Wholesome Days & Mountain Ways

A glowing outdoor fire, freshly baked cookies and a sky painted in sunset colours. Hollie and I had arrived at Rua Awa Lodge, our little countryside haven for mountain chasing, waterfall wandering and a few days of pure New Zealand goodness.

Set across twenty acres of gardens, orchards and native bush, with grazing animals, birdsong and magnificent mountain views, this countryside retreat had a beautiful sense of space and calm.

The hosts had thought of everything, from the homemade welcome treats to the wholesome breakfast provisions and delicious homegrown dinner menu. You could taste the love in every mouthful. They even greeted us personally when we arrived.

The open plan lounge, dining area and kitchen were in one dwelling, next to the large yoga studio. The third dwelling housed the bedroom, complete with quality linen and a sleeping mist that smelt of lavender and calmness.

The toilet was enclosed and fitted with a sink, while the outdoor shower and tub were open to the elements, giving it that beautiful back to nature feel where you could wash away the day under the stars.

That first evening, I slipped into the outdoor bath while Hollie enjoyed some quiet time in the lounge, flicking through the pretty books.

We took up the hosts' offer of a nourish bowl each for dinner, which was light, wholesome and, by heck, delicious!

The outdoor yoga studio was an absolute dream, and my mornings soon found their own rhythm. A yoga session, a fresh coffee and my favourite spot in the window seat, wrapped in the softest blanket. It was like a warm, living hug!!

Then it was time to answer the call of the mountains.

That arvo, we drove towards the snowy mountain peaks, greeted by sunshine, crisp air and a view so surreal I could hardly believe my eyeballs! It was the ‘why’ you travel to New Zealand! It was love at first sight, mountain edition!

Being the two waterfall freaks we are, we couldn’t resist following our hearts when we discovered one along the way. Water tumbled over the rocks, mist kissed the air and tiny rainbows danced at the bottom of the falls as sunlight glittered across the water. She was an absolute delight, just like my friend Hollie.

With rumbling tummies, we made a well timed stop at The Station Cafe, an actual cafe at an actual train station! Full bellies, seriously good coffee and a train arriving just as we finished our last bite. Toot toot! And did I mention the breathtaking views of the snowy mountain peaks?! It was the ultimate stop.

The afternoon called for a cheeky nap for me and some riverside quiet time for Hollie. Later, I whipped up an early dinner in the well equipped kitchen, and we sat outside watching the sunset paint the sky once more.

As the temperature dropped, we retreated indoors, keeping the wood fire glowing while we snuggled beneath our comfort blankets.

After days of exploring and clocking up the kilometres, our final morning called for a much needed sleep in. No rushing, just a gentle start to the day with a delicious, wholesome breakfast provided as part of our stay.

Rua Awa Lodge gave us adventure and stillness in equal measure. Snowy peaks, flowing rivers, rainbow chasing and homemade goodness, with a cosy little haven to return to at the end of it all.

Sometimes the best adventures are made up of the big, breathtaking moments and the little things in between. The friend beside you, the warmth of a fire, the taste of a homemade meal and the freedom to follow a waterfall just because it calls your name.

Travel far, breathe deeply and make room for the kind of moments that remind you how wonderful it feels to be alive.

Until next time, New Zealand, you beauty.