Tui in my garden: Wonderful Waiheke Weekend

Well the wanderers have returned after a simply magical weekend away on Waiheke (flowing waters). It was our 33rd wedding anniversary and a treat from Stuarts work for 40 years service. Hard to beleive where the years all went.

We stayed at the Te Whau lodge which is toward the back of the Island and very quiet with extraordianry views of both Waiheke and Auckland city in the distance. The sun sets with exquisite beauty right over the CBD. In fact you can see from Maraetai right up to the North Shore and beyond one way, and over the Island toward Coromandel and out to sea the other.

33 years celebrated at Te Whau Lodge

We wined and dined in luxury and while I certainly would not want to do it all the time it was delicious and great fun being pampered and spoilt just for one weekend. There is something about the tidiness of a hotel that can be a bit off putting to a mild messy like me but this one managed to be welcoming and almost a bit homey without losing any professional flair. Little things like a book of short stories beside the bed, themed rooms, (ours was the sea) hand made soaps, a hand gathered mini sewing kit and a baby pair of binoculars and torch were all special little things that made you feel welcome not an intruder about to mess up the tidy space. Little touchs of kind thoughtfulness which somehow gave me the sense the room knew how to be comfortable with people and enjoyed them. I guess the rooms reflected the owners, they definitely knew how to be comfortable with people, enjoyed them and allowed them to feel relaxed in their world. Hospitality is such a great gift and it was in everything they did, it is just sort of who they are. Special thanks to Liz and Gene.

Now the funny thing is what greets me right outside the bedroom window first thing Sat morning...you guessed it...a Tui. Almost close enough to touch.

Wouldn't stay still for good pic though.

So had to make do with fuzzy shots but you get the idea. It was quite magical to wake up to and I have forgiven them for their morning chorus.

Since getting home I've had a tidy bug. been clearing out drawers and cupboards and wanting to set house in order. Even cut up some old clothes for rags that I have been hanging on to interminably. Funny what a weekend of space, beauty and kindness can do.

Here are some pics of our magical escape.