Lochmara Lodge finalist
BY SOPHIE PREECE
Making the short list in a national tourism award marks a coming of age for Lochmara Lodge, says co-owner Louise Bright.
The Marlborough Sounds resort is among 34 finalists in the 2010 Tourism Industry Awards, taking its place in the Department of Conservation Conservation in Action and Small/Medium Attraction and Activity categories.
"We feel it is recognition of all our hard work developing the property over the last 15 years," said Ms Bright.
"Lochmara has always been a work in progress, never really completed.
"We plan to continue evolving it, but this year we think it has reached a kind of maturity, where we are ready for it to stand and be judged."
Ms Bright and her partner Shayne Olsen bought the property in 1994 and established a backpackers, which soon forged a strong reputation among travellers and locals.
Three years ago they transformed it into a thriving restaurant, chalets and lodge amid 4 1/2 hectares of native bush, where paths wind past an art studio, sculptures, hammocks and wildlife refuges, including a kakariki aviary, weka hut and weta lodge.
In co-ordination with the Department of Conservation, the lodge's Wildlife Recovery Centre, which is run by a trust, breeds native species for release to predator-free areas.
It also has a rehabilitation facility for injured native wildlife, and this year will open a unit dedicated to that task.
"We give them love, food and warmth to nurture them on their way back to wellness," said Ms Bright.
She said the lodge's day trips, which will be judged in the activity category, were another new initiative.
"With the 14 units and cafe complete, the only way for us to continue to grow Lochmara was to offer day trips so people could enjoy the outdoor art and quirky corners of the resort."
Lochmara's marketing manager, Allanah Robinson, said the tourism awards were focused on innovation, and Lochmara had emphasised its melding of art and wildlife. "There isn't really anybody else in the country doing it to the same extent and it allows us to attract more people.
"Plus the art activity and sales helps fund the wildlife centre."
Tourism Industry Association chief executive Tim Cossar said the 34 finalists demonstrated a commitment to innovation, "critical in an industry that has to compete for visitors against much bigger and better resourced international competitors".
Judges will visit Lochmara Lodge in the next month, and the winners will be announced on October 14.
- The Marlborough Express
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