As soon as I turned off the highway the overhanging trees, nikau palms and tree ferns skirting the metal road gave me a clue that I was heading to some place special. Located at the end of Wekaweka Valley the Bramble Bach is surrounded by the forest. On arrival I was greeted by songs of tuis accompanied by the gentle gurgle of a nearby river. Just a few steps further down the road is the trailhead to Wekaweka Track. Though not well traveled it is a well marked track that rewards those adventurous enough to explore the Mataraua Forest with dense vegetation, waterfalls, balancing acts across streams and the sound of the deep woods.
The serenity continues inside Bramble Bach with exquisite attention to small details. Down pillows, a sundry of fresh herbs and spices (including nutritional yeast!), fresh milk (as in straight from the cow), a thick comforter, even thicker towels, Eco soap, and, of course, a perfectly placed hammock. Impossible to believe that this could be over shadowed but it was - by Sarah and Howy's genuine care and comfort to insure my entire stay was warm, relaxed, and refined. They were generous with their time sharing what they were learning from their huge garden (and the subsequent culinary delights ; ), their creative adventures in music as well as adventures through life. Heart felt hospitality never felt so good.