Lodges of New Zealand announces new executive team

A new executive team has been appointed to represent a collection of New Zealand’s most intimate, luxurious and unique lodges.

Lodges of New Zealand is a group of 27 carefully selected members, each of which have to meet strict criteria and offer distinguishing features to ensure they stand out in the five-star market.

The new executive team sees long standing Chairperson Colleen Ryan step into a supporting role alongside newly-appointed Chairman Murray McCaw.

Mr McCaw said that Ms Ryan would stay on as a valued consultant to the lodges and new executive and thanked her for her past contribution to the association.

“Colleen has done nothing short of a fantastic job,” he said.

“She has held the chair for the last three years and made a huge contribution to the growth and development of the association.

“Colleen was the trail blazer for our website and also introduced the Gift Voucher and Registry services we now offer.

“She is largely responsible for the success of the association and where it is today.”

The new executive team comprises Mr McCaw as chairman, James Glucksman from Oamaru’s Pen-y-bryn Lodge and Callum Farnell of Eagles Nest Lodge in the Bay of Islands.

“We’re picking up we’re Colleen left off and look forward to taking the association to the next level,” said Mr McCaw. “It will be great to work with James and Callum also and ensure we meet and exceed our responsibility to guests and members.”

Mr McCaw said the Lodges of New Zealand executive team had three key areas of responsibility.

“As a group we have a responsibility to New Zealand ‘Inc’. to accurately promote what we consider to be a very unique part of New Zealand tourism. The way we ‘do’ lodges is like no other in the world and I believe this to be a huge attribute for tourism.

“We have an obligation to our guests to ensure quality assurance and provide a real, unique and upmarket experience with a service offering like no other, and it’s up to us to ensure our lodges deliver that.

“We also have a duty to our lodge membership, representing and advocating our collection of lodges and ensuring we represent members to trade and consumers in our key markets.”

Mr McCaw is part-owner of Bay of Many Coves Resort in Marlborough and operates a strategic consultancy business in Wellington. He brings wealth of experience to the Lodges of New Zealand executive after holding various board roles, and has experience in tourism strategy including a position as board chairman of Wellington Regional Tourism Office (RTO), Positively Wellington.

Mr Glucksman, co-owner of Pen-y-bryn Lodge, joins the team for the first time and this is Mr Farnell’s 2nd year.

More about Lodges of New Zealand

Enjoy the absolute best in New Zealand luxury accommodation when you stay with Lodges of New Zealand…..

Outstanding Locations

Discover the unique New Zealand tradition of luxury lodges set in outstanding locations, owned and operated by people who share a deep love and knowledge of their surroundings. Lodges of New Zealand is a select group of the finest 5-star and exclusive luxury lodges in New Zealand – fulfilling the promise of our outstanding New Zealand landscape.

Exceptional Hospitality

Step inside any of the Lodges of New Zealand and you will understand why these unique lodges are known for their exceptional hospitality – exceeding the expectations of even the most seasoned traveller.

From the warm welcome that awaits you, the impeccable service from thoughtful friendly staff - whether it be directing you to a quiet spot in the garden or introducing you to fellow travellers - or the depth of knowledge of the local area, Lodges of New Zealand offer a standard of service and facilities akin to a boutique luxury hotel. All this is delivered with the hospitable style and atmosphere of an intimate Lodge experience – where each and every guest is made to feel special.

Unique Experiences

Hospitality extends to offering unique experiences, with individual value-added features such as personal guiding, tours of their vineyard or farmland, indulgent spa treatments, helicopter adventures from their grounds and great recreational facilities. The local knowledge of hosts and their staff ensures guests will enjoy the best of the beautiful New Zealand environment.

Cuisine and Fine Wines

Nowhere is exceptional hospitality more evident than with the dining experience of the Lodges. Dinner is a highlight where guests and their hosts can share experiences over superb food and wine, showcasing the finest New Zealand produce from the regions served with the freshest local ingredients and crafted into exquisite dishes to complement fine local wines.

...Take the road less travelled…