Ohinemuri Estate
The Karagahake Gorge is a rather
spectacular destination – especially after the flat regularity of the Hauraki
Plains. Replace slow flowing canals with shallow white water rapids: replace
vast expanses of farmland with steep hills bordering on mountains and with
native bush clinging where it can. Add in several picturesque swing bridges and the historic
remains of old gold mining works, and you have a fascinating area in which to
spend some time.
Ohinemuri Winery has found a home in amongst
these hills. It has taken over a cluster of 1930s farm buildings and converted
these to serve its purposes as a successful business venture. Ohinemuri
provides both a restaurant and accommodation. It provides Ohinemuri wines to
the tables, and also offers sales on line - and they
are very good! Grapes are grown under contract to Ohinemuri in a number of
locations throughout New Zealand – thus
allowing the appropriate varietal to be
sourced from its ideal location prior to pressing.
The restaurant makes use of a building
which began life as the stable; the accommodation is in the converted hayloft
above. On one wall a fascinating picture of the buildings as they once were, provides
an interesting reference to the original use.
The buildings themselves were established
in a European chalet style by their initial owner who came in fact, from
Latvia. With their 45 degree pitched roofs snowfall is not going to be a
problem. Clustered in a and providing
shelter to a sunny outdoor courtyard for diners, the buildings make an
appealing setting within which the
outstanding food can be enjoyed.
The restaurant closes at 5 pm but the
friendly staff will provide a platter for your room if requested, and with the
restaurant opening again at 10 am there is ample opportunity to sample the cuisine.
Websites: http://www.unusualstays.com/
http://www.stumbleuponcroatiaslovenia.com/
