Omaka is set on over 10 acres of land amidst New Zealand’s Forgotten World. Some of our grounds are fenced off for sheep paddocks, but the majority are home to our stunningly beautiful grounds that have been featured in NZ House & Garden magazine. A taste of what to expect is introduced by fifty-plus Liquidambar trees that line our 300-metre-long sealed driveway. The garden consists of a variety of different areas, including The Champagne Lawn, The Knoll, The Dell, The Woodland Garden, The Wilderness, and The Second Husband Garden (find out why this is so named when you visit us!). There are plenty more unnamed parts of the garden, and all areas have their unique character. 

A substantial number of large mature trees surround Omaka Lodge, providing a structural backdrop to the gardens. Numerous varieties of Rhododendron, Camellia, Azalea and Maple abound, and there are plenty of other species, including a stunning blue Atlas Cedar (Cedrus atlantica ‘Glauca’) and, centre stage in the courtyard, a gorgeous yellow Gleditsia (Gleditsia ‘Golden Sunburst’) sits near a beautiful Kalmia (Kalmia latifolia). Filling the numerous garden beds are thousands of plant species, including Bergenia, Hosta, Euphorbia, Rose, Astelia, Hydrangea, Astrantia, Heuchera and Alstroemeria. Several plants – including Deutzia, Nandina, Star Jasmine and red Berberis – are clipped into spirals, pillars, balls or clouds. The wide variety of plants ensures year-round colour and interest in the gardens – from Hellebores in winter to Bluebells and Daffodils in spring, Jasmine and Lillies in summer, and the fiery red Maple and golden-orange Liquidambar leaves in autumn.

When you make the journey to Omaka Lodge, you’ll be met by the owners and hosts, Chris & Scott, and the resident pets – Millie, an American Cocker Spaniel, and cats Baz and Mrs Poulouvitska (known as Mrs Poo in honour of the character into The Manor Born).

A qualified landscape designer, Chris has two decades of experience in hospitality management, wedding planning and management, and, more recently, interior design. Scott, meanwhile, followed up a History degree with nearly two decades in sales and marketing and, more recently, as an administrator in the accounting and real estate industries.

Given his landscape and interior design expertise, it’s only fitting that Chris spends his time maintaining the extensive gardens at Omaka Lodge, while Scott takes care of Omaka Lodge’s sales, marketing and administration – before joining Chris on the grounds.

We are a large country garden set on over 10 acres of land amidst New Zealand’s Forgotten World. The brochure/map coming soon.

If you seeking a picturesque setting for a boutique garden wedding, Omaka Lodge is a beautiful choice. Our bed and breakfast rooms provide accommodation to wedding guests; our expansive grounds offer plenty of space for ceremonies and marquees; and our beautiful country gardens offer an enormous variety of photo locations.

For those who desire a little more active and competitive recreation, why not set up our lawn croquet set and challenge your partner to a friendly match? If you feel the need for more activity than croquet offers, our sealed tennis court is ready and waiting – use our tennis balls and racquets or bring your own, but either way, have fun! 

Adventure tourism is an integral part of the New Zealand way of life, and the district around Omaka Lodge offers ample opportunities for adventure. The central mountains of Ruapehu, Tongariro and Ngauruhoe are within easy reach and have plenty of adventure experiences on offer.