Paint and Wine Night - Banksy Heart Balloons (1)

The Oar & Paddle boasts the best view of Lake karapiro on the sunny, sheltered left bank. Ideal accommodation for family or groups of friends, wedding preparation and a honeymoon hideaway. Bike trails and walks are close at hand at Te Awa over-water boardwalk cycle way, only minutes from your door. Follow the boardwalk to the Mighty River Domain and the Don Rowlands Centre, or simply view the rowing course right from your room. Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari and many adventure activities are at your doorstep. The Oar & Paddle offers a grandstand view of the rowing, canoe racing, New Zealand Grand Prix (NZGP) Hydroplanes, Waterski Racing and Waka Ama. The Oar & Paddle is right in the middle of Middle Earth only 18km away from Hobbiton.

Whether you are in need of a place to stay for a nearby event or a few days away in the countryside this property is just right for you. Close to Hobbiton, Cambridge, Lake Karapiro, Waitomo Caves, Rotorua, Hamilton Gardens and much more. Private cottage for your own comfort. The living area has a complete kitchen and comfortable lounge area. A ranch sliding door opens out to a larger decked area, outdoor table and chairs with unobtrusive view of Mount Maungatautari. The kitchen has everything you need to prepare a meal. Tea, coffee, sugar, milk, cooking oil, salt and pepper supplied. The electric heat pump/air conditioner will keep you toasty warm in winter, and cool and comfortable in summer.

Off-grid, and built with sustainability in mind, Buster has a Scandinavian simplicity. The birch interior is restful and calm. Natural linens adorn the bed and large windows take in the surroundings. The hut blends seamlessly into its setting with careful landscaping and native plantings. The hut contains a bathroom, and kitchen and sleeps up to four guests in a queen bed and cosy upstairs loft bed. A deck, wood-fired hot tub and firepit are just outside, perfect for taking in the sight and sound of the Waihou river flowing past. In the evenings, get cosy in the hut with the wood burner or head outside to toast marshmallows over the fire pit and enjoy a star-filled sky.

We are now able to offer our newly completed stand alone Chalet called The Oarhouse with a much envied aspect overlooking Lake Karapiro. It has two suites each with either one Californian bed plus one single or three single beds for up to 6 guests. Each suite has its own en-suite. There is a large lounge / dining room with schist fireplace, full kitchen, separate laundry, carport and extensive decking overlooking the lake. We feel The Oar House would not be out of place amongst New Zealand’s finest.

The Good Life Retreat has been designed and built with relaxation, privacy and a true nature-immersed experience in mind. Each exquisite room ensures sole access to the Retreat, its luxury facilities as well as our unique animal feeding experience. Make yourself at home in our bespoke accommodation in Cambridge, swim in the heated pool, soak in the spa, enjoy the sauna after a workout in our state-of-the-art gym. And don't forget to explore our wine cellar before dinner. Roasting marshmallows over the firepit after cooking pizzas on the wood fired outdoor over, it doesn't get better than this. And of course, there are the many animals to feed and enjoy. Immerse yourself in the beauty of our New Zealand landscape from bedroom and beyond.

Epworth Retreat & Recreation Centre is a long-standing and unique retreat owned and operated by the Methodist Church of NZ. Epworth offers affordable accommodation and stunning surroundings allowing as many families, schools, sporting and other groups the opportunity to experience the golden summers of old and much more.. Epworth is a natural paradise that provides a peaceful break from the pressures of the city living, spread out over 12 acres nestled on the shores of the Waikato river. Kayaking, archery, flying fox on site all provided by contracted adventure company, booking essential. We collaborate with Sanctuary Mountain to offer a unique nature experience being the largest nature reserve in the southern hemisphere.