It’s Woodlyn’s ahoy! Plane, train, ship or hobbit house? Guests staying at Woodlyn Park, Waitomo, home to one of the country’s most unusual motels, and Billy Black’s Kiwi Culture Show, can choose from any of these fascinating options but it was ‘aye, aye, captain’ when RACHEL WATTS and friends visited recently. A night at unique Woodlyn Park had been on my wish list for some time so when my girlfriend and I ventured south with our eight-year-old daughters in tow, this piece of Kiwi ingenuity seemed perfect for a novel girls’ getaway. As it turned out, the very appealing hobbit houses – our first choice – were fully occupied and the plane wasn’t suitable for our party of four. So, I booked the captain’s quarters aboard the Waitanic which looked attractive and spacious. On arrival we were all in awe at this impressive piece of New Zealand heritage which had served as a patrol boat in the Second World War. The captain’s quarters were stately and roomy with an elegant main bedroom, two bathrooms plus two nicely outfitted cabins down below. We really liked the set up with living area opening to its own deck and master bedroom opening on to the bow – sadly, there was no water to surround this lovely vessel. We were also lucky enough to have a sneak peek into the other
Photo supplied
accommodation. The hobbit house was quaintly decorated and clearly a favourite with many hobbit lovers. The plane, a Bristol freighter was snug and simply furnished, while the train offered more style and space. It was very appealing. Importantly, each option made for a different experience.
the girls, who from the outset were gob-smacked by the whole set-up, were only too happy to oblige.
Just a couple of kilometres from Waitomo, the rural surrounds were pretty indeed. We enjoyed venturing around the property with the staff introducing us to the resident donkey, sheep and possum, which loved to be fussed over. What’s more,
But Woodlyn Park offered more than just fun accommodation. There was a Kiwi Cultural Show staged on selected days as well as a separate function centre with adjoining theatre exuding plenty of rustic charm. This area also showcased many photographic glimpses of farming in New Zealand as it once was. Accommodation ranged in price from $180 to $285 per night per couple with the show $28 per adult and
$16 per child. Sadly, we missed the show as there were not enough seats booked when we stayed but I’m told it’s like none other. After our most pleasant overnighter, it seemed to me that Woodlyn Park has wide appeal and, for children, it is something of a magical place – what ‘littlie’ wouldn’t want to spend a night in a hobbit house, plane, train or ship. But it also stands to reason that the charm of the whole Billy Black/ Woodlyn Park escape is bound to capture the imagination of the child in most of us. It certainly cast a spell on us.
FINANCIAL FINANCIAL FITNESS FITNESS YOUR YOUR WAY WAY TO TO GET GET AHEAD AHEAD
FIN YO
OUR OURFINANCIAL FINANCIALPERSONAL PERSONALTRAINERS TRAINERSWILL WILLGET GETYOU YOUSEEING SEEINGRESULTS RESULTSFASTER! FASTER!
OUR F
STAGE STAGEONE ONE
STAGE STAGETWO TWO
STAGE STAGETHREE THREE
STARTING STARTINGOUT OUT
BUILDING BUILDINGUP UP
SITTING SITTINGBACK BACK
When Whenyour yourfifinances nancesare arefifit tand and ininshape shapeyour yourfifinancial nancialgoals goalsare are achievable. achievable.EnableMe EnableMeworks works with withyou, you,one-on-one, one-on-one,to toplan planaa fifinancial nancialstrategy strategyyou youcan canexecute execute to toensure ensureyou yousee seeresults resultsfaster. faster. Their Theirimpartial impartialand andindependent independent coaching coachingwill willempower empoweryou youto to reach reachthe theultimate ultimategoal goalofof home homeownership. ownership.
With Withaaproperty propertyunder underyour yourbelt belt you youare areininthe theBuilding BuildingUp Upstage. stage. The Thegoal goalhere hereisisfor foryou youtotobe beable abletoto fund fundaalifestyle lifestyleyou youenjoy enjoyand andclear clear your yourmortgage mortgageasasfast fastasaspossible. possible. When Whenyou youhave havetoned tonedup upyour your fifinances nancesand andhave haveaaplan plantotoclear clear your yourmortgage mortgagequickly quicklyyou youare areon on track tracktotomove movetotothe thefifinal nalstage stage ofofSitting SittingBack. Back.
As Asaageneral generalrule, rule,Sitting SittingBack, Back, requires requiresyou youto tohave haveaamortgage mortgage free freeproperty; property;for formany manyofofour our clients clientsthis thisoutcome outcomeisisyet yettotobe be realised. realised.They Theyare areshort shorton ontime time so soneed needtotodevelop developan anadditional additional strategy, strategy,ininconjunction conjunctionwith withbeing being mortgage-free, mortgage-free,totoensure ensurethey they have havepeace peaceofofmind mindwhen whenthey they choose choosetotoretire. retire.
Talk to us and see how we can get you ahead faster. Phone 0800 897 898 to organise an obligation-free consultation with Dianne for only $100 plus GST if you mention “EastLife” when booking. Normally $300 + GST – Save $200!
Visit our website for more information, case studies and testimonials.
12075-v2
24 | eastlife | march 2016
www.eastlife.co.nz
S
Whe in sha achi with y financi to en Their coac rea