It was work to get here, but once we did, we never wanted to leave. Seriously, I’m not sure I’ve been in a more beautiful setting in all our travels. Picture windows all around that look out on the Waiotemarama Gorge with its waterfalls, pastures, rain forest, birds and forest creatures. We had so many rainbows at the end of the valley we stopped counting and the stars—breathtaking. The only evidence of other human habitation was a telephone wire or two, and a rare car. We found it hard to get motivated to go to any other sites because we had it all here. However, if Rawiri offers to take you somewhere, GO: it was always special. He and Candy have such an encyclopedic knowledge on the whole area and its history, genealogy, topography and mythology; and are a wealth of information for activities, necessities and venues. Besides, they embodied the generosity and hospitality of the Maori culture, so we had fresh lemons, garden produce, honey and sometimes homemade goodies! As private as the lodge is, we were just a couple miles from grocery stores, restaurants, activities and services. The house is a full sized 2-bedroom home with large rooms and living room/dining room with complete kitchen including a real stove and refrigerator. The internet was surprisingly fast and reliable, the appliances in excellent condition. We could not have asked for more. This really was a time of relaxation and reinvigoration for us. We’re incredibly grateful and are broken-hearted to leave our rain forest hideaway.