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Situated above Pauanui Beach on an elevated,
lush, green hillside, the 25-acre Grand Mercure
Puka Park offers a private sanctuary for the
perfect getaway. The resort has recently
completed a massive refurbishment, just in time
for the summer’s influx of holiday makers and
overseas visitors.
The 8-year project, planned to celebrate the
resort’s 25th anniversary, entailed all public
areas – the lodge and the Miha Restaurant as
well as the chalets – all done while keeping the
resort open.
“We wanted to maintain the ambiance of
a mountain lodge,” says general manager
Scott Harley, “while bringing a fresh upscale
contemporary look and feel to the resort.
”We renewed all of our 48 chalets to a new and
luxurious comfort level,” shares Scott, “complete
with on-trend fashion elements, fabrics, artwork,
dramatic lighting, and even some units with
fires and deep-style freestanding baths for long
relaxing soaks.”
The chalets nestled amongst the trees offer a
unique experience for guests, providing a sense
of tranquility while being serenaded by songs of
native birds (many say they hear the distinctive
kiwi calls throughout the night).
The draw of the wood fire in the Lodge’s main
lounge continues to be a welcoming feature
whilst the recent addition of a central fireplace in
the restaurant adds to the overall ambience and
dining experience, “giving a welcoming social
feel, yet instilling a warm sense of intimacy”.
A semi-private dining area located within the
restaurant, lined by a new ‘wine wall’, provides
an intimate space for secluded dining.
An outdoor solar heated swimming pool,
spa, gym and tennis courts offer guests the
opportunity of some ‘active’ leisure time.
Treasure Discovered in the Bush
During the renovations, the property itself got an
an assessment, not for potential landscaping,
but for preservation. And this property had
some special stars, which were pointed out by
Sarni Hart and Willie Lochore of Coromandel
Adventures. The pair knows their trees as they
had previously run their own native nursery.
The couple noted the extent of the property’s
native bush while staying at the resort, and
returned later to identify the trees on the
property, which is near the protective buffer of a
DOC Preserve.
Through their discovery, the resort found it had
a treasure trove of natural species within its
boundaries, including some hefty specimen
trees. “There are at least four handsome Kauri
and large Pohutukawa throughout the property,”
states Willie. “The largest of the Pohutukawa is a
real beauty.”
“We catalogued at least 150 native tree
species,” he points out, “which is amazing for a
recovering forest; many of the main species are
well represented with good sized trees and vast
numbers of final canopy seedlings.”
The central fireplace and ‘wine walls’ are new
features of a spacious yet cozy Miha Restaurant.
The feel of a Mountain Lodge while offering luxurious comfort
Puka Park
Resort
Nestled amongst the trees, the chalets offer a
sense of tranquility yet stylish comfort.
The chalets combine timber warmth with smart
contemporary furnishings.
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COROMANDEL LIFE 2014-15 HOLIDAY
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estored