The OLD POST OFFICE Holiday Home is delighted to have been awarded the very prestigious 5-Star Holiday Home rating (plus a Silver Sustainability Tourism Business award) both of which are not easy feats to achieve! We are thrilled at such accolades!!
General commentary and acknowledgments from the strict and lengthy Qualmark evaluation:
- The lodge, an iconic century-old Ohwango Post Office, is recognised as one of the Top 13 best historic and heritage holiday homes in New Zealand after renovation and restoration.
- The Old Post Office Lodge in Ōwhango is a historic landmark with a recent facelift, now offering lavish Art Deco-styled accommodation.
- The lodge blends vintage charm with modern amenities.
- It’s strategically situated for the Ruapehu region’s summer and winter activities.
- Although one of the newest accommodations in the area, it’s also one of the oldest, having undergone a major Gatsby-inspired transformation.
- The interiors boast jewel tones and velvet textures, with two fully equipped kitchens and an outdoor fire pit.
- It’s ideal for groups ranging from single travellers and couples to extended families seeking a unique, non-hosted vacation home near Tongariro National Park.
- A prime location for various activities such as mountain biking, hiking, skiing, deer hunting, and trout fishing, it’s near the ’42 Traverse’ trail and fly-fishing spots.
- Unique features like a converted phone booth shower and a gun vault.
- Enhancements target the cycling [and all outdoorsy] community, including bike storage, e-bike charging stations, and a workbench in the adjacent garage.
- The Old Post Office Lodge [vacation home] is a distinguished building in the area, renowned for its historical significance and connection to local heritage.
- The Old Post Office Lodge emphasises Kaitiakitanga [guardianship], positioning itself as a guardian of the environment with a vision for a sustainable future.
- The Frays [the owners] view themselves as protectors of the historical Ōwhango Post Office building, emphasising its importance to local heritage.
- With a century of history, the property champions local history and cultural connections.
- Emphasising Manaakitanga [expressing kindness, respect for others, emphasising responsibility and reciprocity], the Old Post Office Lodge ensures that hospitality is at the forefront of the guest experience, making visitors feel welcomed in both the Ruapehu District and Aotearoa, NZ.
- The ethos of the lodge aligns with Māori tikanga [customs & traditional values] concepts, specifically Kaitiaki [person with responsibility to protect something] and Kotahi [travelling together as one].
- A deep-seated commitment to respect, generosity, and guest care is showcased by the Owners, setting a standard for their team [the local Property Managers].
- Comprehensive local cultural and destination insights are provided to guests at multiple stages of their engagement.
- The Old Post Office Lodge prioritises sustainability and is committed to the TIA Tourism Sustainable Commitment guidelines.
- The operator strives to provide eco-friendly accommodation that respects the location’s natural environment.
- Modern bioclimatic heating/air-con systems have been installed.
- Use and supply NZ ecologic household products.
- The owners actively encourage guests to participate in recycling efforts.
- Recommended activities: sipping mulled wine, toasting marshmallows for s’mores, and hosting 1920s Agatha Christie-themed murder mystery evenings.