Kauri House Lodge

Original features of this 1880s style villa include the detailed verandah balustrading, stained glass, pressed ceilings, sash windows and native kauri paneling. Completed in 1910 by a leading bushman as a spacious family residence, Kauri House now offers three ensuite guestrooms and three lounge rooms - a billiard room, library and television lounge - furnished with antiques. Only three kilometres, from the township of Dargaville, Kauri House is set in three hectares of garden, with abundant native birdlife including fantails, wood pigeons, and seasonal tui. A swimming pool provides relaxation and exercise in summer only. Nearby is Doug's 40-hectare farm on which he runs steers and donkeys. This land includes 16 hectares of protected native bush. Facilities - continental or cooked breakfast served in dining room; 1 super-king, 1 king & 1twin bedroom, all with ensuites; hair dryers & toiletries; wheelchair access to 1 bedroom; children over 9 years welcome; piano & open fire in billiard room; verandah overlooking 3 hectares of garden; courtesy passenger transfer; TV lounge & library; Sky TV & VCR; fresh flowers; night-store heating; teas & coffee available; self-serve laundry; off-street parking; Spook the black cat & Zara the German Shepherd dog. Activities available: in-house billiards & piano; cattle from tour on site; swimming pool only in summer; surfing, swimming & cliff-views from 100km beach, 10km away; trout fishing in Kaiiwi lakes, guides available; 16 hectares native bush, steers & donkeys, 5km away; horse rides/treks on beach; licensed restaruants, 3km; river cruises & boat trips; walking tracks; Waipoua kauri forest treks; Matakohe Kauri Museum; gardens to visit; wood turning & crafts; Dargaville shops, 3km; Whangarei, 40min drive; Auckland, 2.5 hours south.