Booking DOC Wairarapa cottages and lodges goes virtual
Date: 15 October 2009
Three popular visitor lodgings around Wairarapa are set to hit the virtual super highway as they become available to book online, making them more accessible to all.
Located in Palliser Bay, Aorangi Forest Park and Tararua Forest Park the lodge accommodation is cheap, cheerful and now able to be booked online on the Department of Conservation website or at DOC's Wellington Visitor Centre.
DOC visitor assets programme manager Garry Foster said demand for the accommodation is high due to its proximity to recreation sites,"so making it easier for people to access is really exciting".
"Listed by Britain's Guardian newspaper in August 2007 as one of the five best state-run lodges and cabins in the world, the DOC bach at Te Kopi is an idyllic family spot, close to the Putangirua Pinnacles and Palliser Bay.
"Now we get to share it, and Waikuku Lodge and Holdsworth Lodge with more people," Garry says.
Te Kopi Cottage, in a perfect spot
in Palliser Bay
As well as the changes to the online booking system there are also changes to the way Holdsworth Lodge operates.
Due to ongoing vandalism and to ensure high standards for paying visitors the lodge will be locked with a key available only to booking holders from 12 October 2009.
"It's with great regret we lock the Holdsworth Lodge but ongoing issues mean we need to take care of this facility. We have plans for an addition to the building and keeping this secure and in the best condition possible is important for paying visitors," Garry says. Additional facilities will be added this summer.
The existing shelter, situated above the car park, will continue to remain open at all times for the use of day visitors needing toilets and a dry place to eat lunch. ENDS