Creating a tranquil sanctuary blending combining design, nature, and Eastern philosophy. A holistic system based on ancient principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine blended with advanced Energy Medicine, natural healthcare and life education, made use of the perfect peace of this ideal location.
Aiping Wang advocating for fresh air, homegrown organic food, and overall well-being bought the site, and transformed it into a Five Elements–themed luxury health retreat.
Investing to repair and make extensive renovation throughout the property, ten chalets were redesigned according to feng shui principles, each themed around one of these elements: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, or Water.
5 ELEMENTS THEME CHALETS
TAKARO LODGE
LOCATION
Located in the deep South of South Island, surrounded by DOC native bush and the Snowden National Forest, at the gateway to Fiordland, and Te Wahipounamu World heritage site. It is an area of astonishing pristine wilderness, and natural beauty. A two hour scenic drive from Te Anau itself is the popular tourist attraction, Pio Pio Tahi, Milford Sound Fiord.
Takaro includes games, sports, and activities that teach, unite, heal, and celebrate life.
Takaro promotes fitness, creativity, resilience, and belongingstrengthening intergenerational ties and reinforcing cultural identity.
Takaro taught physical skills (agility, strength), social skills (teamwork, leadership), mental skills (strategy, memory),
and cultural values (respect, hospitality).
Many games linked to cosmology and seasonal rituals.
They honoured ancestors, supported gatherings, and prepared warriors for battle—bridging the physical and spiritual worlds.
Examples of Traditional Takaro
· Kī-o-Rahi – A circular-field ball game blending rugby, netball, and tag, rooted in mythology.
· Poi – Rhythmic swinging of tethered balls, used for performance and wrist strength training.
· Mū Tōrere – A strategic board game played on a star-shaped board.
· Ti Rākau – Stick-passing games to music or chants, enhancing coordination and cooperation.
· Whai (String Games) – Intricate twine patterns that tell stories and pass down knowledge.
REJUVENATION RETREAT
ONE MAN'S DREAM:
STOCKTON RUSH
In 1968, following his dream to create an extravagant high end escape, a lavish fishing and hunting lodge for wealthy overseas guests, American entrepreneur Stockton Rush Jr. bought 2,591 acres near Lake Te Anau, South Island, New Zealand.
As vice president of the San Franciso Bohemian Club, which boasted University presidents, Military Commanders artists musicians it attracted high worth individuals. It opened in October 1970, an early adopter of eco building he incorporated timber logs, local Riverstone and turf roofs alongside the chandeliers, gold-plated taps and high-end fittings.
Occupancy stayed below 20%. When Rush’s father-in-law (guarantor of a $1 million loan) died in 1971, the demand for repayment pushed the business into crisis. Rush tried to sell 90% of the lodge to Mitsubishi, but Finance Minister Bill Rowling blocked the deal under foreign investment rules. Rush challenged the decision, but the Privy Council sided with Rowling. The lodge went into receivership and was sold.
After closing in 1973, the property sat derelict for nearly 30 years.
Passing through various hands and owners and becoming a decaying relic of its failed ambitions.
In 1998 it was finally sold to a Chinese healer who totally renovated the lodge.
After closing in 1973, the property sat derelict for nearly 30 years.
Passing through various hands and owners and becoming a decaying relic of its failed ambitions.
1998 it was finally sold to a Chinese Healer, who would develop it into a luxury wellness retreat.
TAKARO LODGE - FIORDLAND
In the wilderness of South Island, New Zealand nestled on the fringes of Fiordland, South Island of New Zealand a riverstone lodge with enormous wooden beams and grass roofed chalets was built surrounded by the Snowden National Forest.
A two hour drive from Queenstown International airport and a 2 hour drive to Milford Sound, its a somewhat perfect spot. Te Anau township with it's cafes and the start of Great Walk - Kepler Track and the Glow Worm cave trip is a 30mins drive away.
This area forgotten by time and the rush of life, captured the imagination of an American entrepreneur who saw the potential for a luxury Hunting lodge. It was built as a fly in fly out playground for the wealthy to enjoy a splendid slice of Southland lifestyle.
Famous for it's gold taps, chandaliers and as a location for at least two well known films.
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THE ULTIMATE LUXURY
HUNTING SHOOTING FISHING LODGE
An earlier instance the area was utilised for film was in the 1989 TV Mini-Series - Brotherhood of the Rose.
Takaro Road, the Lodge, the Snowden Forest and surrounding area served as a location for this spy thriller mini TV series starring Hollywood movie stars; Robert Mitchum, Peter Strauss, David Morse and Connie Sellecca, which aired on Jan. 22, 1989, after Super Bowl XXIII.
It was the highest-rated TV movie of the 1988–89 season. Part 1 drew 32 million viewers, and Part 2 had 27.4 million.
BROTHERHOOD OF THE ROSE
Praised by critics for its intelligent, globe-trotting espionage plot and strong performances, particularly from Mitchum. Viewers and locals loved the epic helicopter chase and seeing their local bush.
It has now out of print and hard to find only occasional DVD-R backups at niche retailers
TAKARO MEANING
IN MAORI CULTURE
Takaro, in te ao Māori (the Māori world), the Māori word for “play,” goes far beyond entertainment—
it is woven into the spiritual, social, and physical life of Māori communities. Takaro is more than play, it is a living tradition and a bridge between past and present.
Its revival reflects the resilience of tangata whenua and the enduring relevance of Māori wisdom, reminding us that play can teach, heal, and unite.
Takaro, the Māori word for “play,” goes far beyond entertainment—it is woven into the spiritual, social, and physical life of Māori communities.
Due to its stunning beauty, natural light , and wilderness, the location lends itself to the movies. In 2001 – JRR Tolkien’s enigmatic, The Lord of the Rings was brought to life rocketing New Zealand to new heights of International fame. The area off Kakapo Road, located just a few kilometres from Te Anau, used to film atmospheric scenes for Fangorn Forest and a section of Midgewater Marshes, Mavora Lakes and surrounding landscapes nearby were also used to provide moments such as the Nen Hithoel lakescape and scenes near Fangorn Forest
THE LORD OF THE RINGS
LUXURY SPA & WELLNESS
RELAX - ENJOY - BE HAPPY
