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Welcome to New Zealand at its Best

“Congratulations on publishing the 2015-16 edition of Organic Explorer. 

The book is a terrific collection of New Zealand eco travel experiences ranging from well-known major operators to hidden gems throughout the country.

It’ll be a great travel companion for anyone exploring New Zealand and wanting to hunt out the best eco experiences on offer. 

I wish you every success with your book”.
 
Kevin Bowler
Chief Executive, Tourism New Zealand 
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Waipiata

Waipiata
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Waipiata is a unique, luxury experience. Just 30 minutes north of Auckland and designed by internationally renowned architect Noel Lane, this lodge is resting on a rural headland, nestled in native trees at the waters’s edge. It is a secluded location to rest or to kayak, swim and hike and yet close to beautiful regional parks and beaches, Goat Island marine reserve, Tititiri Matangi bird sanctuary, Tawharanui bird and marine sanctuary, Pakiri Beach, Puhoi historic Bohemian village, sculpture parks and Matakana vineyards.
The lodge is stunning, wrapped around a swimming pool, all rooms featuring walls of glass with views to native forest, estuaries and harbour waters. Designed by Noel Lane to be sustainable it has featured in many magazines, Air NZ’s Kia Ora, OnHoliday and NZ Home and books such as Architecture Inspired by New Zealand and Trends 25 Years. The native forest has trees hundreds of years old and is a haven for numerous native birds and the large orchard, vegetable and herb gardens are grown following organic practices. Waipiata has received Enviro-Gold from Tourism NZ.  We are 4th generation New Zealanders who have travelled the world many times but have returned in recent years to the birthplace for one of us, a magic location where we have built Waipiata and want guests to have a wonderful, unforgettable stay.
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User Reviews

There are: 5 reviews, with an average rating of 5.0 out of 5
We stayed at Waipiata for just one night in March 2012 (although we've since booked to return for a longer stay next year!) and it was wonderful from the moment we arrived. Natalie and Ross are gracious, generous hosts, who couldn't have done more to make us feel at home (in their home!). They provide the highest level of hospitality with great attention to detail. Waipiata is luxury in a relaxed and friendly setting. We had dinner there - which was amazing - and what made it even more special was that a number of the ingredients (as was the case with the sumptuous breakfast the following morning) were hand-grown and picked from their organic garden. The infinity pool looked so inviting set amongst the world class architecture and the views were stunning from every angle of the property. Zorro, the delightful resident border collie, will take you for a wander through the grounds and may even fetch the odd ball if you feel like throwing one for him! Deceptively close to Auckland yet with a fabulous sense of seclusion, whichever room you choose, you can't go wrong!

Posted by Bobzinoz on 2012-10-25 18:00:01
If you are planning to enjoy any of the small accommodations that New Zealanders refer to as Lodges, you should reserve Waipiata Lodge for your final destination, as all others will pale in comparison, even at four or five times the price..literally . Ross and Natalie Aitken have built an architectural masterpiece in the modern genera in an idyllic seascape that approaches perfection. If the setting were not enough, your hosts are warm and gracious New Zealanders who love sharing their home and their extensive knowledge of their country. Oh yes, Natalie produces culinary masterpieces for breakfast every morning.
Posted by Mighty Shopper, San Diego on 2012-10-25 17:57:22
"This is just paradise! We stayed for three nights at this beautifully situated property which is definitely an architectural highlight of New Zealand! The hosts are unbelievably friendly people and the level of service is unheard of! The lodge is extremely well maintained and spotless like it has just been opened. The food is outstanding (Natalie is a marvellous cook!!!!) and the wines selected by her and her husband Ross were superb. Yes we had dinner every night (only by special arrangement as we had booked the whole place) and it was a great culinary experience every time.
The Waipiata is definitely among the top 3 places we ever stayed!!!!
GO FOR IT!!!!!!!" Jochen, Germany
Posted by Jochen on 2009-09-15 12:06:52
"We loved the location, the architecture and the warm friendly hospitality of the hosts. We were even given a bag of home grown produce on departure." Petals,Perth, Australia
Posted by Petals, Perth on 2009-09-15 12:05:18
"My wife and I had one of our best travel experiences in recent memory during our stay at Waipiata. Ross and Natalie are simply magnificent people first and foremost...and amazing hosts as well. For those interested in architecture, you will be astounded with this place. The design is unbelievably unique with an attention to detail and luxury like nothing we have seen. The fact that Waipiata just won the Residential Home of the Year Award from the NZ Institute of Architects says it all.
With regards to our stay, Natalie`s breakfasts are fantastic, and should you choose to, the dinner was equally as memorable. There are also a handful of restaurants within a short drive, should you wish to explore a bit.
The local area, while an hour from Auckland, truly evokes a rural feeling and is great fun to explore. From local wineries to scenic parks/shoreline to interesting sculpture gardens, there are a tremendous amount of activities.
We simply cannot say enough about our stay at Waipiata. The Aitkens are the most gracious hosts we have ever experienced in 20 years of travel. If you want to stay in a world class house, experience the unique local culture and interact with people you hope to have as friends for years to come, you must look into staying at Waipiata." Chicago
Posted by The Pooles on 2009-09-15 12:04:28