Our Story
Timeline
A Century-Old Estate, Renewed
(Early 1900s–2025)
Originally established in the early 1900s,
this estate was built with the quiet elegance of its era —
a place where architecture, land, and time have always been closely intertwined.
Over the decades,
it welcomed travellers,
witnessed changing seasons,
and carried the patina of history with grace.
In 2022 and 2023,
the current owner Cindy Hao acquired the former Hamurana Lodge
and its surrounding properties,
beginning a thoughtful restoration and rebranding journey
that transformed the estate into Hana Lodge.
The name “Hana” carries a dual meaning —
“joy” in Māori,
and “flower” in Japanese —
symbolising happiness, renewal,
and the gentle beauty of transformation.
When we first visited in August 2023,
the century-old charm was still there.
Yet time had left its mark:
aging facilities,
overgrown gardens,
and interiors filled with mismatched styles.
The first phase of renovation was completed on
1 October 2025,
including the full refurbishment of the main lodge and Hana House,
the redesign of gardens,
the expansion of the pool & spa area,
and multi-million NZD investment in fine art and design.
Where the Fairy Tale Begins
“Rabbit Hole” — The Spirit of Hana
At Hana Lodge, the story begins not at the front door, but on the hillside.
On the estate’s largest grassy slope stands our iconic sculpture: “Rabbit Hole.”
Measuring eight meters in length and weighing forty tons, it is among the world’s largest bronze rabbit-themed sculptures.
Nearby, real rabbit burrows and wild hares still exist — the original inhabitants of this land, and the quiet origin of this artwork. The sculpture is rooted in nature, yet it opens a door into imagination:
Where the Fairy Tale Begins
“Rabbit Hole” — The Spirit of Hana
At Hana Lodge,
the story begins not at the front door,
but on the hillside.
On the estate’s largest grassy slope
stands our iconic sculpture:
“Rabbit Hole.”
Measuring eight metres in length
and weighing forty tons,
it is among the world’s largest bronze rabbit-themed sculptures.
Nearby,
real rabbit burrows and wild hares still exist —
the original inhabitants of this land,
and the quiet origin of this artwork.
Rooted in nature,
the sculpture opens a door into imagination:
Where is the rabbit going?
What lies beyond the tunnel?
It is also a tribute to Alice in Wonderland —
a symbol of wonder, curiosity,
and the surreal beauty of discovery.
Here, Hana Lodge gently reminds every guest:
you are not simply arriving at a hotel —
you are entering a dreamlike journey.
Cindy Hao’s Design Philosophy
Where Nature and Humanity Meet
Hana Lodge is shaped by a simple,
yet demanding belief from its owner, Cindy Hao:
True luxury is not excess.
It is harmony.
At Hana Lodge,
design is not decoration.
It is a language
that connects heritage, landscape, art, and emotion —
so every space feels intentional, calm,
and deeply lived-in.
Cindy’s vision is to:
• Respect history, without being trapped by it
• Restore clarity through a coherent design system
• Let nature set the pace, and let art carry meaning
• Create comfort that feels quietly refined, never loud
Hana Lodge is meant to feel like a home,
experienced like a gallery,
and remembered like a story.
The Main Lodge
Tudor Heritage, Rewritten in Black and White
The main building carries a distinct
English Tudor-style architecture.
We chose to preserve its original character —
refining rather than replacing.
Exterior
White walls and black timber detailing
were refreshed with new paintwork.
The roof was repainted in black,
creating stronger unity
and a clearer Tudor identity.
Interior — A New Design Language
Inside,
heavy dark tones were removed,
and brightness was restored
through a unified white palette.
Yet white alone was never the final answer.
Inspired by Tudor architecture,
black accent lines were introduced
along ceiling mouldings,
forming a continuous visual rhythm
throughout the Lodge.
We also preserved elements
that carry New Zealand’s natural memory —
including kauri-wood wall panelling
and graceful arches.
The result is not nostalgia,
but authenticity.
Bamboo Cathedral
Nature’s Sanctuary
Within towering bamboo,
the canopy bends gently overhead
like a natural cathedral.
Light filters through leaves
like a living fresco,
and the world becomes quieter.
Here,
nature is not scenery.
It is architecture.
A narrow path leads to a bamboo bridge
crossing a crystal-clear pond.
Ducks glide across the water.
Flowers bloom at the edge.
Reflections move softly with the wind.
On the opposite side stands Hana House —
a secluded retreat
embraced by bamboo, water, and stillness.
This is beauty
that does not demand attention —
it simply stays with you.
Breathtaking Ensemble of Sculptures
A Life Cycle Written Across the Gardens
The artworks may differ in form and style,
but they share one creative thread:
childhood wonder ;youth awakening;
life’s journey ;reflection and growth.
These sculptures are not placed to impress.
They are placed to resonate.
A girl sits reading
on a preserved fallen tree,
turning a remnant of time
into a quiet place for contemplation.
Hidden in the pine forest,
monumental pinecones
shift the scale of the world,
inviting guests into a dreamlike wonder.
On the lawn,
the bride’s gown is caught by the breeze —
a single corner lifting softly,
as if whispering
the world’s most beautiful love.
Together,
these artworks transform the estate
into a living storybook —
where nature holds the pages,
and art writes the meaning.
Rooms
Quiet Luxury, Designed for Rest
The guest rooms continue the same philosophy:
clarity, warmth, and refined detail.
Bespoke black-and-white furnishings
with antique bronze accents
echo the sculptural language of the gardens.
Layered greys and subtle golden lines
soften the monochrome palette,
bringing calm sophistication without losing warmth.
Bathrooms were rebuilt
with warm white tiles and black patterned motifs,
creating a sense of ceremony
in everyday routines.
Here,
sleep is deeper.
Silence is kinder.
And time feels slower —
in the best way.
Family Dining
Togetherness as the Finest Luxury
Hana Lodge is designed
not only for solitude,
but also for togetherness.
Round tables,
steaming dishes,
raised cups,
and laughter —
under gentle light,
these simple moments
quietly ripen into memory.
In a world that moves too quickly,
Hana Lodge offers something quietly rare:
a place where families gather,
friends linger,
and memories form without being forced.
Here,
hospitality becomes a feeling —
not a service.
And joy becomes
something you can hold.
Epilogue
HANA — A Living Story, Waiting to Be Discovered
HANA
is a gallery of art,
and a sanctuary of nature.
She is a warm home,
and a vessel of enduring history.
Born of time,
shaped by land, architecture,
and human imagination,
she continues to grow,
to breathe,
to evolve.
Here,
every stay is an encounter.
Every moment, a quiet resonance.
HANA is never complete.
She is still writing her story —
patiently waiting
for you to enter,
to explore,
to savour,
and to leave behind
a chapter of your own.