Leave Westport behind and travel north. This not so well known coastal highway is spectacular. Head through Seddonville and you just might suspect that you are indeed going to nowhere. Turn into the long driveway and it just keeps getting better.

Over the ford and up to the lodge perched on the riverbank and the vista takes your breath away. This is no ordinary stream this is the mighty Mokihinui in all its glory. Summer, winter it's a different picture by the hour.

Marion (Weasel) and Sue have literally hand crafted this spectacular lodge from scratch. Tables fashioned from wood, fireplaces from stones from the river bed, right down to the door handles and picture frames. This is a work of love and art.

I was shown to my room and the view back towards the mountains as the sun went down was as impressive as the river. I joined Sue and Marion for drinks and a beautiful three course dinner and we chatted like long lost friends.

There are just so many activities, bush walks, swim the rivers and the fishing on the door step is legendary, kayak or for that very special romantic touch the outdoor bath riverside, champagne in hand. There is no cell phone or internet coverage thank goodness. Well what else can you say, if this is "roughing and tumbling "it - bring it on!