There are simple pleasures when staying at Waipoua Lodge – like enjoying the rich, creamy and irresistible homemade chocolate ice cream!
After several months of practice we have now perfected one of the world’s biggest waistline and cholesterol threats for which we make no apologies. Made with 72% cocoa chocolate, egg yolks, cream and a little sugar the finished results when left to soften a little resembles the most gooey and velvety smooth chocolate delight. Nestled in a freshly made vanilla, almond and pistachio nut tuile basket and topper, this is definitely THE chocoholic dessert at the lodge!

There have been two chickens at Waipoua Lodge for several years – a white Chinese Silkie and a lovely brown and black speckled hen. Regular visitors to take shelter on the deck (often leaving their calling cards!) the chooks were best mates and always hanging out together. Now sadly the little Chinese Silkie has been found doing a vigil next to her friend who had been suffering a bit of a cough a couple of weeks ago and we hadn’t seen her since the heavy rains last weekend. She will be missed not just by her friend, but also by us and of course the guests.

The Feb-March 2013 edition of this great corporate and leisure travellers’ magazine (issue 22) includes a two page spread on Waipoua Lodge. The publication is distributed direct and includes where to go and where to stay around the whole world. We are therefore very privileged to have been included and Shane obviously thoroughly enjoyed his time at the lodge, especially the interactions with all our animals with a focus of course on the two most revered – Holly and Bessie the Kunekune pigs!

Let’s Travel Magazine Feb-Mar 2013 – Waipoua Lodge Feature

Internationally TripAdvisor is a key online resource for travellers looking to find great places to stay and to be ranked in New Zealand’s top 25 is a wonderful achievement. Our focus on “Creating a Memorable Guest Experience” hopefully shines through the reviews.

On Friday 28th December we were delighted to hold our first ceremony of commitment at Waipoua Lodge.

Guests Barry Olson and Terry Fullerton from Canada celebrated their engagement commitment through a very special Maori cultural experience performed by Mathiu Korewha and Barbara Moka from the Hokianga. The ceremony included many special moments with wonderful Maori proverbs including “whaia e koe ki te iti kahurangi, ko te tuohu koe, me he maunga teitei!” which translated means “Pursue your dreams, if you should stumble, let it be to a lofty mountain!” and “Te mea nui rawa, ko te Aroha!” “The greatest thin in life is Love” – wonderful messages to us all!

Mr McFuggly is our short haired Birman Cat with amazing blue eyes. A wonderful guest took this photograph of him being affectionate to a small statue which is on our deck. His eyes are the perfect match for the summer sky!

At Waipoua Lodge we are now Christmas Ready for guests with the tree on the old judge’s desk in the dining room, santas in the loo, handmade blown glass ornaments on the bar and an advent calendar with pockets in which to put chocolates for little 5 star guests.  With only Christmas night closed to guests we are looking forward to celebrating Christmas for the next few weeks!

OK so Christmas Downunder is not the same as in the northern hemisphere – it has to be 10.00 pm before you can see your Christmas tree lights twinkling and hot mulled wine just doesn’t compete with an iced cold beer. So for those of us brought up on short, cold winter days it takes some adjusting to long, hot summer days and we just have to stay positive and enjoy the sun, beaches, BBQs, chilled crisp sauvignon blancs and mellow, buttery chardonnays or beautiful cherry rich pinot noirs (yes we definitely like our wine at Wapoua Lodge). To all our past guests have a wonderful Merry Christmas and we hope that 2013 will be good to all of us!