Close-to-home ideas to cosy up these winter weekends
Looking for some cool ideas to cosy up these winter weekends? Lucy Brake goes searching for treasures close to home
Photo: Jim Tannock
When the days are short and everyone is feeling a bit low, a weekend break can brighten the long winter months. Most people I know think the best option is to hop on a plane and head to a Pacific island, but there are plenty of places in New Zealand where you can warm up and relax for a weekend. Here are five enticing, easy and, of course, eco-friendly weekend road trips that won’t blow your budget.
From The North …
Soothe your soul in the Bay of Islands
Looking for a relaxing hidey-hole? If you fancy indulging in organics without giving up any luxury, try a weekend of pampering in subtropical surrounds at Kerikeri’s Ora Ora Resort—just the place to get a little fabulous. 
Ora Ora Resort in Kerikeri
Photo:Tanja Bandzov, www.luxnz.com
Succumb to Ora Ora’s rejuvenating spa and massage treatments and you don’t need to feel guilty for the indulgence—only eco-friendly products are allowed through the door. Sustainability principles are practised throughout the spa and wellness centre, and a holistic approach to relaxation and diet is guaranteed to calm the most stressed-out visitor. Better still, regular contributions are made by the resort to the planting and upkeep of native trees as well as pest control in the Kororipo Basin and on Aroha Island.
If all that’s not enough, winter temperatures in Kerikeri often reach 20°C, so chances are you’ll feel some sun on your face while your body is being restored.
From Wellington …
Savour eco-friendly wine in Marlborough
For a car-free winter weekend, catch the ferry from Wellington (or the TranzCoastal train from Christchurch) and head for New Zealand’s largest winemaking region. Arrange to be met in Picton by Marlborough Travel and they’ll take you to some of the region’s most notable wineries. 
Wairau River vineyards in Marlborough
Photo: Jim Tannock
Wairau River and Grove Mill are certified carbon-neutral. Sample their eco-friendly wine, and while you’re at Grove Mill check out the wonderful art gallery, native gardens and wetland areas.
Enjoy a leisurely lunch by a cosy fire at Wairau River’s restaurant, before dropping by Seresin Estate to learn how their handcrafted organic wines and olive oils are produced. Next stop is one of New Zealand’s newest wineries, Yealands Estate, which is taking a high-tech approach to becoming a world leader in sustainable winemaking.
Warm up over dinner next to the roaring fire at Marlborough Vintners Hotel. For a slow-paced Sunday, continue to the nearby Marlborough Day Spa, or borrow one of the hotel’s bicycles and make your own tour of the nearby wineries.
Make sure you stow a few extra-special bottles of wine in your bag before catching the afternoon ferry back to Wellington.
www.marlboroughtravel.co.nz
www.marlboroughdayspa.com
www.wairauriverwines.com
www.grovemill.co.nz
www.seresin.co.nz
www.mvh.co.nz
www.yealands.co.nz
From Hamilton …
Trek along a beach in Raglan
Feeling intrepid? Check out Wild Coast Horse Adventures in Raglan, which offers cosy cabin accommodation and horseback adventures. 
Raglan Beach
Photo: Steve Copley
Enjoy the wind on your face with a horse trek that’ll take you through native bush, along the west coast’s famously rugged black sand beaches and up Mount Karioi, where you’ll be rewarded with awe-inspiring views of the Tasman Sea and wild Ruapuke Beach.
The cabins are simple but comfortable, run on alternative power, and the drinking water is as fresh as it comes. Warm your weary body in a hot bath after your ride while taking in views over native bush and farmland. Then rug up and post yourself on the deck with a hot toddy to watch the sun set. The next day, make the most of the seclusion with a quiet bush and beach walk before heading home.
From The South …
Meet New Zealand’s wildlife in Otago
For inspiration on a crisp Otago day, visit the Orokonui Ecosanctuary. The 307 hectare sanctuary recreates a lost world, criss-crossed with walking tracks to wander around, filled with the chatter of native birdsong. 
Moeraki Boulders
Photo: Chris Holdsworth
The sanctuary staff and volunteers are passionate about conservation and are very happy to share their knowledge of our unique natural heritage. Stay a while and you’ll come away full of ideas for setting up an eco-haven in your own garden.
To dine on local seafood in a cosy setting, head north to Fleur’s Place at Moeraki Bay. Spend the night at nearby Three Bays, a private, self-contained holiday unit set in the bush above the harbour, with a deep bath overlooking the sea. Wrap up next morning and stroll down to the famous Moeraki Boulders and picturesque harbour before heading home.
www.orokonui.org.nz
www.fleursplace.com
www.threebays.co.nz
From Auckland …
Poets Corner Lodge in Waihi
Moeraki Bouders
Photo: Claire Nomad
Explore Waihi’s back garden
Karangahake Gorge Historic Walkway follows an old railway line and meanders along the Ohinemuri River bank. Spend a weekend discovering these wonderful walking tracks and peeking into Waihi’s gold-rush history. If you’re feeling adventurous, take a torch and choose a walkway that leads through old mining tunnels.
Tuck yourself away from the world for a night at Poets Corner Lodge in Orokawa Bay. Curl up by the fire or relax in the spa and enjoy expansive ocean views. If you want to feel virtuous, contribute to the lodge’s native tree planting project before you leave.
The next day, take the Orokawa Walkway from the northern end of Waihi Beach for a winter wander to secluded Orokawa Bay. Chances are you may not have to share the magnificent pohutukawas and white sands with anyone else.
