Our visit to Bookbinder's Retreat was perfectly magical. It was like stepping into another world - a coherently detailed world from another time. We loved every detail from the antique electrical appliances, copper sinks, and the many hand-made things from Michael's wide circle of craftspeople. We ate breakfast on the garden deck, and sat there again in the evening, sipping NZ whisky ($5 a shot) under the growing moon.

Michael communicated clearly and we knew what to expect. We enjoyed a brief chat with him and followed his restaurant recommendation to enjoy a lovely meal at Cucina 1871.