Omaka Lodge

After three lovely nights, we really didn't want to leave the little paradise Scott and Christopher have created. The garden is beautiful, the rooms are comfortable, and the house feels cosy. Their two dogs were a lovely bonus, too. Be sure to book dinner while you're there. We couldn't find a more delicious meal anywhere nearby. If we return to New Zealand, we'll make another trip here, and I'd tell anyone to book a few nights at Omaka Lodge.

The mountain and valley views were lovely, and the Wi-Fi was available. The kids got to use the tennis court, though it was too cold for us to swim. Chris and Scott were friendly and welcoming, and clearly both humble and proud to share their home. The guesthouse has an elegant rustic feel and sits among a colourful, lush garden. We had a lovely three-course dinner, and breakfast was a generous spread of muesli, granola and cereal with stewed fruit, plus fresh baked bread with homemade marmalade and preserves. The dogs and cat were gorgeous, too.

The hosts are the best part for me. They have a knack for being as attentive as you want them to be. This was our second stay at Omaka Lodge, and we couldn't fault the gardens, rooms, dinner or breakfast either. When we're back in this beautiful part of New Zealand, we'd love to try the separate accommodation, Gardeners Folly. The interior design looks incredible, just jaw-dropping.

The breakfast was awesome: homemade breads and pastries, delicious coffee, fruit compote, and seven homemade jams. Every detail in the decor feels perfectly chosen. The setting is peaceful and beautiful, with farmland views and distant snow-covered volcanoes. If you get there early, you can enjoy happy hour on your private deck, or take a stroll with a drink and maybe a book or journal. It felt like spending the night in a world-class botanic garden. We stayed the night before the Timber Trail and wished we'd booked the night after as well.