The storm has passed and the Thames Coast is ready to welcome back summer. Shame we cancelled our annual New Year's Eve BBQ - as the weather has turned perfect.
Warwick has chopped down a tree to allow a view of the Firth when you walk up the drive.
Prize-Winning Chutney now features on the Anti-Pasta Platters
Kathryn's feijoa chutney won a local competiton this month. There is plenty to last the winter, so ask for it when you order a platter.
Winter Walks at Te Mata Lodge
With 10 acres of bush and gardens, there is plenty to do at Te Mata Lodge, even in winter.
Waiomu Coast to Kauri Walk
Warwick and I did this walk on ANZAC Day. We often recommend it to your guests, but hadn't done it ourselves in years. It was fantastic - followed the river, so no big hills to climb, easily completed it within about an hour, Beautiful scenery with a very impressive "destination"
The "Large" Platter
Antipasto Platter shown in the blog was a "small" one - here is an example of the l"large" size.
Our Native Bush
The colours remain vibrant even in the summer
New Kopu Bridge is now open
The journey to the Coromandel has all of a sudden become much faster and easier
Dining alfresco is always popular
Extended families enjoy sharing a meal under the trees.
Another great start to the summer
The weather has been great and the gardens and bush are better than ever
What else is new??
Well, we have a freshly painted bathroom (complete with new toilet) in the one bedroom cottage, stacks of new reading material in the cottages and chalets, the sandy beach by the river swimming hole is twice the size a last years, thanks to our rainy winter and the glowworm grotto is bigger than ever.We are really excited about the 2011-12 season - especially since it is starting so early with our Rugby World Cup guests.
Driveway Upgrade
The trucks, diggers and rollers have just left and our drive is now smooth and wide. We miss the vegetation - but know our guests will appreciate the updated look.
"We loved the space, sights and chalet and especially the Goddess Food Platter"
Platter for guests on Monday
$100/night WHAT A BARGAIN
Great way to spend an autumn's weekend.
Fishing at Marokopa
Warwick and I (plus our son and Boo and Berry) had a break away at Marokopa earlier this week.
Matatoki Farm Cheese
Organic, made on-site
Matatoki Cheese Factory
Great place to stock up the picnic basket when going out to Broken Hill walks.Or have your lunch there - picnic tables in the sun/shade or sit inside.
Summer 2011
We have had some lovely guests this season.
Summer 2011
It is only 10 days into the new year, but 2011 has been great so far. Thanks go to our fantastic guests who have really enjoyed they time here and brought such positive energy to our little valley.
Riverside Garden
Over winter Warwick has been designing and planting a new garden along the river, below the chalets. It will be a lovely spot to wander or picnic. The fruit orchard (planted in winter '08) is already producing some fruit, which will be available for our guests.
New Season Renovations
Our one bedroom cottage is undergoing some renovations - which will be revealed next month in time for the school holidays. We have purchased a gorgeous new queen bed for our chalet - top of the line comfort for our guests.
Queens Birthday Weekend
The weather has been perfect for a relaxing weekend, and our guests have loved having the chance to unwind. The rain on the roof has been magic - with enough fine spells to take some walks and search for gemstones that have washed down in the recent storms.
Boo and Berry take a day trip to Long Bay
Spend an Autumn Weekend at Te Mata Lodge
You will love the cozy chalets this time of year - electric blankets and heaters keep it warm, and the sun filters through the glass doors from early morning.
Homegrown Festival May 2010
Homegrown Festival is coming back to Coromandel this May with loads of events - food trails, markets, tractor bash, food workships, local music festival an arts tour and the Monteiths Cafe Crawl. Something for everyone. Go to www.homegrownfestival.co.nz for details.
And then book your accommodation at Te Mata Lodge. By then it will be cool in the mornings and evenits - so the beds will have their electric blankets, the heaters will be installed in all rooms and you can have a lovely cosy, autumn break on the Coromandel!
Thank you both so much for making us so welcome. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay here and the perfect weather made the Coromandel ever more beautiful. Christ, Garry and Nash, UK Feb 10
Pohutukawa in bloom
The pohutukawa over the swimming holes are in bloom, and are a gorgeous backdrop to a swim or kayak. Water is warming up - about 23 degrees, and getting warmer every day.
Renovated cabins
"Sleeping" cabin (double and bunks)
Renovated cabins
New "lounge" cabin
Press Release - Scallop Festival
Media Release 17 July 2009 For immediate release DISHES, DISHES AND MORE DISHES! With the big day fast approaching, it seams as if scallops are the topic of discussion in Whitianga. Its expected that over 100,000 scallops will be shucked, cooked and marinated in a myriad of ways in what organisers are expecting to be a day of pure indulgence. The highlight of the festival sees over 60 cuisine stands – manned by a mix of local producers, chefs, restaurants and community groups serving up scallops in a purpose built village of marquees. Some of this years highlight dishes include KORU at Rapaura, who will be dishing up Seared Scallops, seasoned with Shichimi Togarashi, flambeed with Sake, served on Green Tea Soba noodles with Miso soup, garnished with Nori mix and matched with Two Tracks wines Award winning Cathedral Cove Macadamias will be back serving the ever-popular Scallop and Macadamia Fish Cakes along with a new dish of Scallop Vol au Vent with Macadamia nuts all matched up with delicious Monteiths Beer. While the cuisine stands fire out the scallop dishes together Ray McVinnie and Al Brown will be back to treat you to some divine dishes, loads of laughs and great cooking competitions. Tickets to this year’s festival have almost sold out, there are still a few available from www.iticket.co.nz and the Whitianga i-SITE Visitor Centre. and stallholders details are all now available to view online. For up to date information keep an eye on the website www.scallopfestival.co.nz otherwise we look forward to seeing you in Whitianga on the 29th August 2009 for a scallop feast!
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