
It absolutely surpassed expectations. Those who know me know that that is no mean feat! I had absolutely no idea what to expect as far as the accommodation went but I was amazed and delighted by the whole property. It is an enormous tract of land about 1/2 an hour from Taupo, in the hills off the Napier Taupo highway. It has a fabulous array of buildings and facilities and so many things to do. We did none of the available activities (guided fly fishing, deer hunting, mountain biking, hiking etc) but would definitely give them a go next time (yes, we are already planning the next time!!!). I apologise for the quality of some of the photos, it appears my zoom is not the greatest and the lighting in the cellar was of course rather low!
The main lodge is the centre of activity where breakfast is served each morning





On the Saturday we were ferried by 4WD into the Safari Hut Camp, by the Mohaka River, which is truly my kind of camping. Two 'tent' huts with real beds and a kitchen/dining 'tent' complete with running water (!). You can only get to the spot by 4WD so it is totally isolated, only the roar of the river to keep you company. We had a gorgeous picnic, complete with wine and basked in the afternoon sun for a while.


Here is the menu and each of the 7 courses (except the paua fritters which were gone too quick!)







The wine was also excellent and it was great to get a run down from Duncan, wine maker at Mount Edward, on their philosophy and approach to wine making. We made sure to stop in at Scenic Cellars in Taupo to grab a couple of bottles of the Reisling, one for us and one as a thank you to my mother for the babysitting!
We are hoping the weekend is on next year as we would definitely do it again. Although I was a little apprehensive about spending the weekend with a group of strangers, we had an excellent time, meeting lots of great people, all of who shared the same intent - enjoying the occasion! Our impression of the weekend was that it represented amazing value. The level of hospitality was like nothing I have ever experienced and was absolutely worth paying that bit extra for.
As we were leaving the deer that we had seen plenty of all weekend on our drives to and from the lodge seemed elusive when I decided I wanted a photo. We just managed to catch this one before it darted off into the trees....

6 comments:
The photos are fabulous. It looks an amazing place. How could you not enjoy. The food looks out of this world. I can't stop laughing at the idea of you whipping your camera out of your bag as each course is served.
Lovely post, we visited Napier Taupo on a drive round NZ trip a number of years ago, and your pictures really take me back. Fabulous dinner too!
Good luck with your assignment.
Sounds like a wonderful weekend. The food looks delicious.
Good luck with your assignment.
I'm with you on needing a certain level of comfort! I'd camp under those conditions.
The food looks amazing too. If i ever have the opportunity to visit NZ this would be high on my list!
Don't forget rest breaks during study time - good luck!
Oh Linda, wow, what an experience. The whole weekend sounds fantastic. The food looks divine as well.
Know what you mean about the disappearing act. Good luck with the assignment. I have been scarce as well due to crazy work life and my last assignment due too. At least you know you've got the summer free!
Oh this sounds a fab weekend away and those photos are stunning!
What mouth-watering food and that baby crayfish dish caught my eye mmmm..
Rosie x
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