Kaimata Retreat

This is special. This is so different. But within the limits this page imposes; let us endeavour to paint a picture of what delights await.

An experience such as Kaimata must be sought out. It is not of the ordinary. It requires the traveller to leave well trodden highways for a less frequented road. And finally, for many of us city dwellers, the novelty of driving the typical, roading that serves New Zealand's remote farming community.

Drive slowly. There is much to be seen before Kaimata's identifying sign. What reward awaits! One is torn between an orientation tour of the retreat itself and the extraordinary vista it affords. Built in contemporary style of local stone with huge beams of fragrant Macrocarpa, a timber, felled and milled on the property. Let's just sit and absorb for a while.

Good heavens, what are those animals swimming in the bay below? Sea lions are only the start of wildlife discovery. Fur seals, native bush and wading bird, gull, penguin and albatross colonies, the area has it all. Photo opportunities are endless and local guides available.

For the young and vigorous, there's a surf beach just over the hill. But maybe some time for quiet contemplation. Maybe we will be lucky enough to see the species interaction between a passing sea lion and cows grazing the shoreline grass. And we haven't even left the deck.