We recently stayed at this luxury lodge. Drive 90 minutes north from Auckland, and head eastwards towards the village of Mangawhai. There on the ridge sits the luxurious Te Arai Lodge. A sweeping drive carries you to the grand entrance leading through the massive living room with its feature fireplace. Floor to ceiling windows and doors open terracing and down to the 20-metre heated swimming pool.
We were entranced by the views over the rolling hills to the sand dunes of Mangawhai, knowing the stunning white beaches which dot this coast alongside the Pacific Ocean.
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At one end of the lodge sits Kotare Cottage – inspired by the ocean, and decorated in soft tones of duck egg blue. At the far end of the lodge sits the Kereru Suite – inspired by the local flora and fauna, this suite is decorated in soft greens.
Super king beds are draped with stonewashed linen. An intimate gas fireplace and lounge area, together with indoor and outdoor dining spaces. The outdoor baths entice one to bathe under the stars.
Ensuites feature double basins, a walk-in shower and generous bathtub. Pamper yourself with the delicious Sans Ceuticals toiletries. Or throw on your bathrobe and head to the Cedar Hot Tub for an evening soak under the stars – we were entertained by a little Morepork right in the trees nearby.
The mezzanine floor of the lodge offers the Tui Room – a more intimate space inspired by the canopy of the native bush. Great for bird watching – you’ll find binoculars nearby.
Separate to the main lodge is Black Dog Barn – an iconic kiwi barn with a contemporary twist offers a super king bed, potbelly fireplace and lounge area, private indoor and outdoor dining facilities and its own brazier on the limestone paved courtyard. Separate dressing room, robes. slippers and beach kit. Open shower, underfloor heating and luxurious Sans Ceuticals toiletries.
All rooms offer binoculars for bird watching, flat-screen TV with Freeview, Netflix and movies on demand. Complimentary WiFi, Sonos sound system and iPod docking.
Complimentary minibar, organic tea and coffee and lodge treats.
We enjoyed pre-dinner drinks and antipasti around the fire and wandered outdoors on the terrace and an outdoor fire. Guests may choose to dine at the dining table in the main lodge, the olive tree courtyard or kitchen garden. Or maybe dine in the privacy of their suite. Produce is sourced from the organic garden, line-caught fish from Leigh, and free-range eggs, chicken and meat from local producers. The ‘garden to table’ cuisine is so fresh and chef Nicola is an inspired cook.
At breakfast, we were amazed at the stunning smoothies created from the garden – vibrant greens and oranges. We enjoyed a choice of fresh yoghurts and fruits from the garden through to a choice of cooked breakfast. Bottomless coffee and tea, and all enjoyed with the beautiful views.
If you can tear yourself away from the lodge, the beaches are simply gorgeous, the coastal walks, the bush walks, or take the sups and Kayaks out on the lagoon. Explore the village of Mangawhai, the wonderful Bennetts of Mangawhai Chocolate factory – we’re hooked and have already ordered more of this delicious chocolate
Just relax around the lodge, enjoy a Yoga session, the gym, sauna, or a relaxing massage or beauty treatment. Take a book to the pool, or watch a movie in the media room.
Visit – www.tearailodge.co.nz
Tel 64 273 944 466
enquiries@tearailodge.co.nz
