OUR STORY
Your hosts Ron and Tanya welcome you to a wee glimpse of quintessential rural New Zealand.
Three decades ago, way back in the mists of time, a don't-fence-me-in kind of Kiwi bloke bought land in the back blocks of Little River and began to create a hide away that would showcase to all a slice of rural New Zealand. Over time the paddocks were turned into a true forest and dwellings of unique character were built. In this fashion Birdsong Lodge was born. This fellow was Greg, Tanya's late husband. And although he has since passed away the dream remains.
Then followed earthquakes and landslides and a struggle for Tanya to maintain the property. Enter center stage Ron. In the last three years he has not only fixed all that mother nature has thrown at Cantabrians through these earthquake battles but breathed new and dramatic life into dwellings and garden alike. And, like a true love story, he and Tanya hit it off and now they are a partnership - moving the lodge and all it offers from strength to strength.
Always on a mission of some description and with a colorful mix of job experiences behind them – from Dive and Boating Guide to Avalanche Forecaster to Motorbike Postie, to Hunting & Fishing Trip Expert, to Builder Par Excellence - Tanya and Ron will delight you with stories of how Birdsong Lodge evolved, of colorful local history, and of worthwhile places to visit nearby. They will even take you on guided excursions of the district - if you have time and enthusiasm.
Relax in the warmth and comfort of Birdsong Lodge and experience for yourselves what this unique, truly eco-green slice of heaven has to offer.
Green By Choice – Eco power and Responsible Recycling
Tanya and Ron participate in environmental responsibility through the generation of "green" electricity (the complex is powered by a private mini hydro power system and solar panels), and by maintaining and promoting a comprehensive recycling programme. Staying at Birdsong Lodge means you can be a part of the move to keep New Zealand a greener place.
Talk to Ron and Tanya – they are more than a little proud of the fact that almost all power is produced on site here and would delight in showing you how the system works.
The recycling programme they have in place is designed to dovetail with the local Christchurch City Council scheme. They encourage you, as a guest, to embrace this also to ensure non recyclable rubbish is kept to a minimum.
Mature Forest
The property includes a 24 hectare area of exotic plantings. It is an eclectic mix of mature pine and eucalypt forest combined with a variety of stunning exotic hardwood species (cedars, larches, firs). Follow the farm bike trails through these trees for an invigorating walk and be rewarded by panoramic views of the Little River valley. You may even see a number of “Shrek” sheep on the way and wild flowers ripe for the picking.
Established Garden
Stroll around the mature gardens close to the lodge – they are a calming and restful space to truly enjoy. It's not far to go for a picnic ...
Special Occasions
Because of its privacy, mature gardens, and and expansive outlooks Birdsong Lodge provides the perfect venue for a whole host of special occasions - weddings, birthdays, honeymoons, anniversaries and – perhaps best of all – that romantic escape...