Though only twenty minutes from Rotorua’s busy city life, Lake Tarawera felt worlds apart. As we delved deeper into the forests teeming with life, we entered a region of New Zealand steeped with its own unique history.

After passing through the large metal gate, we were welcomed to The Woolshed by the spacious wood-fired hot tub that had been heated up in anticipation of our arrival. A relaxing dip in the hot tub was immediately at the top of our to-do list, and with it, the hours of the evening melted away as the sun set behind the hills and the stars began to twinkle in the night’s sky overhead.

Rising with the sun, we were awed by the view of the glistening lake, mere moments from our doorstep, in the shadow of the mystical Mount Tarawera. The sun rose directly over the summit and, ready for adventure, we took to the lake in the double-kayak provided to us.

Lunch called us back to The Woolshed where we made the acquaintance of several gorgeous little lambs who were loudly making their presence known to the world they had entered just hours before our arrival.

No matter where we went, between exploring the Rotorua Redwood Forest and going for a stroll around Lake Tikitapu, it felt good to be able to return to the Woolshed.

As evening turned to night we capped the perfect day by roasting marshmallows at the firepit outside before turning in – relaxing in luxury!