help.
IMPORTANT: Please read this information carefully well in advance
of your departure. It will save you time and help
answer many technical questions concerning your stay
at Lake Rotoroa Lodge. Upon registration for your
trip, either your agent or ourselves will send you
a questionnaire. Please complete and return it to
us as soon as possible. This information is very important
for our records and will allow us to better serve
you during your stay.
INTRODUCTION: The globe is striving to stay green, and New Zealand
has a head start. This island nation's remarkable
bounty of scenic beauty is safeguarded by an environmentally
conscious government and people. New Zealanders are
acutely aware of their natural resources - space (clean,
green rolling acres of it) and a stunning diversity
of scenery.
Eco-tourism, travelling
with particular attention to nature's wonders and
leaving them as you found them, is quintessentially
New Zealand. Pioneer among nations in the concept,
New Zealand's Lake Rotoroa Lodge can offer you holidays
of rare quality. During your stay, you will discover
that while New Zealand's population is small, its
inhabitants, nicknamed "Kiwis", have few
rivals for hospitality. With its temperate climate
and wealth of outdoor excitement, New Zealand offers
a nearly inexhaustible resource of both active recreation
and relaxation, not to mention some of the world's
very best trout fishing. All of this in a country
that many consider to be the most beautiful on earth.
A BRIEF HISTORICAL OVERVIEW: New Zealand's first inhabitants were the Maori, brave
explorers of Polynesian descent, who arrived from
Pacific Islands to the north more than 1,000 years
ago. Their first sighting of a European may have occurred
in 1642, when Dutch navigator Abel Tasman dropped
anchor in a South Island bay. His stay was brief,
however, due to a conflict with Maori warriors. It
was another 125 years, in 1769, before Captain James
Cook circumnavigated the two-island country and claimed
it for Britain. The "colony" enjoyed considerable
autonomy, and in 1907 was officially proclaimed a
"dominion". New Zealand became an independent
country in 1947.
Today New Zealand is
a sovereign independent state and a member of the
British Commonwealth. Its government is moulded on
the British Parliamentary system, with universal adult
suffrage. There is a party approach to politics and
an independent judiciary. English is the common language,
but Maori is also spoken. The country has a population
of 3.3 million people, mostly of British descent.
The largest minority is, of course, the Maori (405,000/13
percent). Nearly one third of the population lives
in Auckland, and less than a third reside on the South
Island.
New Zealand is approximately
1,000 miles (1609 km) in length, spanning 104,000
square miles (269,360 sq km) encompassing two main
islands. It is located about 4,600 miles (7,400 km)
south of Honolulu and 6,800 miles (10,940 km) from
Los Angeles, in the South Pacific between latitudes
34° south and 47° south. It is a long, narrow
country lying roughly north to south with mountain
ranges spanning much of its length. It is slightly
smaller than California and its land mass would fit
into the state of Colorado. New Zealand is very near
the International Date Line and twelve hours ahead
of Greenwich Mean Time. In fact, it is one of the
first countries in the world to greet each new day.
Based on standard time, a quick way to determine the
time difference is to remember that New Zealand is
12 hours ahead of the UK, 13 from most of Europe and
21 hours ahead of the West Coast and 18 hours ahead
of the East Coast of the United States. These time
differences look dramatic, but from the West Coast
it is an overnight flight and only a three hour difference
to the body clock.
GETTING HERE: Air New Zealand, Qantas and United operate a daily
non-stop service between Los Angeles and Auckland.
Air New Zealand offers a service from London's Heathrow
to Auckland with one stop in Los Angeles. Within the
country, Air New Zealand, Qantas, and smaller commuter
airlines serve all of the major cities and towns.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: A passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the
date you intend to leave New Zealand is the only document
required for entry provided you stay less than 90
days. No visas or inoculations are necessary.
Note: New Zealand's isolation has kept it free of many animal
and plant diseases. To maintain this status, restrictions
are imposed on the importation of certain animal and
plant materials. Prior to arrival, passengers will
complete a declaration stating that no foodstuffs,
plants, or animal material are being brought into
the country. While aircraft cabins are often sprayed
before disembarkation to ensure foreign insects are
not imported accidentally, most planes originating
in the US are not sprayed. Customs officers are very
sensitive to any dirt, mud, plant life, etc. To avoid
unnecessary delays in clearing customs, it is imperative
that your hiking boots, wading boots, fishing vests,
fly boxes, and tackle are clean in case they are inspected.
We have also had reports of difficulty bringing in
fly-tying materials that are not made of commercially
prepared feathers.
Like most customs offices
in all developed countries, New Zealand reserves the
right to disinfect and/or confiscate any material
they deem to be unsafe to their flora and fauna.
CUSTOMS ALLOWANCE:
In addition to personal effects, the following may
be brought into New Zealand by persons over 17 years
of age without payment of duty or local tax: 200 cigarettes
or 250 g of tobacco or 50 cigars; 4.5 litres of wine
or equivalent in beer, and two 1125 ml bottles of
spirits or liquor.
BAGGAGE LIMITATION: For transpacific flights on Air New Zealand, passengers
are limited to two pieces of baggage and one carry-on
per person. The checked bags cannot exceed 70 pounds
(30 kg) each, and the carry-on must be of a size to
comfortably fit under the seat or in an overhead luggage
compartment. As long as you hold an international
ticket, the same requirements apply for your domestic
flights within the country. The airlines seem to be
incredibly strict on this. Also some airlines insist
that a rod tube counts as the second piece of luggage!
Note: Due to heightened security measures at all airports,
we recommend that all fishing gear be packed in your
checked luggage including rods, reels, flies and fishing
tools (such as pliers, scissors, snips, pocket knives,
screwdrivers, etc.). This will avoid delays and possible
confiscation at security checkpoints.
ELECTRICITY: Electricity throughout New Zealand is 230/240 volts,
50 hertz. Most hotels and some lodges provide 110
volt AC sockets for razors and other small appliances.
In all other cases, special adapters/converters are
necessary. Power outlets only accept flat three (grounded)
or two pin plugs. The adapter can be purchased after
arrival in the country or you may be able to find
one in a fine luggage specialty shop. The lodge has
240 volts, but the bathrooms have the option of 110
or 240.
TELEPHONES AND COMPUTERS: Cellular phones may be rented upon arrival at the
Auckland International Airport. This booth is well
marked and is located near the Air New Zealand counter.
Cellular phones do not work at Lake Rotoroa Lodge
at present but we have a good telephone and fax system
with colour fax machine and photocopier.We also have
a guest computer with 24-hour internet access and
e-mail facilities.
DEPARTURE TAX: A fee of NZ$22 is collected from all passengers departing
New Zealand; you may also be asked to pay a departure
tax on some domestic flights within the country. Major
credit cards are accepted.
GOODS AND SERVICE TAX (GST): All goods and services in New Zealand are subject
to a 12.5% goods and service tax, which is usually
included in the displayed price. It may be added on
extras purchased at the lodge or goods bought in retail
stores. Visitors cannot claim refunds on this tax,
unless a shop ships items to their home address, in
which case GST is not charged on the goods or the
freight.
CURRENCY: The New Zealand currency consists of New Zealand dollars.
There is no restriction on the amount of foreign currency
that can be brought into or taken out of New Zealand.
Foreign currency can be exchanged on arrival at the
Bank of New Zealand, open 24 hours and located in
the arrivals area at Auckland Airport. Banks and most
hotels can also convert foreign currency for you.
We find that banks usually offer the most generous
exchange rate and credit card purchases favour the
consumer. The exchange rate with the US dollar fluctuates
frequently. The nearest banks to the lodge are in
Nelson.
Note: Do not plan to
take your cheque book. It takes months for a foreign
cheque to be processed and most lodges and retailers
do not accept them. Credit cards are welcomed; the
most widely accepted are Visa and MasterCard. ATM
machines are readily available.
INSURANCE/ACCIDENTAL INJURY: Visitors to New Zealand are covered under the country's
Accident Compensation Scheme for personal injury by
accident and are entitled to care, irrespective of
fault. Benefits include some medical and hospital
expenses, and lump sum payments for physical disability.
Not included is loss of earnings outside New Zealand.
New Zealand law prohibits bringing legal action for
damages in New Zealand courts. It is therefore recommended
that visitors carry appropriate travel insurance to
cover accidental injury and property loss.
DRIVING A VEHICLE: Your valid driver's licence is acceptable. Driving
is on the left-hand side of the road and use of a
seatbelt is mandatory. Do not try to translate your
usual mileage to New Zealand travel. If you have made
250 miles (400 km) in a day, you have done very well.
The majority of the roads are two lane and winding
— you can frequently find yourself behind a slow
moving truck. In addition, there seems to be a sightseeing
opportunity around every corner, which can add significant
time to an otherwise short journey. Watch out for
the numerous one-way bridges where you have to give
way to on-coming traffic!
FILLING YOUR CAR: Please note that the nearest petrol (gas) station
is in the local town of Murchison, 30 minutes south
of the lodge. It is therefore necessary to ensure
that you have at least enough fuel for one hour of
medium paced driving. We strongly suggest that you
fill your car before coming to the lodge.
THE LODGE WHEN YOU ARRIVE: We are in a very special place, which feels like our
own private valley in our own National Park. (We love
the fact that we still have our own little post box
in which we put our mail, put the flag up and the
postie comes three times a week to whisk it away.)
On arrival, one of the team will help you with your
bags and be glad to park your car in our small car
park to the side of the lodge.
Usually guests arrive
off aircraft or from a drive from somewhere else and
specific activities have not been arranged. We will
be glad to set lunch for you at the bar by prior arrangement
and help with any suggestions of local activities.
We have some wonderful walks right from our front
door; we can also arrange the water taxi for you to
go to the other end of the lake where you can walk;
and there is the Gowan River to fish for the keen
fishermen who arrive. On a completely different level
we can organize Bronwyn Johnstone to come to the lodge
for relaxing facials or massage at any time, but the
afternoon of arrival always seems like a great time
- just let us know.
FACILITIES IN YOUR ROOM: All our rooms are individually furnished, but are
equipped with the same facilities. There is one lovely
bedroom on the ground floor which is perfect for the
less agile. All rooms have en suite bathrooms with
showers, and one has a bath - if you prefer a bath
please ask us upon booking. We have 110/240 volt shaving
plugs in all bathrooms, hairdryers and nightlights.
Each bathroom also has a full range of bathroom products
handmade locally.
Each bedroom has plenty
of storage space with luggage stands and good size
wardrobes with large wooden hangers. All our rooms
have tea and coffee trays, with a cafetière
and freshly ground coffee and an assortment of teas.
You will also enjoy our delicious local water as well
as bottled water in the rooms, some shortbread and
an array of books and magazines. Our beds are covered
with fine, Battenburg lace bedspreads with plenty
of pillows! We have a folder full of information about
the lodge, how we operate, the history of the lodge,
helicopter safety and prices, our wine list, details
of our therapeutic and beauty treatments etc. Finally,
all of our rooms have wonderful views over the lake
or mountains that surround us.
THE REST OF THE LODGE:We have a large sitting
room with adjoining recreation room with e-mail facilities
and satellite TV available. We have a small office,
which is often a hive of activity as guests plan their
day and a small shop with local products, as well
as all the highest quality fishing equipment anyone
could possibly need from rods to suncream, film etc.
At one end of the hall is our large dining room with
the same stunning views down the lake as our sitting
room. Guests generally sit around the large dining
room table but please ask if you would like the small
table with the view one evening. It really is very
special. At the other end of the hall there is the
guest laundry and our very efficient drying room -
we know how nice it is to travel with dry fishing
gear!
ATTIRE AT THE LODGE: Dress is casual. Most guests prefer to change out
of their day activity clothes prior to dinner but
we are informal.
ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES: Liquor, wine, and beer are not included in the package
rate, soft drinks are. We have a full bar with mixed
drinks for purchase. Please settle your bar bill with
us prior to your departure.
A TYPICAL DAY: Our day begins early at 6.30 am when lights will be
put on, the drying room warmed, fires lit as needed
and tea and coffee served in the sitting room for
those coming downstairs early.
Guests generally come
down for breakfast at 7.30 am in order to be ready
to depart with their guide by 8.30 am. We are perfectly
happy to arrange breakfast for those early helicopter
fly-outs or early departures. We have a full range
of high quality men's and ladies' wading gear as well
as premium quality rods and reels for loan - these
are generally handed out the night before but one
of the team is always around to lend equipment from
the tackle room.
For those enjoying other
activities, please ask our advice and we will be glad
to help plan a day, loan equipment if we have it etc.
There is an enormous amount to do in the area (see
the non-fishing section of our web-site). For the bigger projects,
it helps us to have a day or two's notice or even
plan with us upon booking.
If guests remain at the
lodge for the day our chefs are happy to serve a light
lunch at the bar. Otherwise, guests - fishing or otherwise
- will have our famous packed lunch prepared for them.
As guests begin to return
from their daytime activities, they are welcomed home
by lodge staff members. Guests return from about 5
pm onwards and guests and guides join in the bar to
talk over the day. Guests return to their rooms to
change for dinner, then meet in the bar for drinks
and hors d'oeuvres around 7 pm. This is a good time
to view the menu and select wine from our cellar to
accompany your dinner. Dinner is served at 7.30 pm
in the dining room. Tea, coffee and petits fours,
as well as night-caps are served at the bar after
dinner.
LAUNDRY: Laundry facilities are available near the drying room.
Detergents are supplied. Should you wish for your
laundry to be done by the lodge staff, there will
be a small charge.
MAGELLAN TRAVEL BOOKS
Where reading is the beginning of a great journey!
Magellan Travel Books
53 South Main Street, Hanover, NH 03766
Tel: 001-800-303-0011 Fax: 001 603 448 2667 www.magellantravelbooks.com
The following list of
books and maps have been carefully selected and evaluated
by the knowledgeable staff at Magellan Travel Books.
They represent what Magellan feel are the best travel-related
books on the market. (Prices are given in US$; order
reference numbers are for Magellan.)
FIELD GUIDES, NATURE &
WILDLIFE New Zealand: Adventures
in Nature by Sally McKinney, 2000, $18.95. This guide is for those more interested in adventure
and eco-travel, focusing on natural history and culture,
and excursions and activities. It covers a wide range
of interests and activities for travellers and features
a complete overview of the country's many protected
natural areas. (#M-5514)
The Field Guide to the
Birds of New Zealand by Barrie Heather and Hugh
Robertson, 1997, $39.95. This comprehensive field guide represents every bird
species in 74 stunning, original, colour paintings.
Includes distribution maps and in-depth guide to field
identification. (#M-2705)
Wild New Zealand by Sue Miller & Les Molloy, photographs by Gerald
Cubitt, 1994, $39.95. Over 400 stunning photographs of the flora, fauna
and scenery with text rich in facts on the natural
history. This is a coffee table book you will really
use. (#M3202 This title is subject to short supply,
please call to verify availability)
HISTORY, CULTURE & PEOPLE The Oxford History
of New Zealand Ed. by Geoffrey W. Rice, 1992,
$45.00. Comprehensive
and bound to satisfy the appetite of any historian.
(#M2708 This title is subject to short supply, please
call to verify availability)
Making Peoples: A History
of the New Zealanders - from Polynesian Settlement
to the End of the Nineteenth Century by James
Belich, 1997, $36.00. This immensely readable book, full of drama and humour
as well as scholarship, is a watershed in the writing
of New Zealand history. (#M-5074)
Cultural Atlas of Australia,
New Zealand & the South Pacific by Richard
Niel & Christian Clerk, 1996, $50.00. This series is praised as the most sumptuous, well-researched
survey of the world's most intriguing civilizations.
Intellectual depth and visual richness are combined
to distil enormous amounts of information. Panoramic
in scope, this book provides a tremendous overview
of New Zealand through the ages. (#M-1375)
LITERATURE & TRAVELOGUES Kiwi Tracks: A New
Zealand Journey by Andrew Stevenson, 1999, $12.95. With insight and a gentle humour, Stevenson explores
the spirit of this spectacular land at the southern
end of the Pacific, its indigenous and non-indigenous
peoples, and provides an illuminating view of his
fellow backpackers and the twilight world they inhabit,
forever between destinations. (#M-4932)
The Piano by Jane
Campion, 1995, $12.95. The poetic and erotic story of a Victorian woman's
sexual journey. Through her silence one perceives
the strength of her will - a will that is so strange
and strong that she is afraid of what it might do.
Made into a popular motion picture starring Holly
Hunter and Harvey Kietel. (#M-5072)
Bone People by Keri
Hulme, 1986, $13.95. This highly acclaimed work blends real and invented
Maori legends with European literary style, harmonizing
the cultural influence of both. Set among the rural
beaches of the South Island, three fiercely strong
characters are drawn together circumstantially, driven
apart and again reunited. Winner of the 1985 Booker
Prize and selected by the Literary Guild. (#M-1229)
Katherine Mansfield: New
Zealand Stories by Katherine Mansfield (Vincent
O'Sullivan, ed) 1999, $18.95. The first time Katherine Mansfield's stories, set
in her own country, have been brought together and
published in the order in which she wrote them. The
perspective is both familiar and unexpected. (#M-5077)
The Garden Party and Other
Stories by Katherine Mansfield, 1998, $10.95. A reprint of some of the best work by New Zealand's
best-known author. (#M-3290)
Some Other Country: New
Zealand's Best Short Stories, 1997, $14.95. A wonderful collection of 20th century New Zealand
fiction. (#M-2915 This title is subject to short supply,
please call to verify availability)
Once Were Warriors by Alan Duff, 1999 (reprint), $11.00. This hard-hitting novel is frank and uncompromising
in its portrayal of Maori urban New Zealand society,
a world of frustration, resentment, and waste. Duff
is fearless in his depiction of a part of his own
society that he knows well. He tells a raw, powerful
story in which everyone is a victim until the strength
and vision of one woman transcends brutality and leads
the way to a new alternative. (#M-5078)
Died in the Wool by Ngaio Marsh, 1998 (original edition 1945), $5.99. An intriguing, Agatha Christie type mystery that takes
place in New Zealand during the 1940s. (#M-1412)
MISCELLANEOUS BOOKS An Illustrated Guide
to Maori Art by Terence Barrow, 1995 (reprint),
$16.95. An excellent
starting point for those wanting to gain an insight
into traditional Maori art. The author explains in
plain language the design motifs, the materials, and
the construction and everyday uses of Maori art objects.
(#M-3308)
The Wines of New Zealand by Rosemary George,1996, $15.95. Established wine author, Rosemary George, describes
all the wine growing regions of New Zealand in great
detail. (#M-3214)
Wine Companion: Australia
and New Zealand Wine by James Halliday, 1999,
$16.95. The perfect
guide to the wines of New Zealand and Australia. (#M-3256)
Wine Atlas of Australia
and New Zealand by James Halliday, 1999, $60.00. Irresistible for wine enthusiasts, this beautiful
book includes accurate graphs, maps and photographs,
with evaluations of more than 600 wineries. (#M-4285)
The Happy Isles of Oceania:
Paddling the Pacific by Paul Theroux, 1993, $12.95. New Zealand is one of several islands visited by Theroux.
His writing is observant, sometimes amusing and always
engaging. He describes New Zealand in general, and
the Routeburn Track in Fiordland in detail. (#M-1689)
The Nature Photographer's
Complete Guide to Professional Field Techniques by John Shaw, $24.95. The best book on nature photography for the beginner
and advanced photographer. (#M-2625)
How to Photograph Birds by Larry West and Julie Ridl, 1998, $16.95. This very attractive book bundles Larry West's bird
photography workshops into one neat package. He and
Julie Ridl present basic information on cameras, lenses,
film, exposure, light, and flash. You learn the secrets
of finding birds; of knowing how, when, and where
to approach them; and of photographing birds in flight.
Larry West is an acclaimed nature photographer. (#M-1749)
A Personal Kiwi-Yankee
Dictionary by Louis S. Leland Jr. $7.95. Humorous,
informative, and insightful, this handy little dictionary
is loads of fun! A wonderful introduction to New Zealand's
language, and the culture, attitudes and lifestyle
of the "Kiwi." (#M-2733)
GUIDE BOOKS
(The most current edition will be sent) There are
thousands of guidebooks available to travellers. So
many in fact, that it can be very confusing to figure
out which guidebooks provide the best information.
We recommend the following as the leaders in quality,
content, and presentation, or for their specialised
travel advice.
INSIGHT GUIDES are as visually exciting as they are factually stimulating.
The photographs richly portray every component of
the area. The historical overview is the ideal combination
of detail and insight. Special essay features concentrate
on cuisine, architecture, and art. Useful maps and
travel details. New Zealand $22.95 (#M-1888)
INSIGHT POCKET GUIDES focus on the best choices for places to see and things
to do. Includes full-sized fold-out maps. Perfect
for short-stay, itinerary planning. New Zealand $12.95 (#M-4931)
ROUGH GUIDES are respected for covering their territory in a thorough
and thoughtful manner. These books are full of information
on wildlife sanctuaries, culture and history, and
the best places for swimming, snorkelling, and hiking.
Contain good maps and helpful information about lodging
and restaurants. New Zealand $19.95 (#M-4935)
FODOR'S From the trusted
series of Fodors guidebooks. Everything you need to
plan your trip. New Zealand $13.50 (#M-3502)
Odyssey Guide: New Zealand by Elizabeth Booz, 1999, $19.95. This entertaining book provides an excellent overview
of New Zealand's Maori culture, geological wonders,
national parks and cities in addition to a step-by-step
tour of the country. (#M-4182 New edition due August
2002)
Adventuring in New Zealand,
$20.00. An essential
guidebook for anyone who wants to discover the natural
wonders of New Zealand. Great descriptions of the
geology, plant and animal life; profiles of the parks
and scenic reserves, and information on outdoor activities.
Appendices include lists of common plants and birds,
and a glossary of New Zealand and Maori words and
expressions. A wonderful companion to take with you.
(#M-1028)
New Zealand by Bike by Bruce Ringer, 1994, $16.95. All the information, maps and charts for 14 pedalling
tours, ranging in length and challenge. (#M-2642 This
title is subject to short supply, please call to verify
availability)
MAPS New Zealand $8.95 (#M-2463) New Zealand Road Atlas
$21.95 (#M-2461) Fiordland National Park
$9.95 (#M-2380) City and Hiking Maps, please call for prices.
NOTE: For those travelling from the UK, we would recommend
the leading map and travel bookshop:
STANFORDS
12-14 Long Acre
Covent Garden
London WC2E 9LP
Tel. 020 7836 1321
Fax 020 7836 0189 www.stanfords.co.uk
Many books on New Zealand
are available to order through www.amazon.co.uk.
