Luxurious surroundings without pretence

Where is it: Perched on a hill, overlooking Lake Karapiro, just South of Cambridge, in lush Waikato horse country.

Ask about the lodge’s sumptuous four course dinner made from locally sourced organic meats and produce. The menu changes daily. Dinner, drinks and breakfast cost extra.

Unique selling point: The view. The lodge boasts gorgeous views of the lake and rural country. The Scoulars, who ran a top hotel in Auckland’s Parnell for several years, have fulfilled a dream of running their own small boutique hotel. Despite the luxurious surrounds, there is no pretence with the hosts providing a warm and unthreatening atmosphere.

Room service: A bunch of white poppies from the garden added a warm touch to the room, as did the jar of homebaked cookies. Arrive with an empty stomach as Christine’s cooking is delicious.

Local attractions: Check out Lake Karapiro – a five minute walk from the lodge – where world champion rowers Caroline and Georgina Evers-Swindell train. Trout fishing and kayaking trips (including twilight jaunts to take in glow worms) can be arranged, and several local horse studs, including Cambridge Stud, do tours by arrangement. Cambridge and Tirau – both a short drive – have the best antique shops in the Waikato. Learn about the history of this man-made lake at a museum at the base of the dam. Beg=hind the lodge is Maungatautari mountain range with a 2000 hectare native bush reserve linked with scenic walking tracks. When at the lodge, relax in the library, play petanque on the lawn or swim in the lap pool.

The bed bounce test: Plonk yourself on the plumpest bed ever, with white lavender fragranced sheets, and admire the view. Even the bathroom is designed to catch the all-day sun.

Do: Take time to ponder the antiques scattered among the modern, brightly coloured interior.

Don’t: Leave without having a tour of Christine’s massive vegetable and herb garden. Obscure produce – you name it, she has it.

Star rating: *****