ORL wins two international travel awards—with borders closed.

October 19, 2021

By Felix Borenstein

When you look after people, they look after you

We limped through last season. Now, as we stare down the double barrel of still not knowing when our international borders will reopen and the possibility of Level 3 lockdown restrictions continuing for our biggest domestic market, we’re realising there’s a chance this one could be even more challenging.

And yet I can’t help feeling optimistic.

Because even when all the news seems bad and I start feeling a bit punch-drunk—we continue to win awards.

Not just industry gongs, but popular vote awards as well. And it’s the latter that give me hope because winning them is entirely down to our guests and friends. You win these awards for us. And for that, I’m humbled and grateful.
We asked you back in April to support us in two international travel and accommodation awards.

And the results are now in…

2021 World Travel Awards—New Zealand’s Leading Lodge

Boy, were we the outliers in this one—up against some very big, corporate-owned guns. So I just about fell off my chair when I got the congratulatory email!
“…this year’s Word Travel Awards program saw record month-on-month voting numbers from the all-important tourism consumer… the appetite for travel has never been stronger.”

But wait - there’s more !!!

Condé Nast Traveler’s 2021 Readers’ Choice Awards

For the second year running, Owen River Lodge is a winner in the Australia & South Pacific category—one of only two New Zealand luxury resorts to make the cut, and 11th overall.

“The results of the 2021 Readers’ Choice Awards demonstrate the travel experiences our readers longed for most when they couldn’t travel and decided to do first once they could.”

Thank you to everyone who voted for us in either or both of these awards and of course for the best team of people who choose to work @ ORL - my sincerest thanks.

I know it was quite the mission to cast votes, what with the sign-up process and, in one case, the cascade of promotional emails that followed. I know you probably had other things to do. But you’ve made this passionate angler and lodge owner a very happy man, and you’ve helped give the ORL family a much-need boost.

When you look after people, they look after you.

Yep. You bet. We can’t wait to welcome you back to our special part of New Zealand and work our butts off to give you an unforgettable experience.

Thank you again.

Felix and the winning team at Owen River Lodge

P.S. The fish send their best!

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