This lodge is set in the countryside at the foot of Mt Taranaki. It's very comfortable, my kids loved the games room, lounging on the sofas, toasting marshmallows (although it was so warm we hardly needed the fire) and watching a dvd or 2 when it rained. It's much as the photos look, though maybe slightly less private than we expected, as it's fairly close to Michael and Linda's and the other cars sometimes drive past it. The surroundings are lovely, peaceful, quiet, with the small lake and the great walk around the property (with glowworms!) I took my daughter out in the rowboat and we also tried the floating bath, which was excellent, tho the water only lukewarm - belter in summer or on a sunny day. We did end up driving to New Plymouth / up the mountain / to the lovely area around the lake at the end of the road, but this wasn't a big deal. Michael and Linda were friendly, clever people who are doing amazing things with their innovation in the off grid space. Great stay.