Te Onepoto lodge is perched on the hillside overlooking Taylor's Mistake bay looking out to the vast reaches of the Southern Pacific Ocean, perfectly framed by the rugged coastline to the north towards Scarborough, and the gentler rolling hills of Godley Head to the south.
The view from the front facing large bay windows of the lodge is amazing to say the least, particularly at sunrise and sunset. The property is surrounded by native bush and removed enough to feel like you are in a world of your own.
Taylor's mistake beach is close by and only short 5-10 minute walk down the hill. For the more adventurous, to the north there is a 10km round trip walk along the coastal cliff track and down Scarborough hill to the suburb of Sumner and Sumner beach; or to the south an equivalent distance to walk up to the World War 2 gun emplacements on the top of Godley Head and back.
The lodge is incredibly spacious with a large living and dining area with two big couches and a huge solid wood kitchen table, a north and east facing deck area with deck chairs and a BBQ, two bedrooms and a large bathroom. For cooking there is kitchenette but this was more than adequate for preparing meals. In addition to the heating units, there is open fire place which was great to have going on the cooler Spring nights.
Julie and Gareth are the quintessential hosts - incredibly friendly, considerate, helpful and generous. Nothing was ever too much trouble. Julie had also provided a large fruit basket, cereal, milk and some yummy bakery treats on arrival. Looking forward to the next time I get to come back.