Golden Bay Hideaway

House Trucking It

Pippy McCurdy
 http://www.unusualstays.com/
http://www.stumbleuponcroatiaslovenia.com/

A hippie house-truck perched on a hillside overlooking the deep blue of Wainui Bay and inlet is a great place to be. The house truck  must surely have really been around since the hippie era. Inside it is  relaxed, well-equipped, comfortable. The truck that it is perched on certainly looks ancient -  I am no vehicle expert but surely it's no spring chicken. Nevertheless I'm not here for the driving. I'm here for the view, the outside bath, the forested surroundings and the nostalgia. And the hippie house truck delivers on all fronts.

The hippie house truck belongs to the Golden Bay Hideaway, which offers several other accommodation options as well including the Little Greenie - awarded 9 stars as NZ's most energy efficient home in 2009. Golden Bay Hideaway operates completely on green principles , with its emphasis on re-use , re-cycle, and in the case of the hippie house truck, restore.

In the house-truck  heating is primarily  a wood burner, the toilet is composting. But comfort is not lacking. In fact the bed with its view out over the bay is excellent. Added to this, the sound system has six speakers; the outdoor bath has plenty of hot water;  and there are even grounds for the coffee plunger. (This is in fact surprisingly unusual, - even in relatively expensive accommodation.)

With its oak panelled walls, its peace sign on the door, its stained glass windows, and its CD selection featuring Janis Joplin, Cat Stevens and Don McLean to name a few, the hippie house truck serves as a reminder as to why the sixties is the decade voted most popular to return to in  the past hundred years.  Not surprising at all really. This is a great place to stay.

Taupo Houseboat

The Taupo Explorer

Pippy McCurdy: 
 http://www.unusualstays.com/
http://www.stumbleuponcroatiaslovenia.com/

There are not many houseboats for overnight hire in New Zealand. However the Taupo Explorer bucks the trend.Tied up in a picturesque boat harbour, sheltered from most of the chop and the sometimes cool winds of Taupo, this is an excellent way to spend a night.

Just a few minutes walk from the centre of town with its many cafes, bars and shops, it couldn't be more convenient. If the mood and the dollars allow, you can always arrange to actually leave the berth and be taken out on a trip around the lake but for my part I was more than content to stay berthed by the skinny jetty. Not being particularly familiar with either boats or water except from a sandy beach, it took a few snail paced trips to get used to walking the three steps out the jetty and then edging my way around the boat to the doorway. But practise breeds familiarity. Soon I was  holding on with one hand instead of two...

The boat itself is comfortable inside with all you might need to make yourself at home including cooking facilities and a reasonable shower. There were clear instructions to operate all the non-standard items. Best of all there was plenty of deck area with a space at the back for the barbeque to be fired up, and an upstairs deck where the evening could be enjoyed watching dusk settle over the harbour.

Sleeping to the gentle motion of the lake was oh so pleasant and the lapping of the waves on the hull (note the nautical term) was akin to a lullaby.
When it came time to go re-doing up the domed covers on the open areas were a nightmare, but someone eventually found the muscle to achieve this feat and we were able to leave with a clear conscience.

The call from the owner to enquire as to whether we had enjoyed our stay was a pleasant note until it emerged there was another agenda behind this ....  Otherwise a great place to stay.

Fire Station Backpackers Gore

The Fire Station Backpackers

Pippy McCurdy: 
 http://www.unusualstays.com/
http://www.stumbleuponcroatiaslovenia.com/

It sounded so appealing. The Fire Station Backpackers in Gore, far down in the deep south of the South Island. I had seen pictures of course. It looked just like it ought - an actual Fire Station, an old brick building, not tampered with, still with its brick façade; its fire station signage; its tall exterior opening - once big enough for a fire engine to arrive and depart, now filled in with windows not of the same period, but still at least partially complimentary to the original style.

Entry is by a door at the side, . To get there one must pass through a small courtyard with an outdoor table and a barbecue.  This was in fact hidden under a canvas cover, but it was after all the middle of winter, despite the fact that it was a glorious Southland winter's day of crisp sun and clear blue skies.
So the outside scored some points. Maybe the courtyard was a little under-decorated, but still it was only a backpackers. It was acceptable enough.

It ws only once inside that the real disappointment set in. The rooms were as simple and as basic as it was possible to be.  The bathrooms were clean and adequate. But the bedrooms; -windowless boxes is the only possible description. The biggest disappointment was in the fact that nothing of the fire station remained. Nothing of its past was either celebrated or recreated. This was really just a  bed and nothing more.

How easy would it have been to use some fire station related memorabilia for decoration? Firemen clothing; firemen's axes;  even just photos of fire engines or fires on the walls. Surely Gore has had some significant or locally famous fires? Where were the photos?
What could be simpler - printed off and mounted in some unpretentious frames? This would almost cost nothing.
Of course the greatest disappointment of all ...  Where was the fireman's pole? I could almost guarantee that there would be backpackers a-plenty willing and eager to try out a fireman's pole.
But not to be.
Oh well.

What an opportunity missed.

Websites: http://www.unusualstays.com/
http://www.stumbleuponcroatiaslovenia.com/

Saint Andrews Church Waitarere Beach

Saint Andrews Church Waitarere Beach

Pippy McCurdy: 
 http://www.unusualstays.com/
http://www.stumbleuponcroatiaslovenia.com/

Do not be misled by the unassuming exterior of this charming place. It should not be passed over. It does  not purport to be glamorous, outstanding, or even all that flash. On the other hand, it does have many other qualities. It is simple, liveable, comfortable, and suitable for anything from a couple to a gathering. It is spacious and relaxed. It has a wood-burner and a well equipped kitchen., -  heaven forbid it even has a coffee machine. So many far more expensive accommodations forget even to provide a plunger!

Inserted into the old Watiarere Roman Catholic church, all those church-like features have been maintained y this bach. The stained glass windows are quite stunning. The confessional is a toilet. Strange little boxes on the wall clearly come from life as a church - although to who knows what purpose they were once used. The organ is now in the upstairs bedroom. Maybe this still works but if so, those of us who are organ-illiterate might benefit from an instruction sheet.

Provision of a pool table-cum- table tennis table is a real bonus. Wet days have been dealt with! Finer days lead straight to the glorious Waitarere Beach which stretches out  infinitely in the distance. What a beach!

I liked this unpretentious spot, - ripped baize on the pool table notwithstanding. Saint Andrews is certainly a great place to stay.

Websites: http://www.unusualstays.com/
http://www.stumbleuponcroatiaslovenia.com/

Rainforest Retreat, Franz Josef

Rainforest Retreat - Franz Josef

Pippy McCurdy: 
 http://www.unusualstays.com/
http://www.stumbleuponcroatiaslovenia.com/

Franz Josef is an isolated spot, but the village at the foot of the mountains buzzes with a constant influx of tourists as bus-load after bus-load pull in, stay awhile then move on down the rugged West Coast. Rainforest Retreat at Franz Josef is an extensive complex with all levels of accommodation from backpacker cabins to comfortable family units. There are numerous facilities for guests from spa pools and sauna, to onsite restaurant, and friendly staff to cope with tourist enquiries and travel arrangements.

The restaurant and bar have a fabulous open fire to make up for the disinterested staff and the mediocre food.

Chalets are discreetly positioned in amongst the trees of the rainforest and efforts have been made to preserve and retain this forest cover as much as possible whilst still providing the facilities on most tourist agendas. Behind the buildings high up on the mountainside the glacier is clearly visible - weather allowing. With so much forest nearby the forest birds can often be seen and heard flitting between overhanging branches.

Across the road from the Rainforest Retreat - barely two minutes walk away -  are the gorgeous Franz Josef Hot-pools - also set in amongst the bush, under canvas canopies to provide all-weather enjoyment.

With so much going for it could there be anything to object to about the Rainforest Retreat? Well  yes, because as nice as it was, tree houses it was not.

Log cabins advertised as tree houses and tree huts are in fact houses and huts made of trees. (Logs ). They are not houses or huts in trees. Surely this is misleading? Log cabins 'raised up into the forest canopy' suggests something that is not born out in reality. Four steps does not a tree hut make!

The 'tree huts" were in fact rather nice. Comfortable, attractive and well appointed. This may not be an unusual place to stay ( which is what I was hoping for) - but in other respects it was eco-aware and very pleasant as far as tourist motels go.

Websites: http://www.unusualstays.com/
http://www.stumbleuponcroatiaslovenia.com/

Hidden Valley Lodge, Lake Poerua

 Hidden Valley Lodge - West Coast

Pippy McCurdy: 
 http://www.unusualstays.com/
http://www.stumbleuponcroatiaslovenia.com/

This is a great place to be. An old church dragged to its resting place on the edge of Westland bush, looking out over a small lake and a green valley. What a place. So many thing to enjoy.  What I really appreciated first of all, was the way they had kept this church as a church! The long wooden table with its candelabra was charming, made even better by the use of pews as seating.   A piano was there for use,  - and a church organ! The double height space of the main lounge was grand and impressive, yet also made welcoming by the pot belly stove waitng ready ready for use with wood and coal provided. Upstairs not one, not two  but three bedrooms  if you count the amazing little hole-in-the-wall bedroom. I was so tempted to forego the everyday double bed and sleep in the hole in the wall...

Poerua Lake is a pretty lake. I was blessed with fog - nothing better than swirling fog for a little added mystery and drama in the scenery.
The church sits on the edge of a green lawn and on that lawn friendly wekas stroll happily. I suspect they are used to being fed they were so friendly.
.

The Hidden Valley retreat boasted a hot water tub  - and my mistake, I found instead the bush bath tucked in amongst native bush, looking a trifle unused and unloved. It was not until the next morning that I finally discovered the real hot tub, a beautiful wooden tub on the edge of a stream, with ample cut wood available to heat this. But no time by then. Such a shame.

Hidden Valley Lodge is a real find. A special place.  An isolated retreat. Where else will you find gumboots provided and fly fishing advice on the wall? Try it. You will love it. Remember to start the fire early to heat the hot tub.

Websites: http://www.unusualstays.com/
http://www.stumbleuponcroatiaslovenia.com/

Hobbit Motel Waitomo

The Hobbit Motel

Pippy McCurdy: 

 http://www.unusualstays.com/

http://www.stumbleuponcroatiaslovenia.com/

I have decided that an underground house is the best type of house. Burrowed into a hillside this is your nest. This is safe. This is secure. Other  houses standing out in the country night alone, or shoulder to shoulder under the cold city street lights, somehow fail to generate that same sense of impermeable security.

On the particular night of my visit to Middle-Earth the rain drummed incessantly on the woodland path outside. Darkness swallowed the world. Thunder rolled and then it crashed so intensely that the glass in the window vibrated. But enfolded into the ground the Hobbit House felt  inviolate and impenetrable. Maybe it was the curve of the ceiling and the walls. Certainly there was a primitive, womb-like familiarity about this place with its white-washed barriers against the world.

Hobbits of course, live underground in Middle-Earth. With their strange hairy feet they retreat into the earth. I believe Wombles also live underground. Maybe these woolly creatures are onto something!

I like the Hobbit Motel in Waitomo. I like the sack-cloth curtains. I like the hollowed tree-trunk picture frames. I especially like the curve of the ceiling. But what I like best of all is the white donkey and the kune kune pig peering at me from the roof of my Hobbit House.

The pig with its curly pointy tusks and its black shaggy coat, is amazing. But most of all I love that donkey,..  I like the way he peers over the edge of the roof and curiously observes me pushing the key into the red oval door.

 I don't really want to leave my Hobbit House.




P.S. - Most people are good people - they will respect your property. Do we really need to be greeted by a list of rules?

Websites: http://www.unusualstays.com/
http://www.stumbleuponcroatiaslovenia.com/

The Lighthouse Island Bay

  Island Bay Lighthouse

Pippy McCurdy: 
 http://www.unusualstays.com/
http://www.stumbleuponcroatiaslovenia.com/

Island Bay is a small bay on the south coast of the North Island. With its fleet of small fishing boats moored close to the shore, it is picturesque and agreeable whether for swimming, strolling, fishing, or jogging. If your preference is to relax with a glass of wine and gaze at the often beautiful sunrises and sunsets, then the lighthouse is the place for you; - and it makes a fascinating place to spend a night.

 The lighthouse is a replica - not an original lighthouse, - but to be honest it is hard to tell it is not the real thing. Tall, thin, and hexagonal, its walls lean in to create ever-reducing floor plates. With a kitchen and bathroom on the ground floor, a bedroom on the second floor and the 'viewing lounge" at the top, it really has everything you could need.

The stairs are steep and narrow; - it is built for grown up visitors, not children  But for something different as a stay for two, you will have no regrets. This is an unusual, interesting and unique place to spend a night and lots of little touches make it rather special. There are chocolates by the bed; a newspaper is provided - how strange that so few places do this! There is also a delicious choice of breakfast provisions provided.

Island Bay Lighthouse is a great  place to visit and if you get up in time there is every chance you will catch a wonderful sunrise across the Bay. But if getting up early is not your thing, you will find that the sunsets across the Bay can be equally spectacular too!

Websites: http://www.unusualstays.com/
http://www.stumbleuponcroatiaslovenia.com/

Takou River Cottages

    Summer Cottage at Takou River                        

Pippy McCurdy: 
 http://www.unusualstays.com/
http://www.stumbleuponcroatiaslovenia.com/


There are many elements which make Takou River Cottages a special place to visit. In the first place they are remote - a little remote in actual physical location, but in terms of distance from every day life it feels like a whole world away.  There are several options for accommodation at  Takou River. All are set against a backdrop of the most luxuriant, lush, well cared for  tropical gardens. Summer Cottage is a two storey semi-detached studio apartment with every possible modern convenience, but what makes Summer Cottage so special is that it comes with its own Balinese influenced bath house, deck, and outdoor bath. Tucked into a glade of trees this bath house is sunny yet private. A barbecue and a pot belly stove mean the bath house can be enjoyed long into the night if you wish.

Takou River Cottages are set close to the edge of the river. There is a swimming platform provided as well as canoes (and life jackets). There is even  the provision of fishing rods for guests to make use of should they feel so inclined: - Going the extra mile always makes the difference in the end.

The cottages are on farmland with well marked walking paths to explore. The coast is close enough for the waves to be heard in the still of the evening and there are good beaches nearby. For me, I liked the little touches - the home made soaps, the soft white dressing gowns, the espresso coffee machine, and of course the bath under the stars.

There are other accommodations available at Takou River complex apart from the cottages, each one offering its own brand of of luxury and relaxation. A very pleasant diversion from reality. If your preference is for something simple, rustic and unique, choose Magic Cottage: -  But whichever you choose you are not likely to leave disappointed.

Warm Earth Cottages

Warm Earth Cottages

Pippy McCurdy: 
 http://www.unusualstays.com/
http://www.stumbleuponcroatiaslovenia.com/

These little cottages sounded just so charming, just so perfect I nearly didn't want to go. There were promises of seclusion, of romance, of  the perfect hideaway. So much was promised.
Was this exaggerating the charm? Promising more than could be delivered?
Were Warm Earth Cottages going to be just another pair of quaint cottages in a pretty setting?
Well they weren't. They were much, much more than that.

In rural Katikati Warm Earth Cottages are set by a small riverlet, amidst beautiful gardens, lovingly tended. Surrounded by a mass of flowers and shrubs, the cottages (there are two) are instantly alluring as you approach  Chaotically colourful they are offset by the vast expanses of lawn leading down to the river.
Set amidst this floral chaos are the cottages, and yes they are rustic; they are quaint. And they are beautiful both inside and out.

In each perfumed garden is the outdoor bath - breathtakingly appealing and romantic. The fire is set and lit for you. The waters slowly warm as the sun begins to set.

 Every little detail was provided; - the furs and candles of the bedrooms, the little details of the bathrooms, the outdoor spaces, the posies, sprays and flower arrangements,  the pot belly stoves, the wonderful breakfast hampers... I loved these cottages.

There was nothing missing. Electricity banished. Candlelight indoors and out. A cosy lodge with roaring fire to spend time in should the weather happen to fail you ..

These cottages are romantic in the extreme - a Valentine's Day dream! They create the setting for moments to savour and remember. How many proposals must there have been in the candlelight of  Warm Earth Cottage?

These Cottages are everything you could wish for. Little wonder the blackboard overhead on the verandah is covered in writings overflowing with the pleasures of a wonderful night at Warm Earth Cottage.

Websites: http://www.unusualstays.com/
http://www.stumbleuponcroatiaslovenia.com/

Mount Tutu Eco Sanctuary

Mount Tutu Eco Sanctuary

Pippy McCurdy: 
 http://www.unusualstays.com/
http://www.stumbleuponcroatiaslovenia.com/

Up in the hills near Tauranga is a stand of native bush, - virgin native bush I am told. In amidst this bush is the Mount Tutu Eco-Sanctuary  The sanctuary is more of a home than a tourist venture;  the rooms are more  hostel than hotel. This is really either the strength or the weakness of the whole experience, depending on what you are looking for in your visit.

At Mount Tutu you will be engaged by your hosts who are an absolute mine of knowledge about the bush the wildlife, the eco -system and about New Zealand's ecology in general. In the price of your visit there is a 90 minute walking eco-tour included after a generous breakfast in the morning. And as night falls there is a 60 minute glow worm tour which is, quite frankly, magical.


The glow worms are on either side of a narrow stream bed which you will walk along in the dark, gumboots on, with miner's lights for guidance. Headlights are turned off at various points  and there they are - less than arm's length away - thousand of glow worms, as bright as stars. I've always liked Christmas lights. Who would have thought nature could turn on a display equal to this, deep in the bush on a silent summer's night. I loved it.

Mount Tutu Eco Sanctuary is not really about the accommodation - although it could be.  It is not so much about the vista and the scenery although there are some charming views, and  a picturesque pond or two. The bedrooms are termed whares, and the entrance  to each attempts to capture that feeling of approaching a Maori sleeping house. But so much more could be done on the inside. Mount Tutu is full of potential.

However what Mount Tutu is really about is the bush, the native animals, the wildlife, the eco-experience, and a gentle push towards education. Many visitors have loved the simplicity of the experience - the visitor's book makes this clear. Perhaps it was not entirely what I look for in terms of authenticity and charm in the accommodation, but there were certainly other compensations. Would I recommend it? Yes I definitely would.

Websites: http://www.unusualstays.com/
http://www.stumbleuponcroatiaslovenia.com/