Kia ora, a warm welcome to Pounamu Lodge, Lake Tarawera

Tarawera, "A very special place"
That's what it is to us and to the many visitors who come to visit.

Karen is a descendent of Tuhourangi Ngati Wahiao tribe and regards herself as very fortunate to be living on those lands that her tupuna (ancestors lived on for 600 years) before the arrival of the Pakeha (European). Her surviving decendants left the area after the devastation of their lands and livehood just over 120 years ago from the Mt Tarawera eruption. Destroyed at the same time were the world famous Pink and White Silica Terraces reputed to have been the "Eighth Wonder of the World." Karen is passionately involved with her tribe but really enjoys the opportunity to host visitors to entertain and share her wonderful cooking skills, according to David.

David is a fifth generation New Zealander whose family stems from the far north of New Zealand which has fostered his love of the sea, and his passion for the land. Davids career is in design, from product to graphics from interior to project management and more recently around small town community revival which he is passionate about. David also dabbles in photography (including the photographs for this site), woodcarving, restoration and maintenance of their 100-year-old lake boat and of course fly fishing for our famous rainbow trout. He works from the top floor studio of the lodge.

Another interest for Karen and David is their 5 hectare farmlet just 15 minutes away which they have recently replanted with over 2,500 young native trees. They also grow many of the organic products they use at the Lodge. They have four adult children who have grown up in the wonderful environment of Mount and Lake Tarawera.

Manaakitanga forms the basis of what we regard is our responsibility as hosts. It assures you of receiving the ultimate in care and excellence in service. It implies guardianship of manuhiri (visitors), whenua (land), taonga (treasures) and tangata (people). As tangata whenua (people of the land), it requires us to deliver our very best.