Enter the gates at The Motueka River Lodge and be lead up the sweeping driveway through the quaint rows of private vineyard. Where every year the Chardonnay grapes are hand picked and made into superb wine by one of New Zealand’s outstanding wine makers Christian Le Gros.
The five bedroom lodge, built in 1989 to the design of local architect Min Hall, is finished in a cob-like sand cement plaster, fitting comfortably into its imposing hillside setting. Homely guest rooms reflect the tranquility of the surroundings and from the lodge's elegant, country style interior there are spectacular views in every direction.
A large terracotta tiled entry hall leads to the guest lounge - a generous space with dark timber beams, a massive fireplace, comfy leather sofas, corner window seats and access to a wisteria-clad verandah. In the bar next door fishing lore takes over. Here, sports memorabilia provides a backdrop to pre-dinner drinks and embellished fishing tales. It's the place where guests gather each night before savoring the delicious meals that emanate from the kitchen.
Overlooking fields of deer grazing against a forest backdrop, the lodge kitchen has a warm and welcoming farmhouse atmosphere. An antique Irish prep table commands attention in the centre of the room while an old "Rayburn" woodburner is put to work on homemade breads. Benches overflow with bowls of fresh fruit and the chef wears a path to the pantry filled with homemade preserves and stores.
For those not interested in the gentle art of fly fishing, the Motueka area has plenty of other interests, some strenuous some not so strenuous….such as hiking and bush walks in and about the famous Abel Tasman and Kahurangi National Parks, white water rafting, golf, bird watching, tennis, lying around on our beautiful beaches or you can go horse trekking with experienced guides.
Many internationally recognised artists, weavers and potters live in the area attracted by the beautiful climate and variety of scenery, and a visit to their studios is well worth while.
Nelson lies right at the heart of New Zealand, on the curving Coastline of the Northwest corner of the South Island. The landscape of the region embraces skifields, alpine lakes, wilderness mountain country, clear rivers, forest, limestone outcrops, rocky coasts and of course, the legendary golden beaches.
Nelson culture boasts a vibrant art and crafts scene and a great collection of wine and beermakers. There are parks and gardens and historic places to explore. And there are the locals to meet: people who seem particularly good at reflecting the sunny lifestyle they enjoy.
Here at the Motueka River Lodge, we live in the perfect cooking environment, a kitchen full of guests most of the time (always a compliment), happily fulfilling individual food requirements. It`s like having a dinner party every night, enriched by ever changing conversation and laughter as guests come and go.
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