Fierce fire in Coromandel

Photo / NZPA / Wayne Drought

A private lodge in Coromandel was badly damaged by a large fire early this morning.

A fire service spokeswoman said Wentworth Lodge on Wentworth Valley Rd, about 7km from Whangamata, was burning fiercely when firefighters arrived about 2.45am.

Guests at the two-storey private lodge were evacuated but no-one was injured.

The building partially collapsed as a result of the blaze.

Firefighters remained at the scene this morning dampening down hot spots and fire investigators were working to establish the cause of the fire.

According to its website, Wentworth Lodge has five luxury suites with and seven one and two bedroom apartments adjoining the main lodge structure.

"You can enjoy the meditation room, huge guest lounge, gymnasium, billiard room with full size slate table and dart board or simply absorb the natural surroundings."