The Breeze radio's Win A Wish

A luxury getaway to somewhere beautiful like Russell is a pretty nice thing to wish for and this week we’ve been delighted to grant that wish!   We’ve just been on Auckland radio station,  The Breeze and helped out with this week’s Win A Wish!  Di-Arne has been amazingly strong through some hard times recently and her friend, Shirley nominated her for a special break.  We like to think we can pamper with the best of them, so when the Robert Scott from the show approached us, we were happy to agree and are looking forward to welcoming Di-Arne up here for some luxury time-out.  We hope our huge, pillowtop beds, fluffy robes, gourmet breakfasts and glorious, candle-lit baths under the stars in our secluded hideaway will do the trick :  )

Read more and hear the audio -

http://www.thebreeze.co.nz/Regions/Auckland/Shows/BreakfastwithTheTwoRobbies/WinAWish/tabid/231/Default.aspx

NZ Marmite amongst friends

NZ-made marmite has recently become a scarce treasure whilst the Christchurch-based producer, Sanitarium, undertakes major repairs following the earthquakes.  We are pleased to reassure all fans of the dark delight that we still have good supplies!  Furthermore, for those true international connoisseurs of yeast extracts (all 17 of you!), we always have available the ultimate triumvirate – NZ Marmite, Australian Vegemite and English Our Mate!  This last curiosity is actually authentic, English-made Marmite which is sold in NZ as ‘Our Mate’ because Sanitarium bought the sole rights to make & distribute the product in Australasia in 1908. So avoid any inclination to panic buy NZ Marmite from scurrilous sources and instead, book in for your ‘yeast retreat’ at Flagstaff Lodge where marmites of all persuasions will never, ever taste better than cosied-up with wonderful NZ butter and atop Ruthie’s perfectly toasted, homemade granary bread.

Mangrove boardwalk, Bay of Islands

Like so many good things, it begins and ends in Russell!  We just enjoyed a superb afternoon, starting with the ever-charming ferry ride across the bay from Russell to Paihia.  A lovely stroll around the waterfront took us to the excellent Waikokopu Cafe for lunch.  The cafe has great food and a lovely setting in the grounds of the Waitangi Treaty House.  Visiting the Treaty Grounds is thoroughly recommended but we’ve had that pleasure previously, so we headed off on the Haruru Falls walking track. It is an easy 1.5 hrs each way and we completely recommend it.  We’re sorry we forgot to grab our camera as we left but I’ve snaffled a couple of pics from elsewhere.  The walk takes you through classic Northland bush, with some fabulous tree ferns and spectacular pururi trees.  The  boardwalk through the mangroves is the best we’ve found in Northland so far and then the track skirts the edge of the Waitangi river for the last 2 km’s.  This is lovely, with beautiful views across the water and a chance to get up close to a couple of pohutukawa trees which are home to nesting shags – very cute and squawky! A roar ahead lets you know you’ve reached the falls themselves.  Not quite Vic Falls but a suitable endpoint nonetheless!  We’d recommend returning back on the same track, rather than taking the busy road with no footpath. The track is so pretty and varied that it works well to just walk it in reverse.  This also gives you the chance to drop back into Waikokopu Cafe for a scoop or two of Kapiti ice cream – their Dark Chocolate, Raspberry & Chilli is our current #1!  This will set you up for the walk back to the ferry and a soft landing at one of our wonderful waterfront watering holes to enjoy the bay bathed in the last of the afternoon sun.

Haruru Falls, Bay of Islands

http://dish.co.nz/gourmet-getaway.aspx

Local businesses have donated over $50,000 worth of accommodation, activities and dining vouchers and these are being auctioned over the coming weeks. There are great deals to be had and it is the perfect excuse to come to Russell!

Just visit this Trade Me page to see all the Great Russell Auction listings.

Easter Spa Break 2012

3 night luxury stay and some delicious spa time, here in the heart of Russell.  We’re offering an excellent tariff and whetting your appetite with a complimentary 30 minute massage but we recommend you make the most of our superb Spa Therapist, Renee, and see the other temptations on offer in our Day Spa menu.

Included in your package:

• 3 nights’ accommodation in a King room (double)
• A 30min Swedish Aromatherapy  massage each
• A candlelit bath under the stars in our pair of wonderful private outdoor baths
• Evening drinks and canapés featuring quality NZ wines
• Superb á la carte breakfasts

Package Price: NZ$1245 in total.  NZ$75 per night to upgrade to a Super King Room [$1470 in total].  Add an extra night for $400 ($450 for a Super King) to make the most of the Easter holiday.

Offer valid for stays from 30 March to 22 April 2012.

To book or enquire about this special offer, please email us .

The offer is based on twin/double occupancy and is subject to availability and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer or package. Please note our Day Spa is usually closed Sun & Mon but treatments are available subject to a 10% surcharge.