Vineyard Cottages and Conference Centre

In the thick of Auckland's vine-growing region, these seven rustic cottages make reference to both the current wine industry and the earlier timber-milling industry for which the area was known.

The wooden cottages are set along the slopes of a small valley with a central stream and are separated for privacy. Grapevines hang from the verandah roofs and the private, backyard patios have their own barbecues. Collected memorabilia is used artfully to underline the rural/pioneer theme. Old machinery makes interesting garden sculptures.

My cottage had a pit-saw, a horse collar and a pole-jack hung on the verandah wall and inside were other old items, among them an anvil, scales and a bed warmer. I enjoyed the comfort that the golden glow of oiled timber brings and the way the décor is coloured to reflect wine styles. Mine - Sauvignon Blanc Cottage - was, for instance, sage green; the Champagne Cottage is cream and gold and the Pinot Noir shades of mulberry.

In each cottage there is a wood-burning stove, a  kitchen, stocked pantry and breakfast supplies.