A family owned and run luxury lodge, that has appeared on Grand Designs.   Its amenities include a yoga studio and gym, sauna, 20 metre lap pool and cedar hot tub.   Kathy and Vince Moores built and own the Lodge.   It’s managed by their daughter Nicola.

The family share passions for gastronomy, gardening, conservation and wellness and elements of these themes resound throughout the Lodge and its grounds.   They use much of their own organically grown produce, and offer a cookery school amongst many other experiences.    They are also proud sponsors of NZ Forest & Bird.

Auckland, the City of Sails, is New Zealand’s largest city and has a great waterfront  location on the Hauraki Gulf.

It is a cosmopolitan city with a wide range of dining and wining options and it is also home to Sky Tower, the tallest tower in the Southern Hemisphere. A trip to the viewing platform provides superb views of the city and Hauraki Gulf, and you may wish to take the quick way down by attaching yourselves to a Sky Jump cable and leaping off!

Auckland’s west coast is a remarkable contrast to the city itself and you can spend time exploring the windswept beaches and the subtropical bush clad hills of the Waitakere Ranges.

From Auckland you could join a  cruise to Tiritiri Matangi Island out in the Hauraki Gulf.   Here you can see some of New Zealand’s most endangered birds, including the kokako and saddleback, in this open sanctuary.   A guided walk will provide expert commentary on the animal life and the historical and archaeological features of the island.

Waiheke Island is a short ferry journey from Auckland and, with its beautiful beaches and scenic blend of forest and farmland, is a peaceful sub-tropical escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. The island is home to a fantastic range of activities including sea kayaking, mountain biking and vineyard tours.