Another in the series Meet The People - Ordinary and Extraordinary New Zealanders doing Interesting Things - As if the loveliness of
Waiheke Island’s Te Whau Lodge wasn’t enough,
owners Gene O’Neill and Liz Eglinton have given in to their passion for things French. For the last four years they’ve taken time out from Te Whau Lodge and taken small groups of like-minded travellers to
the Vaucluse region of southern France. It’s a bonus that Liz speaks fluent French, that Gene is a superb cook and that together they’re sublime hosts. Their annual jaunt to their favourite village,
St Didier is not a tour so much as a group of six people having a holiday together – visiting local markets and wineries, drinking coffee, walking through nearby villages and soaking up
the pretty Provence scenery. And when it’s all over, they return to take up the reigns at Te Whau Lodge on
gorgeous Waiheke Island, just a ferry ride from central Auckland that pretty much has all of the above except Provence’s depth of history. It is without doubt the very best of both worlds.
www.tewhaulodge.co.nz
Waiheke Island is a small paradise just 35 minutes from downtown Auckland - a place of white-sand beaches, lush native bush, green farmland, top wineries, vineyards and excellent cafes and restaurants. It's there, at Blackpool Beach at Huruhi Bay, that Keith and Marilyn Graham have established Breakfast on the Beach, a modern retreat that makes a perfect base for island exploration.
Four large, airy guest suites - all with ensuite bathrooms - are just 30-metres from the peaceful beachfront and there's a large guest lounge at your disposal, along with pushbikes, sea kayaks, golf clubs and swimming gear.
Breakfast on the Beach can also be book exclusively for special occasions - everything from weddings and corporate events to birthdays or black-tie dinners.
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