What are you looking for when you book B & B accommodation over the Easter break? Cosy? Peaceful rural setting? Delightfully isolated? High Peaks Farm Stay in Mangamahu on the North Island of New Zealand has all these and so much more.
What my husband Ben and I didn't realise we were looking for (but gratefully accepted) include adventurous quad bike rides to the top of the property; incredible views towards Mount Ruapehu and warm welcome by hosts Michelle and Stuart.
This is the first of two posts to introduce you to the delights of the former farm manager's cottage, built in the 1960's, that is High Peaks Farm Stay. The second will guide you through the lifetime-highlight expedition to enjoy the breathtaking views from the highest point on the property (2,200 feet, just over 670 metres).
High Peaks is a wonderful 45 minute drive from Whanganui past fields of corn, cows and sheep; and alongside gorges. One of the pleasures is there is no internet or cell phone coverage. There is a record player, coffee plunger, swimming pool and established gardens.
The property was established by current owner Stuart's father Greg, who was a horticulturalist. According to Michelle, he would walk the hills sprinkling mixed seeds from his pockets. Greg pioneered planting poplar trees on hillsides to prevent slips and erosion. As we visited in Autumn, the leaves were a bright yellow, complimenting the golden hours of both sunrise and sunset.
High Peaks Farm Stay can be booked on Air BnB and found on Facebook. The cottage sleeps six people across a double bed; and two rooms with twin beds in each.
Stay tuned for epic sunrise and sunset views on the adventure quad bike trips to the top of the hills, in part 2.
When I'm not on holiday with my husband, I photograph weddings and families exploring the great outdoors, in the Wairarapa.
High Peaks Farm Stay appears up the sweeping driveway.
The well equipped kitchen welcomes you.
Vintage touches abound.
Cosy dining corner and wildlife books.
Romantic candle lighting suits relaxing honeymoon-ing couples.
Sun lit lounge area.
Max the German Shepard guards the record player.
Easter hot cross buns and plunger coffee greet the day.
Families can enjoy the bird toys and bird watching!
There are plenty of books for cooler Autumn evenings.
Interesting vintage memorabilia decorate the walls.
Comfort and whiskey...
Learn farming from the best.
Tree light.
The family bathroom inside the main building. There is a second bathroom with a shower adjacent.
Toys keep young and old amused.
The tastefully decorated double bedroom.
One of the two twin rooms enjoy views too.
Yellow bed linen to match the sunset.
Check out eepic sunrise and sunset views on the adventure quad bike trips to the top of the hills, in Part 2.
When I'm not on holiday with my husband, I photograph weddings and families exploring the great outdoors, in the Wairarapa.