Candy, our hostess, met us at her own house set out of view of the rental property which was totally private and secluded in an idyllic hillside valley setting, richly surrounded by unspoiled nature. We were treated to a guided tour of the vegetable garden from which we were able to take anything we required. Breakfast provisions were delicious, plentiful and kindly supplied by our hostess together with other basic provisions in the cupboard. We couldn’t believe the size of the lodge which was light and airy with marvellous views all around and very comfortable, especially the bed. Candy showed us where to walk into the forest behind the house at night to see glow worms, we heard kiwis at night and enjoyed a wonderful dawn chorus of native birds. I rescued a little kingfisher which crashed into the window in the early morning- she was stunned and on her back but I gently tipped her the right way up and after a few seconds flew away. Candy is a fascinating lady with an interesting, adventurous life story. We admire your strength Candy, you have achieved what others dream of.

Having only booked one night’s stay!

The location of the lodge was stunning. Situated in between two hillsides along the most amazing valley it just took our breath away. If you want to experience peace, quiet and the stars in all their glory this place is truly magnificent. We were meet by the owners and a tour of the vegetable patch followed where we were encouraged to pick produce for our dinner. What wonderful hosts, warm and knowledgeable. Inside was great, two bedrooms and all the facilities we needed to make this stay memorable. Only wish we could have stayed longer.

There was nothing not to like.

Our hosts were welcoming and had a lot of information of the surrounding area on hand. They even picked some veggies out of their garden with which we made a salad. The lodge is in fine shape, very clean, large and with stunning views. While there, we had a big, windy rain storm, which knocked out the power to the entire area. Our hosts immediately responded with a generator and enough power cords to keep our electronics running and with the ability to run the gas heater. Given many rainy days, we really appreciated having access to a washer AND dryer. Thank you!!

The booking.com website states that the breakfast is "exceptional". What is provided is basically a continental breakfast with bread, juice, fruit and condiments provided. There was a lot of canned food in the pantry, but we generally do not have soup or canned pasta for breakfast. We were glad that we had brought our own yogurt, granola, eggs, etc., with us.

We loved everything about this property. Amazing views with beautiful gardens. We spent time on the veranda watching the birds and passing rain showers as well as spotting wild pigs on the nearby hills with the provided binoculars. We visited the glow worms which was a treat, and heard the possums in the night. As nature lovers, we thoroughly enjoyed this aspect of the property. The kitchen had everything we needed and more, including a fruit bowl with fresh fruit, honey from their bees and a full pantry plus juice, milk and butter. There were even fresh flowers on the dining table that smelt delightful. The rooms and beds were comfortable, a washing machine and dryer is available, there is plenty of space to spread out and a fire place to warm the house in the evenings. Wifi was fast, we enjoyed the tv and many board games and books are available. There is even a folder about things to do during your stay and information about the local geography and fauna. Meeting Candy and Rawiri was also special. We were warmly welcomed onto their property, invited to tour their gardens and enjoy their music room. Candy is kind and full of life, and Rawiri gave us lots of recommendations for our holiday. Thank you so much for the wonderful stay, it has definitely been a highlight of our trip.

Amazing location, beautiful house, very well equipped! Great for a relaxed vacation in the nature. Beautiful views of bush and mountains, , accompanied by the lovely sounds of water and birds. Glow worms nearby. Lovely verandah for a morning coffee or an afternoon tea... Both rooms have an en-suite bathroom, which is very convenient.

The drive from the entrance to the lodge has 2 rough patches that may be unsuitable for very low cars. Our Nissan Note's bottom hit the rocky surface twice, but luckily there was no real damage, just a very loud sound and maybe some small dents.

The drive in is captivating - an unsealed winding road through a valley, definitely off the beaten track. The road up to the property is steep but the reward is spectacular views. Candy was thorough in explaining the house and our every need was catered for, including milk, bread, their own honey & pantry staples should we have needed to cook our own dinner. Candy shared knowledge of Māori & related to the sky & landscape. We snuck out and saw the glow worms & sitting on the verandah as the sun went down listening to the wildlife is an experience we won’t forget! We were sorry to leave and our only regret was that we were only there for one night!

Absolutely fantastic accommodation in a stunning location. Quiet and peaceful away from traffic and with dark skies at night but also only 10 minutes drive from shops and restaurants. Plenty to do in the area with great walks and drives. Lovely owners who provide welcome pack including bread milk fruit and fresh herbs and salad from their garden. Highly recommended

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What an extraordinary stay - I wish we could have stayed for weeks! Beautiful home in the most serene, remote location. Glorious views of sacred hills. Glow worms! Every need met. Loads of kitchen and cooking equipment, coffee, tea, milk, bread, jam, cereal, spices. Our hosts Candace and Rawiri were extremely cool - knowledgeable, friendly and helpful- and even treated us to a garden tour and mini-concert! Coincidentally, Candace attended the same high school as I - in San Diego California!

It was perfect.

Candi and Rawiti were there to welcome us on our arrival and were on hand if needed. We were given a flying lesson on the house and its facilities, and introduced to the glow worm dell up the hill. Our visit was in the Autumn, so the large gas fire in the living room was very welcome in the evenings. The kitchen was well equipped, and the fridge and larder were stocked with goodies and ingredients to cook with. It was good to eat porridge and drink coffee whilst watching the sun rise over the hill from the veranda. Were the kauri forests and beaches not beckoning, we'd have sat there all day just watching the sun and rain on the woodland below the house. At night, I took a chair out back to watch the Milky Way (good dark sky!) and listen to the moreporks and the kiwis calling. Being away from any main road the surroundings are very quiet. It's a place I'd love to go back to.

Everything about this property is outstandingly good. Candy and Rawiri are welcoming and knowledgeable hosts who are there if needed but leave you to enjoy this comfortable and well equipped Lodge in total privacy. There is a wealth of information about what to do in the area too.

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