From Punakaiki we had a long drive through mountains, by the sea, up the west coast, but a very long drive. We were told we would have to stop many times due to the fabulous lookouts, views, and anything interesting that might happen along the way. We arrived in a place called Motueka, right up on the north coast, close, we thought to our destination for the next few days. Gosh, how New Zealand throws you a curved ball when you least expect it.

We had precisely 55 km to drive, in English thats all of 33miles! Ok jump on the M5 or even the A14 on a bad day and less than an hour, you'd be there! Oh No, no, NO! Not in N.Z.!!! We left on a sunny main road, we started a winding road, then we started to climb! AND CLIMB, .......... AND CLIMB!!!!!!!!!! Woooh! High or what? I thought the roads around the French Riviera were bad, but an hour and a half and we start decending! Motueka to Pohara is not the place to live if you like nipping to the supermarket for a bottle of Vino and some choccie late at night.

So eventually we arrive at Ratanui Lodge, another one of my special finds during my 'project of finding stays on our travels.' I thought way back when I booked, that Steve the owner was the sort of person, that ran a special sort of hotel. Was I right? Oh yes! If ever you get the chance GO! Ratanui Lodge is almost opposite the beach. They have a lovely tiny swimming pool, beautiful cottage gardens and chairs to drink 'their special cocktails' from 4.30pm - until when dinner is served at 7.30 - and beyond if you can cope!

Marcus makes the famous cocktails and Steves partner Peter cooks dinner. Its all served up in a lovely old-fashioned dining room (very Old Colonial I felt) quaint, but lovely. A set meal, we had roasted Aubergine and Tomato soup with sour dough loaf. Lavender rubbed, loin of pork with steamed vegetables, followed by a Peach and Almond cake, with Cointreau cream! Yes, I told you it was exceptional. 

We needed to use some energy, so early the next day Peter and I hired a Kayak and spent a few hours paddle around the tiny isolated beaches and islands off Golden bay. Clear blue seas, wonderful fun.

On our final morning breakfast was served in the smaller dining room at a huge table where 11 of us ate (very Agatha Christie house party style, terrific)A Richard Briers lookalike and his wife from Surrey, also a miserable pair from East Devon! It was time to move on! Bye 4 now.......