About Solitaire Lodge
Location, location, location—this often makes a stay truly special. The same applies to Solitaire Lodge, a cozy lodge situated directly on Lake Tarawera, with lush rainforests and a volcanic landscape as its backdrop. The design of the lodge brings nature even closer, like a painting you can step into. From the moment you enter the lounge, the enormous windows introduce you to the spectacular, sweeping views of the lake.
You can choose from 9 suites, all offering panoramic views of Lake Tarawera. You can fall asleep and wake up to this view, and from your wonderfully warm bathtub, you can enjoy the scenery in several suites. Step into the painting and take beautiful walks along the lake or make use of the lodge’s boats and kayaks for excursions on the lake.
During your stay, you will be completely pampered. Your accommodation is on a full-board basis, including a hearty breakfast, light lunch, canapés and aperitifs, and a five-course dinner (excluding drinks). Additionally, you will have a free, stocked minibar with a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages in your suite.
What to Expect:
- Located directly on Lake Tarawera with unobstructed views over the lake
- Only 9 suites
- Stay on a full-board basis with excellent service
- Rotorua is just a half-hour drive from the lodge
- Many (natural) highlights to visit nearby
Impression
Your Stay
In the main building of Solitaire Lodge, you will find the lounge where all guests gather before dinner for a cozy drink. Here is also the dining room where you will enjoy your extensive meal.
All suites feature large floor-to-ceiling windows with magnificent views over Lake Tarawera, set against a volcanic landscape. Of course, each has a terrace or balcony with seating, allowing you to enjoy the stunning view outdoors. After a day full of adventure, if you are staying in an Executive Suite or Villa Suite, draw a warm bath and relax while taking in the lake view, which slowly changes color at sunset.
Experiences
Right from the lodge, you can walk along the lake or take a boat or kayak onto the water. Just a half-hour drive from Solitaire Lodge is Rotorua, with many attractions in the area. Here, you can explore the volcanic landscape, but also learn more about Maori culture. The lodge has also developed some unique experiences that are definitely worth trying.
Tarawera Thermal Springs
You will be taken from the lodge pier by speedboat in approximately 15 minutes to the natural hot springs of Lake Tarawera. Here, you can relax wonderfully in the warm water. It is recommended to do this early in the morning, before breakfast, so you can enjoy the early morning sun filtering through the leaves while soaking in the warm water.
Tarawera Waterfall Hike
From the lodge, a short speedboat ride will take you to a stream, the starting point of this picturesque walk. This stream disappears underground a little further on and reappears as a spectacular 60-meter-high waterfall. Walk to the Tarawera Waterfall through a forest landscape with native trees such as Pohutukawa and Rata, accompanied by the singing of birds like the Tui and Kereru in the background. On warm days, you can find relief in some swimming spots along the river, and of course, a delicious picnic lunch with the sound of the waterfall as background music is a must. You will be returned to the lodge by speedboat.
Hotel Information
Accommodation
The Solitaire Lodge features nine luxurious suites, with stunning views of the lake and Mount Tarawera as the centerpiece. The suites have floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows, allowing plenty of natural light to flood in and creating a spacious, airy feel. From almost every corner of the suite or from your private terrace over the water, you can enjoy the natural beauty outside.
The six Executive Suites are only 33 m² but feel larger due to the large windows. In addition to a large king-size bed and comfortable chairs, the bathroom features a beautiful freestanding bathtub from which you can also enjoy the scenic views outside.
The Tarawera Suite, with 70 m², has a spacious bedroom with a large king-size bed, offering sweeping views over the serene bay with Mount Tarawera in the background. The bedroom also includes a cozy sitting area with a sofa. This suite has a separate lounge with a dining area. The bathroom features a freestanding bathtub and a separate shower. In this suite, you also have the option to choose two Hollywood twin beds. Please note, this suite is located on the first floor and is only accessible by stairs.
The 85 m² Solitaire Suite is situated on the ground floor in a separate building near the other suites. This suite, with one or two bedrooms, consists of a separate living room and access to the terrace, from where you again have a beautiful view of the lake. Of course, the master bedroom with a large king-size bed or Hollywood twin beds, a seating area, and a walk-in closet also offer that same breathtaking view. The ensuite bathroom features a freestanding bathtub and a separate shower. You have the option to book an additional bedroom here. However, this room shares the ensuite bathroom of the master bedroom.
Finally, there is a detached Villa Suite of 100 m² with one or two bedrooms. On the ground floor, you will find a spacious living room, a terrace with seating, and views over the lake. Here, you will also find the bedroom with a large king-size bed or Hollywood twin beds and a seating area. The ensuite bathroom has a freestanding bathtub with a view of the lake, a separate shower, and a toilet. On the first floor, there is an additional bedroom that can be booked. This room is equipped with a king-size bed or Hollywood twin beds and a small seating area. The ensuite bathroom has a shower, double sink, and private toilet.
All bedrooms and living rooms are equipped with a TV. Additionally, each suite features a well-stocked minibar with a selection of (non-)alcoholic drinks and snacks.
Restaurants
The lodge features a cozy 'dining room' that is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Daily, changing menus are created here using seasonal products and fresh ingredients of the moment. You stay at this lodge on a full-board basis.
You start the day with a hearty breakfast, which includes a selection of bread, fruit, and fresh juices, as well as the choice of delicious à la carte dishes. All are organic and locally grown.
For lunch, you can take a seat on the terrace and enjoy the view while savoring a light meal to continue your active day in nature. Are you out and about all day? Then, upon request, a picnic lunch can be arranged for you.
Starting from 7:00 PM, aperitifs and canapés are served before dinner. This offers a lovely preview of local wines from the region.
The 5-course dinner consists of an appetizer, sorbet, two main courses, and a dessert, highlighting the modern local cuisine of New Zealand. You can also choose to dine in the privacy of your suite.
Good to know
Although the lodge is not specifically designed for children, it is still possible to stay here with kids. They can prepare a customized meal for the children and even have it ready a bit earlier if desired, so younger children can go to bed on time. They also know which outings are enjoyable to do with children and can arrange these for you if needed.
Sustainability
The lodge is in the process of becoming more sustainable. The food served at the lodge is mainly organic and is often grown in the own garden or sourced from local farmers. This also promotes the well-being of the community surrounding the accommodation.
Accommodation
The Solitaire Lodge features nine luxurious suites, with stunning views of the lake and Mount Tarawera as the centerpiece. The suites have floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows, allowing plenty of natural light to flood in and creating a spacious, airy feel. From almost every corner of the suite or from your private terrace over the water, you can enjoy the natural beauty outside.
The six Executive Suites are only 33 m² but feel larger due to the large windows. In addition to a large king-size bed and comfortable chairs, the bathroom features a beautiful freestanding bathtub from which you can also enjoy the scenic views outside.
The Tarawera Suite, with 70 m², has a spacious bedroom with a large king-size bed, offering sweeping views over the serene bay with Mount Tarawera in the background. The bedroom also includes a cozy sitting area with a sofa. This suite has a separate lounge with a dining area. The bathroom features a freestanding bathtub and a separate shower. In this suite, you also have the option to choose two Hollywood twin beds. Please note, this suite is located on the first floor and is only accessible by stairs.
The 85 m² Solitaire Suite is situated on the ground floor in a separate building near the other suites. This suite, with one or two bedrooms, consists of a separate living room and access to the terrace, from where you again have a beautiful view of the lake. Of course, the master bedroom with a large king-size bed or Hollywood twin beds, a seating area, and a walk-in closet also offer that same breathtaking view. The ensuite bathroom features a freestanding bathtub and a separate shower. You have the option to book an additional bedroom here. However, this room shares the ensuite bathroom of the master bedroom.
Finally, there is a detached Villa Suite of 100 m² with one or two bedrooms. On the ground floor, you will find a spacious living room, a terrace with seating, and views over the lake. Here, you will also find the bedroom with a large king-size bed or Hollywood twin beds and a seating area. The ensuite bathroom has a freestanding bathtub with a view of the lake, a separate shower, and a toilet. On the first floor, there is an additional bedroom that can be booked. This room is equipped with a king-size bed or Hollywood twin beds and a small seating area. The ensuite bathroom has a shower, double sink, and private toilet.
All bedrooms and living rooms are equipped with a TV. Additionally, each suite features a well-stocked minibar with a selection of (non-)alcoholic drinks and snacks.
Restaurants
The lodge features a cozy 'dining room' that is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Daily, changing menus are created here using seasonal products and fresh ingredients of the moment. You stay at this lodge on a full-board basis.
You start the day with a hearty breakfast, which includes a selection of bread, fruit, and fresh juices, as well as the choice of delicious à la carte dishes. All are organic and locally grown.
For lunch, you can take a seat on the terrace and enjoy the view while savoring a light meal to continue your active day in nature. Are you out and about all day? Then, upon request, a picnic lunch can be arranged for you.
Starting from 7:00 PM, aperitifs and canapés are served before dinner. This offers a lovely preview of local wines from the region.
The 5-course dinner consists of an appetizer, sorbet, two main courses, and a dessert, highlighting the modern local cuisine of New Zealand. You can also choose to dine in the privacy of your suite.
Good to know
Although the lodge is not specifically designed for children, it is still possible to stay here with kids. They can prepare a customized meal for the children and even have it ready a bit earlier if desired, so younger children can go to bed on time. They also know which outings are enjoyable to do with children and can arrange these for you if needed.
Sustainability
The lodge is in the process of becoming more sustainable. The food served at the lodge is mainly organic and is often grown in the own garden or sourced from local farmers. This also promotes the well-being of the community surrounding the accommodation.
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