Navigate Oceania

Cotter House - Auckland

default — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 04:45:35 +0000

I decided to take my mother to a luxury retreat for the weekend as a ‘Mothers Day’ gift and we both had a fantastic time with Gloria as our hostess who gave us a tour of Cotter House as well as a historical account of how the house became what it is today and the amazing in-house art collection which is just stunning! Gloria made us feel right at home and as we sat by the open fire place she served us a fabulous high tea using the traditional silver ware followed by champagne and canapés which were simply divine!

We stayed in the Blue Provencale room which was lovely and we both woke up well rested especially my mother who said it was the best night’s sleep she had experienced in ages! We then went downstairs to our dining room where we were served breakfast which was all handmade by Gloria! We had fresh fruit from her garden and muesli as well as croissants and then French toast followed by eggs done in a Mexican style all of which was absolutely delicious!

I would highly recommend this property to anyone wanting to get away and have a break or to those of you who want to be in the heart of the city but still have some privacy this in the ideal venue.

Tiffanie

Wharekauhau Experience

default — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 04:45:32 +0000

Had a wonderful night here with my husband. Beautiful location, lovely accommodation and very professional staff. Food and wine was exceptional. We also made good use of the lodge’s amenities, getting quite competitive on the croquet pitch! A truely relaxing, exceptional experience which has made us re-think our ‘ultimate’ escape.
Clair Archer

Bolton Hotel

default — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 04:45:29 +0000

Spent a busy couple of days in Wellington made even better by being able to return to such a lovely, modern hotel at the end of the day. The Bolton manages to make you feel really at home and offers great facilities in a great location. The staff are very helpful and accommodating. Our view was exceptional and we almost felt like we were in our own apartment. Their bubble bath is the best!
Clair Archer

Treetops Lodge and Estate

default — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 00:20:51 +0000

I was recently invited to stay at Treetops Lodge. I had been there before for an event, so was not totally surprised by what was awaiting us. Yet Treetops exceeded my expectations. From the moment my husband and I arrived we felt we were in a special place. If I would have to describe staying at Treetops in just a few words it would be a –magical experience that touches the soul-

Treetops is not just about how luxurious it is or not, or how beautiful the decor is or not, or how spoiled you feel by all the amenities in your villa or not.

In my mind, and from what our guests tell us, what makes Treetops so special is the philosophy behind it, it’s location in the magnificent surrounding bush, and most important the people who work there, and how welcome you are made to feel, and of course the personal attention.

Dinner was delicious and the chef took plenty of time to chat.

Thank you Heiko and everyone there for making our stay a memorable one. Thank you also to Navigate Oceania.

Liane Rogers
3D New Zealand

Takatu Lodge and Vineyard, Matakana

default — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 20:49:10 +0000

Recently my husband and I had the pleasure of being hosted at the luxury Takatu Lodge and what a treat it was!
From the moment we arrived we felt we had left the stress of the city behind us. A warm welcome from Heather made us feel very at home and we were shown to our suite which was very tastefully decorated with wonderful views over their vineyard to the ocean.

We had booked for the 4.00pm movies so it was off to the stunning Matakana theatres before returning to the Lodge for wine tasting - hosted by John - who is not only passionate about his wines but extremely knowledgable. This was also a relaxing time to meet with other guests and taste the delicious antipasto Heather had prepared. We dined at the nearby Tipana Restaurant only a short drive from the Lodge - with 5 star food and service.

Waking the next morning to the fresh country air and views made you want to book in for a week but we knew that breakfast was going to be a treat and not to be missed. We certainly weren’t dissapointed with a variety of fresh fruits and cereals followed by cooked options and great coffee! Graham then joined John for a walk around the vines to learn more about their vineyard while I soaked up the stunning views and marvelled at the contempary design of this stunning property. Whether it be a weekend away or a week for some time out, Takatu is very hard to beat for it’s hosting, luxury accommodation and so much to do in the immediate area. Only minutes from Matakana shops and Saturday Farmers Market, sandy beaches, Brick Bay Sculpture Trail and great restaurants. Thank you Heather and John for a great weekend.
Wendy Dobson
Art of Travel

Charming Bay of Islands Lodge

default — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 23:03:39 +0000

I recently stayed at Bay of Islands Lodge and would like to send my biggest thanks to Peter and Glennis Meier who made this stay so wonderful.

Bay of Islands Lodge sits in a native bush reserve, a true piece of paradise, secluded and remote from everyday life, and yet so conveniently close to Paihia.

Enjoy a pre-dinner drink and stunning panoramic views over the Bay of Islands at sunset, an evening regatta out in the Bay, classical music in the background and a delicious dinner being prepared in front of your eyes by Peter - you really struggle to think of anything else you could wish for!

Or maybe there is…that is to say waking up amidst gentle birdsong at dawn, having a cup of coffee on your private bush balcony and experience the peaceful awakening of a new day. Truly heavenly.

Bay of Islands Lodge combines elegant luxury with the beauty of nature - a retreat you will not want to leave!

Highly recommended: dinner and breakfast at the lodge are an experience in itself. Must do!

Julia Kanzso
Pacific Destinationz Ltd.

Esther’s Place, Napier

default — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 23:00:02 +0000

My husband & I stayed at Esther’s Place back in Nov 09. We were met by Greg who was very friendly and showed us through the apartment & all its great little knick knacks. It is a really well appointed apartment, great location & outlook.

The breakfast provisions provided were suffient enough for ourselves & any guests that may have shown up! I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a 2 bedroom+ apartment in Napier.

Jennifer Lidgard
ATS Pacific

Waipoua Lodge, Waipoua Forest

default — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 22:58:05 +0000

I recently stayed at the Waipoua Lodge near the Kauri Forest. As a travel agent I was always hoping to find a perfect stay near the magnificent Kauri Forest area in Northland. It makes the journey for all our guests much easier and relaxed instead of travelling straight through to the Bay of Islands. The carefully restored character building has a warm and welcoming interior.

The host and staff of the lodge gave us a very warm welcome and we enjoyed relaxing in the well appointed and equipped suites. Dinner was delicious and in time to get on a guided spiritual journey through the giant Kauri Forest. After a good nights sleep I enjoyed a bush walk at the bottom of the house. It was a great start to the morning. In the end I would have liked to stay another night to be able to explore the area a little better and maybe get a chance to see Kiwis in the wild at the Traunson Park Forest. Next time!

Veronika Wasel
Luxury NZ Tours

Bolton Hotel, Wellington

default — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 22:46:53 +0000

For a night of understated style and pure comfort, you can’t beat the Bolton Hotel. From the cosy yet sophisticated lobby to our spacious and modern suite, this hotel is a pleasure. I found the staff most helpful and responsive, with a good sense of humour. Within easy walking distance of the shops and restaurants, the Bolton successfully mixes convenience with pleasure.

It is not surprising that all our clients who have stayed here have said they would like to stay longer!

Mary Cattell
Beyond the Blue

Elm Tree House | Charming hosts and handy location!

default — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 23:30:16 +0000

We enjoyed a very comfortable stay at Elm Tree House on a recent visit to Christchurch. The hosts are friendly and fun - offering great company if guests choose to engage in their hospitality. The property is nicely appointed with all the right touches to ensure a comfortable and relaxed stay.

Elm Tree House is located just on the city perimetre in the stylish suburb of Merivale - a good range of cafes, restaurants and shops are all within a short easy walk.

We enjoyed an especially delicious breakfast, thoughtfully prepared early to fit in with our other comittments for that day. Delicious homemade jams and preserves, muffins, bread and other yummy goodies.

Elm Tree House offers relaxed accommodation with engaging hosts in a stylish suburban setting. We enjoyed our stay and have no hesitation recommending this property.

Meg Seabrook and Martin Bubenzer
Dolphin Travel