Opening of Breckenridge Lodge

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 4, Issue 11, 12 August 1986, Page 13

Opening of Breckenridge Lodge

The opening of Breckenridge Ski Lodge recently marked the fruition of an 18-month dream for two Mt Maunganui men. Kelvin O'Hara and Kelvin

Entwhistle liked skiing but they didn't much like the selling price for houses m Ohakune. They hit upon the idea of 'building a high-class ski lodge in which shareholders

would share ownership. In this way owners get quality family accommodation. but at an affordable price. Shareholders in the nonprofit making venture come from all over New Zealand

and from the United States. At a gathering last week of shareholders and their families, many meeting for the first time. the lodge was opened by Ohakune Mayor Bill Taylor. Mr Taylor remarked on the history of Ohakune with its dependence upon timber. then the railway and now skiing and other mountain and national park pursuits. "lt is this diversity of interest which has kept our town away from the downturn which many parts of the country are experiencing." he said. Mr Taylor welcomed the members of the lodge and said he hoped that it would be used all year round and not just in the ski season. The lodge includes 26 beds in seven bedrooms. There is a large dininglounge area. adjoining a spacious kitchen. Upstairs, on a tastefully furnished mezzanine floor, is a place for parental peace and reflection, with a stunning view of Mt Ruapehu. Other facilities include a sauna, undercover parking, ski storage and a ski workshop. The lodge was designed by Mt Maunganui architectural draughtsman Nick Haagh. who has another more up-market lodge on the drawing board. also to be built at Miro Park.