The online photos clearly show that this is an exceptional place to stay, but they fail to do it full justice. The cabin is perched on a hillside, between two running streams. It overlooks its own private lake filled with black swans. It commands a sweeping view of the Rakaia Gorge and the hills beyond. From the outside, the cabin appears quite modest, but inside you encounter understated luxury. It exudes quality. Having given out five stars for several of the fine homes in our month long trip to NZ, that’s the most I can do here, but this is the one I’ll never forget.