New Zealand Walks: Trillium Lodge a base for Great Barrier Island walks
Trillium Lodge on Great Barrier Island was built approximately 18 years ago on a 12 acre block of re-generating bush overlooking Tryphena Harbour and Coromandel. The present owners Lynda (Nee Medland) and Ian Macalpine and Jo (Nee Medland) and Glen Findlay have owned the property for the last 18 months.
Many hours have been spent both inside and out restoring the interior and grounds to it’s renound grandeur. All six guests rooms are well appointed and have their own ensuite.
The house itself, built of logs on the ground floor, is a substantial building of more than 5,000 square feet, with a large lounge room (with a stone built open fireplace), dining room seating 12 people, library and extensive outdoor decks.
Magnificent glass doors showcase the large foyer area, they were originally from the State Theatre in Auckland and all areas are available for guests to use.
There is no reticulated power supply on the island so all electricity is generated by solar panels, or a diesel generator if required, water is collected from the roof and stored in a large tank under the house, its very safe to drink. We embrace sustain- ability and are mindful of the environment that supports us.
Lynda and Jo are descendants of Thomas Medland who settled on the island in 1865, they have been coming to the island all their life and for many years have spent a great deal of the year on the island.
They have a great knowledge of the island and lots of interesting facts and stories passed down the generations, they are passionate about all aspects of island life.
The property is only 600 metres walk to Puriri Bay and a five minute drive to Pa Beach and Gooseberry Flat the clean white sand beach all ideal for swimming.
There is also the local store, café and several restaurants/bars in this area.
A further 10 minutes drive away on the East coast of the island is Medland’s Beach well known for its white sand and surf, ideal for swimming, surfing, fishing or just lazing on the beach.
There are a variety of walking tracks on the island from a short walk to visit a waterfall to a heartier tramp that leads you through stunning bush with magnificent vistas along the way.
Mt Hobson is the highest point on the island and is well worth the many steps that lead you to the summit. Experience
the regenerating forest of native trees, thermal hot springs, the unspoilt natural beauty along with panoramic views.
The walks vary in time from an easy 15 minute walk to full day tramps. The Department of Conservation who control a large proportion of the island have excellent information available including maps and estimated walking times and their website www.doc.govt.nz.
There are several endangered species on the island, brown teal duck, banded rail, black petrel, North Island kaka, NZ dotterel and chevron skink are just some of the species the Great Barrier habitat provides for. There are no possums on the island and a rat eradication programme is in progress. You will notice our abundant bird life throughout the Island.
Trillium Lodge can offer guests several options for their stay, from a nightly rate which includes a substantial continental breakfast, to packages that start from $575 per person that include, return flights from Auckland or North Shore, two night’s ac- commodation, breakfast and three days car rental (based on twin share) if four people travelling together we can offer a reduced rate.
Alternatively guests can travel on the car ferry with their own car from Auckland city, off peak package prices per person start at $480 based on two people travelling, includes return ferry for two adults and one car, two night’s accommodation and daily breakfast. Any of the packages can be extended for further days if required.
Prices are also available for groups, with options for a packed lunch and limited kitchen facilities with a BBQ available for you to cook your own evening meal.
Transfers for a group can be arranged and priced, including daily pick up and drop off at walking tracks.
For more information see the advertisement below.