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The Environment at Paramata
Paramata Lodge looks out into primeval kahikatea forest that borders the sand dunes offering dramatic silhouettes in the evening sky. Trees of this age, by the beach are now a rare sight in New Zealand. It is also rare to be able to lie on a sandy beach and swim in a warm lagoon in summer with snow on the mountains above.
The wetland waterways, forest and the beach create a diversity of linked wildlife habitats. High rainfall, wind and tides ensure a dynamic relationship between these ecosystems. Access to a range of interesting flora and fauna is possible in this one location.
Kathy can guide you to appreciate early Maori activities in this area. The coastal bluff of Paramata, visible for miles along the beach, offered a landmark for Maori during the transporting and trading of pounamu (nephrite jade). The creeks and tidal lagoon provided a plentiful supply of food while the forest gave shelter and resources for short stays. Today a nohoanga site (protected for Ngai Tahu Maori use) exists nearby.
In the 1980s the Kakapotahi Ecological Reserve was established to protect the special features of this coastal forest. In 1997 Kathy and Neil bought 15 acres beside the reserve and built this eco lodge during 2005/6.
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Stories of origin abound
 Ngai Tahu Maori history
New Zealand Treaty of Waitangi history
Pounamu (nephrite jade) and gold
The flax and sphagnum moss industries
Remnants of 1904 - 1919 timber milling
Forestry, farming and conservation
White bait and other fisheries
Deer and wildlife predators
Stay@Paramatalodge.co.nz
Phone: +64 3 755 4250
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