Stay

Nearly three decades ago, Dr Gerry McSweeney and his wife Anne Saunders (both noted scientists and conservationists) converted a run-down motel at Lake Moeraki on the West Coast into the country's first Wilderness Lodge. They wanted to prove that nature tourism was a better bet than logging, which was, then, what happened to the native forest of the West Coast. Now, all these years of business later, and with son Michael at the helm of its sister Wilderness Lodge near the Arthur's Pass, it seems they're not the only ones who feel strongly about protecting native forest. Anne says the guests are almost universally lovely folk who buoy them up when the going gets tough. During their stay guests are asked if they'd like to contribute by pulling out weed pines while on walks, or planting natives.

Their Arthur's Pass Wilderness Lodge is part of 1620ha farm and nature reserve and is surrounded by the spectacular Arthur's Pass National Park. Wilderness Lodge is luxury accommodation with a conservation mission. Alpine trail hikes, mountain lake kayaking, the company of expert naturalist guides and experience of a working sheep farm is all part of the package. This is a destination for nature lovers, active travellers and explorers of New Zealand.

The lodge was built to a design by architect Gary Hopkinson and, in following the Frank Lloyd Wright philosophy that building should be of the land not on the land, it was built of local materials.

The McSweeney/Saunders have put half their land into nature reserves to protect rare species of plants and animals and encourage their guests to get out into the local landscape either on guided or freedom hikes or farm tours. “People want to do more than just look at scenery; they want to understand and experience it,” says Gerry. “By slowing people down you generate more money for local communities and you build relationships between locals and tourists, which make the whole experience more worthwhile.” Wilderness Lodge Arthur's Pass is less than 2 hours drive from Christchurch and the towns of Greymouth and Hokitika and under 6 hours to Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki. The TranzAlpine train stops in Arthur's Pass and transfers to/from the lodge are available. State Highway 73, 16km east of Arthur's Pass Village. (03) 318 9246, wildernesslodge.co.nz

Anne Saunders and Dr Gerry McSweeney