For a change of scene and a taste of adventure, take a drive south towards the west coast, to the beautiful Waikaretu Valley, home of Nikau Cave and Wild Valley Farmstays (100km from Auckland).
Enjoy the peace and tranquillity of an isolated bush cottage or relax in front of a blazingfire at the homestead while your hosts prepare dinner.
Spend a day or two exploring bush walks, trekking on gentle farm-horses high into the hills, experiencing the wonder of nikau caves and just relaxing.
There's a special winter package of $165 a person a night or two nights for $200. Includes all meals, guided horse trek and cave tour.
