Solitaire Lodge 

Tranquillity and stunning natural beauty await at this romantic luxury lodge overlooking Lake Tarawera

Wonderfully secluded on a private peninsula surrounded by native bush, this lodge offers a peaceful escape into nature just outside of Rotorua. As one of New Zealand’s first luxury lodges, the beautiful Solitaire Lodge has a long-standing reputation for excellence. From the moment you arrive and lay your eyes on the spellbinding lake views, you’ll feel yourself relax, and the welcoming hosts make you feel like a guest in a friend’s home.
   
Experience the simple pleasure that comes from immersing yourself in your natural surroundings with lake swim­ming from Solitaire’s pri­vate beach or taking a boat over to a secluded thermal pool or hot water beach. Guests are welcome to use the lodge’s motorised dinghies and kayaks, or you could hike or cycle to the beautiful Whakarewarewa forest. Spot native birds such as tuis and kereru, or try your hand at trout fishing from the jetty. Don’t miss the daily pre-din­ner drinks and canapés that are com­ple­mented with regional wines. 

Gourmands are in for a treat at the fine-dining restaurant which serves modern cuisine made with local produce and garnished with herbs from the lodge’s garden. There is a real emphasis on seasonal produce and a lot of thought has gone into creating the daily-chang­ing menus. At break­fast you can dig into fruit plat­ters, freshly-baked crois­sants and breads, and enjoy à la carte cooked options. Light lunches can be enjoyed from the deck with dra­matic views over the lake to Mount Tarawera and if you’re heading out for the day then you can request a pic­nic. The five-course dinners offer the best sea­sonal veg­eta­bles served with prime New Zealand meat and fish.

The luxury suites are light and airy with a wall of floor-to-ceiling windows, free Wi-Fi and panoramic views of the lake or bay. Executive Suites have a bath by a picture window so that you can soak in the warm water while gazing out across the lake. The Tarawera Suite is double the size and has a split-level design and sitting and dining areas. If you’re travelling as a family or small group then the incredible two-storey detached Villa Suite is perfect and is available as a one or two bedroom suite with a living room and kitchenette.