Whats New at Te Mata Lodge

Thanks for the feedback, Christine

2012-01-11T12:20:00.000-08:00

Kathryn, the antipasto platter was outstanding with home-made chutneys, hand-made fish cakes and salads from your own garden that would rival anything Ponsonby Rd has to offer.

Lovely Warm and Clear New Year's Eve

2011-12-30T23:13:00.000-08:00

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.

SPRING! It is so warm and lovely here this weekend.

2011-08-27T19:31:00.001-07:00

What a gorgeous weekend we are having. Flowers, clear air, blue skies. It is a perfect time to be on the Coromandel, especially in our little valley.

Beautiful Sunday morning in May

2011-05-21T13:33:00.001-07:00

What a gorgeous day. Had to take a few photos. Calm, warm, not a breath of wind, blue sky. Our guests are waking to a real beauty.

May Special

2011-04-29T20:29:00.001-07:00

Chalets and cottages are on sale in May - only $100/night for a couple if you book two nights. All beds have electric blankets, rooms have heaters. With all day sun, you can breakfast on the deck in the chalets year round!

Great weather this Easter

2011-04-23T20:21:00.001-07:00

Contrary to the weather reports, we have had three days of lovely warm sunny weather. We are full up with families and couples from NZ and overseas and are very relieved that the reports for the rainy cold blast did not eventuate. As you can see, the light and colours are changing with the season, but it is still warm and great to be out and about.

Lovely to be back at Te Mata after a little break away last week at Marokopa - our favourite west coast beach. Sorry to those people who rang or emailed to find us "out of range".

A new recommended day trip from Te Mata Lodge

2011-04-02T18:49:00.000-07:00

Warwick and I went out to Broken Hills - a DoC recreational area in the ranges near Pauanui (well near the Pauanui turn off). It offers lots of different walks - most of them loops which take you past interesting scenery - some tunnels, waterfalls, batteries, water races, etc. Wish it was warmer, because these waterfall pools would have been great to swim in. It is less than an hour from Te Mata Lodge - with lots of little side trips possible (the beaches of Whangamata, Paunaui, Opoutere, Matatoki Cheese Factory).

Endangered Brown Teal Duck at Te Mata Lodge

2011-03-19T00:49:00.001-07:00

Cyclone Wilma brought more than heavy rain and flooding to the Thames Coast - we now have a new member of our duck family living in the Te Mata Stream near the swimming hole. The brown teal is gorgeous, and seems to have settled in well with the mallards who visit us daily.

Swimming Hole better than even

2011-03-12T19:28:00.000-08:00

Last month's storm has left the swimming hole deeper and sandier than ever. Great to see even in March people enjoying the swimming hole (though not so keen on me taking photos of them!) The water is obviously not as warm as it was in January, but still warm enough for a swim especially since the weather has been so warm and sunny.

What a difference a week makes.

2011-02-08T23:02:00.001-08:00

You may have heard about the storm damage caused by Cyclone Wilma here on the Coromandel Peninsula. Te Mata Lodge was not completely spared, and we had a flood which came up nearly to the parking area - the highest water in over 10 years. But as you can see from the photos, things are looking better than ever after just one week (and a considerable about of shoveling and wheelbarrowing). The Thames Coast Road is open, and we fully open for business. Autumn is our best season, and we are looking forward to welcoming back old friends and meeting our new guests.

Chalet Vacancies

2011-01-10T00:40:00.000-08:00

January is nearly fully booked for the one and two bedroom cottages, but we have some vacancies in our chalets. They are only $125/night for a couple and a private with great views out over the river.

3 Jean Road - More Photos

2011-01-10T00:37:00.000-08:00

We have had some very happy guests stay at our bach down the road from Te Mata Lodge. Here are some more photos. If you are interested in renting it - just send us an email at info@tematalodge.co.nz - or use the contact form on the website.

Te Mata Lodge Bach now available

2010-12-15T14:40:00.002-08:00

We have just purchsed a lovely three bedroom house just down the road from Te Mata Lodge. It has a gorgeous view, and is fully furnished. The arrangements will be slightly different from staying here (no daily servicing, and we will expect you to leave the house as you found it), but the beds will be made up with hotel quality linen and towels will be provided.

If you want to know more, contact us on our website and we will be happy to answer your questions. There is a four night minimum stay over the holiday period.

Te Mata Lodge Bach now available

2010-12-15T14:40:00.001-08:00

If you want to know more contact us on our website and we will be happy to answer your questions. There is a four night minimum stay over the holiday period.

Te Mata Spring 2010

2010-09-04T04:03:00.000-07:00

Spring Special - $100/night for a couple

2010-09-03T20:33:00.001-07:00

We have decided to continue with our special until the end of this month. Our bookings are up over double from last year (hopefully this means the recession is on the wane) and we want to keep up the momentum. This is a beautiful month at Te Mata Lodge, with the blossoms, new growth and warm sunshine.

Spring has arrived

2010-08-21T22:12:00.000-07:00

We've had lots of rain, but spring has arrived. The trees are blossoming and budding, the weather is warming and the air is sweet.

The Tuis are loving the nectar from the flowering plums.

$100/couple winter special still applies until the end of the month.

New Riverbank Garden and Orchard

2010-06-06T02:40:00.000-07:00

Warwick has been busy creating a new garden space down by the river in front of the chalets. Photos will be up shortly, but in the meantime, here is one of Boo and Berry watching the work in progress.

Winter Special

2010-05-22T22:39:00.001-07:00

The good news is that the Budget'10 GST increase does not come in until October, so we can drop our prices for a winter special. All accommodation (two bedroom cottage and chalets) is now only $100/night for a couple, starting on June 1. Extra adults are $20/each and children are $12/each.

Warwick and had a quiet day yesterday (first one in over 7 months) and took a drive up to Coromandel for picnic on local smoked fish and freshly baked bread. Here are some photos It doesn't have to be summer to get great weather on the Coromandel!

2010-05-15T02:47:00.001-07:00

Autumn

2010-05-15T02:39:00.000-07:00

We have had an amazingly beautiful autumn at Te Mata Lodge. The weather has been warm, sunny and calm. We welcomed the break in all this good weather with a few hours of rain at midday - but the morning and evening was still blue sky sunny.

We are on You Tube!

2010-03-13T12:11:00.000-08:00

Thanks Charlotte for the video you made about us. This will give people a really good idea of what we offer by way of chalet accommodation - and it was beautifully presented.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=biDA7H1M_Og

Here is the link to the video - or you can just go to You Tube and search "Te Mata Lodge".

March at Te Mata Lodge

2010-03-07T23:50:00.001-08:00

We have had a string of lovely guests this late summer/early autumn. And the weather had been near perfect. Here is a photo take a couple of weeks ago by Charlotte Wermuth, a guest from the Netherlands. It features on her website www.lwd-production.net. Check it out for some gorgeous photography of her travels. Thank you Charlotte.

Te Mata Lodge Summer

2010-02-14T22:44:00.001-08:00

We have had a great summer at Te Mata Lodge. Thank you to all our guests for being so happy and positive while you have been here. It has made for a great summer for Warwick and me, and we have thoroughly enjoyed having you stay. We have started a Facebook page, and invite all our past and future guests to become "fans of Te Mata Lodge"! Add any photos you have taken, It will be great to see things from a different set of eyes.

Coromandel Arts Festival 2010

2010-02-14T22:36:00.000-08:00

There are lots of things coming up in the Thames and Coromandel area over the next month The Arts Festival promises to deliver some amazing experiences over three weekends in March and April. Follow the link to find out all the events www.coromandelartstour.org.nz

Happy New Year

2009-12-31T19:08:00.000-08:00

What a beautiful day to start the new year. Sunny and calm. We are full up for the next week or so, but all of our bookings have been great, and we are really enjoying our summer.

To all our past and future guests - all the best for a happy, healthy and prosperous new year.

Te Mata Lodge Thames Motels

2009-12-30T18:28:00.001-08:00

Te Mata Lodge Thames Motels & Lodges in Thames - Gopher New Zealand

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Happy Holidays from Kathryn and Warwick

2009-12-20T16:55:00.000-08:00

We wish our friends and formers guests (and future guests) all the best for a happy and safe holidays. Here are some photos of our new petanque pit - a game everyone in the family can play!

We look forward to hearing from you in the new year.

Kathryn and Warwick Reed (and Berry - don't know where Boo was when photo taken!)

2009-12-16T01:33:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Summer!
Te Mata Lodge is looking especially gorgeous this time of year, with just enough rain to keep everything green and flowering. We are looking forward to welcoming back guests who have stayed here before, as well as meeting new people who have booked for the first time.
What's new? Warwick has built a new petanque area near the river and the cabins have been revamped. Now when you book a cabin, you actually get two - one for sleeping and one is your private "lounge" with satellite TV, sofa, table and chairs and reading material. Not only does this give you twice the room, but means you share the facilities with half the number of people. In the chalets and cottages, there are new furnishing.

Scallop Festival '09

2009-07-17T20:31:00.000-07:00

The Scallop Festival is coming up at the end of August - and it is definitely worth a visit. Great food, entertainment, celebrities - a fantastic way to jolt yourself out of winter and remind yourself why the Coromandel is such a great destination. We are "over the hill" (one plus hour if you travel via Coromandel) or "through the bush" ( just under an hour if you travel via the Tapu-Coroglen Road) from Whitianga, but still close enough to make staying at Te Mata Lodge an option. Give us a ring or send us an email if you would like info about availability. Our "winter special" will still be in effect, which means you will have more money to spend at the Festival. All our cottages and chalets are $100/night per couple through winter.

The Beagle Project Blog: In the field with Darwin's mockingbirds

2009-03-10T00:54:00.000-07:00

The Beagle Project Blog: In the field with Darwin's mockingbirds. Congratulations Paquita, wonderful to see you carrying on your father's work in Galapagos. I knew you when you were a toddler in Porto Ayora and I worked with your dad at the CDRS. 'Mokkers' are a great species to study, they often appear to be studying us.
All the best and success with your work,
Warwick Reed

March 2009

2009-03-06T19:36:00.000-08:00

We had a fantastic summer at Te Mata Lodge. The weather was perfect, and the guests were lovely. We have been really busy and the blog has not received much attention!

To everyone who has visited us this summer - thank you very much for chosing to stay at Te Mata Lodge. Here are a few photos contributed by out guests. Thanks for sending these!

Easter 09

We still have a few vacancies for Easter, and for the school holidays. We will be closing the cabins in mid-April, but the self-contained cottages and chalets will still be open.

Heaters, electric blankets, wool and feather duvets and the wood fire in our two bedroom cottage will keep you warm when the season changes. Hard to imagine it now, as it is still warm enough to swim in the river!

Enjoy the rest of this lovely Indian Summer.

Kathryn

July Notes

2008-07-06T19:46:00.001-07:00

Hello everyone,

Winter arrived with a vengence this past weekend, but our guests stayed warm and happy - and found it a great place to stave off the winter blues.

What's New?

We have portable DVD players and a collection of 25+ DVDs to choose for whiling away the hours between squalls.

Warwick has put in planters by the cottages and chalets with kitchen herbs for our guests to use - so far we have parsely, chives, mint and rosemary planted. He has also made stone planters outside the cottages.

We have been steadily rennovating to freshen everything up for next season - new carpet in the chalet, some rooms are being painted, the outdoor kitchen is being remodeled, new crockery in the cottages. This means some of the cottages are out of commission for a week or so - but we can offer alternate accommodation at the same price.

Don't forget our Winter Special - All units are $100/couple per night.

We are getting lots of enquiries for the busy December -January period - so if you haven't booked in yet - don't delay.

We hope to see you soon.

Kathryn

Reasons to visit in May and June

2008-05-24T14:44:00.000-07:00

There is no question that summer at Te Mata Lodge is fabulous. But now is also a great time to visit.

Special price - $100 per couple in your choice of cottage or chalet

The colours and light are magical this time of year. Our little valley takes on a whole new look reflecting the cooler weather, shorter days and slower pace.

With the fire ban is lifted you can use the two wood BBQs along the river bank.

The cottages catch all day sun, and are warm spots to enjoy the peaceful bush and river environemnt.

Wood fireplace in the two bedroom cottage makes it cozy in the long evenings.

The Coromandel is very quiet this time of year. Visit all the iconic sights without crowds, walk along empty beaches, sit in the choice spots in cafes, no bookings required for activities.

Give us a ring or email and we will tell you when we have availabilities.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Kathryn and Warwick

Coromandel Home Grown Festival

2008-05-03T01:14:00.000-07:00

For the month of May, Coromandel has a raft of different activities and festivals which celebrate food, wine and music. This will be a great opportunity for an autumn's break - when the weather is still good and your last holiday seems like a long time ago. Treat yourself, before winter sets in! Mention the Coromandel Home Grown Festival when you make your booking, and we will give you a 10% discount.

Here are some of the events taking place on the Peninsula this month:

The Great Coromandel Arts Tour goes from May 2 - May 11 and involves exhibits, a silent auction and a acoustic rock/jazz concert with Beaver and the Blue Meanies. all this takes place in Coromandel Town, just half an hour north of Te Mata Lodge. for more information check out their website at http://www.coromandelartstour.org.nz/

10 May

The Feijoa Festival - Concert with Katchafire and many other NZ bands. Great food and music at Hot Water Beach - less than an hour drive from Te Mata Lodge.
http://www.feijoafestival.co.nz/

Saturday 31st May (Queens Birthday weekend) 11am-5pm

Coastal Flavours and Vines

Savour the flavours of the Coromandel, whilst enjoying the sounds of Karen Hunter and local musicians at the beautiful Cooks Beach Vinyard
Where:Cooks Beach Vineyard, 761 Purangi Road, Cooks BeachTickets: $20 available from
http://www.cooksbeachwines.co.nz/

24 May - Coromandel Flavours
Peppertree Restaurant and Bar
Coromandel Town
PH 07 866 4828

For more information about events happening on the Peninsual this month, and about how to purchase tickets, contact Carl or Megan at http://www.thecoromandel.com/

We look forward to seeing you in May,

Regards,

Kathryn and Warwick

Welcome Winter Weather

2008-04-21T03:29:00.000-07:00

We have such fabulous weather this summer and autumn, this cooler spell has come as a bit of a shock! This weekend we winter-proofed our cottages and chalets by putting in the electric blankets, switching to feather and wool duvets, installing the heaters and Warwick has chopped a supply of firewood for the two-bedroom cottage.

The chalets, however, are such sun traps that even in winter they can defy the seasons. We had a family in there this weekend who went swimming yesterday!

Te Mata Lodge is a great place to take a weekend break. Even if it is rainy or cold, there are things to do - other than curling up with a book or boardgame. Coromandel with its cafes, galleries, art and craft trail, museums and stamper battery is only 30 minutes to the north. Rapuarua Gardens is lovely on a drizzly day as the colours stand out, and umbrellas are provided. Try fossiking on one of the Thames Coast beaches for driftwood, sea glass or shells on a windy winter's afternoon. If you can, time it with low tide, bring some mussels back and Kathryn will make you some batter for a quick and tasty tea.

The Echo Walking Festival is on through to the 29th of April. Click onto the link on this page for more information. If you quote the WalkFest when you make the booking, we will give you a 10% discount.

We have a few vacancies for ANZAC weekend - and the forecast is good!

Kathryn

2008-04-21T03:28:00.001-07:00

April News

2008-04-04T20:44:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone,
Don't forget to book in for the Echo Walking Festival which runs from the 19th to 27th of April. For more info, log on to www.echowalkfest.org.nz - or just click on the link on the blog. There will be 10% discount for guests who mention the Walking Festival when they book in.

Also new at Te Mata Lodge is the "Birdwatchers Guide" - a brochure we have put together which lists the birds known to the Te Mata area. This is free to all our guests. Increasingly guests have asked about the birds in the area, intrigued by the calls they hear from the cottage and chalets.

2008-04-04T20:37:00.000-07:00

Welcome ...

2008-04-04T19:52:00.001-07:00

Welcome to the first Te Mata Lodge blog!

Te Mata Lodge is located in the beautiful Te Mata region just 20 minutes north of Thames, Coromandel Peninsula, New Zealand ...
Te Mata Lodge is the perfect base for exploring all that the Coromandel Peninsula has to offer. The Lodge has a choice of four self-contained cottages and five cabins with separate facilities, providing quality, reasonably priced accommodation for both couples and families.

Te Mata Lodge is set in a hidden valley. There are over 10 acres of private walks, grassy lawns, gardens and native bush. The Te Mata Creek borders the property and provides opportunities for swimming and kayaking, gemstone gathering, gold panning and riverwalking. BBQs, picnic areas and benches are situated under the trees along the river for meals, a quiet cup of tea, shared bottle of wine or peaceful contemplation. The abundance of native bush and birds make for idyllic peacefulness.

All guests have free use of kayaks, river shoes, gold pans, sport equipment, BBQs and are provided with an information booklet about day trips and activities in the area.

Have a Lovely Weekend