The Hubby and I decided to break up a drive to Wellington with a stop in Eketahuna at the Bird Cottage. Boy, are we glad that we did! The cottage (and the lodge) have an interesting past that is just as bewitching as it's current incarnation. Know that, in NZ's winter, you may have to work a bit for your heat, but it is worth it. The hosts are delightful, knowledgeable and incredibly friendly without being too intrusive and the cottage stay is truly a lovely experience. We're glad we made the spontaneous decision to stop and seriously hope to return down the line.