SKY HIGH: Kapiti News reporter Cloe Willetts, left, with sister Jasmine Speight, enjoying the tranquil sights of Boomrock's hilltop venue.
SKY HIGH: Kapiti News reporter Cloe Willetts, left, with sister Jasmine Speight, enjoying the tranquil sights of Boomrock's hilltop venue.
The morning chill pulled at my face as I exited the train at Wellington Station, the Saturday commuters quietly darting past as I scanned the time left until I had to board an awaiting coach, which would take me to a day-long adventure at Ohariu Valley's quietly rested venue Boomrock.
Leaving Wellington's TSB Arena at 10.30am, the coach made a brief stop for guests at Johnsonville, before taking us over the winding hills to Boomrock's popular Open Lunch Event.
The day's 68 guests boasted a variety of backstories; from the partners who'd surprised their other halves with a special day away from inner city life, to the CEO of a large vehicle franchise spending quality time with his quietly rebellious blogger daughter, and a Canadian couple exploring the suggested sights of the North Island.
A hen's party dressed to a vintage, pin-up inspired theme took up their own table, the vibrant reds and greens of their frocks and dangling oversized jewellery an intriguing addition to a mostly casual-formal crowd.
A couple who spoke passionately about Wellington's theatre scene were in attendance thanks to an anniversary gift from their 26-year-old son, along with a group of post-university students relishing in bottles of $40 bubbly on a girls' day out.
And then there was me, accompanied by my sister and enjoying the tastes and sights through the perception of a writer, as well as a mother basking in the escapism of a day locked away in the hills.
The drive to Boomrock covered a stretch of wavering farm land road, with horses and streams scattered over the valley beside banks and ripened trees.
The setting, which was seemingly deserted and more enticing the further from civilisation we travelled, equipped us for what was to be a relaxing escape, accompanied by flowing canapes and wine, a three-course meal and, to my surprise, a daring mid-event activity.
Boomrock, a rustic lodge-style venue rested on the edge of a private 1214 hectare coastal property, sits 228 metres above the Tasman Sea, settled among mounting hills and native bush, with a stunning view of the Cook Strait spilling from its forefront.
As we pulled in, we were greeted by breathtaking sea views and friendly front of house staff, who gestured us inside to the four wharf beamed walls of Boomrock's dining area.
A large cabin-feel fireplace covered the room's back wall, warming the path of tables lined with candles, polished cutlery and darkened tablecloths.
I found my name written on card at one of the tables closest to the back, away from the open doors leading to a sheltered outdoor seating area playing the likes of Jack Johnson through an overhead speaker, the sea at eye view.
The first thing guests did was extract their cameras to capture images of the striking backdrop, with couples huddling to press their faces together for sunlit selfies.
"I like how you're right up close to the breathtaking view," said Jasmine, my sister, as she sunk into the comfortable outdoor couch, fresh steam escaping her mouth from being so high among the clouds.
"It's a little bit romantic."
As we stretched our legs, deep in conversation and inhaling the comforting smell of smoky firewood, a staff member approached to say a 4WD was waiting for us out front to take us to hot laps.
"Oh, that's not us," I said, a little confused in my overly-relaxed state.
However, it was for us, a surprise in the mix, and so off we went across bumpy hills until we reached a small race track and were escorted out of the mud-splattered 4WD and to an A45 AMG Mercedes.
Owned by the Kapiti Coast's pro driver Boyd Norwood, who has raced in the NZV8 Development Series, the four cylinder two litre turbo-charged car took us on laps around the slippery Boomrock track, the adrenaline and speed taking hold of my stomach.
"It puts out about 365 horse power, which is pretty quick for a small car and is ideal for our small tight and twisty track at Boomrock," said Boyd, who effortlessly handled the car's loose speeds.
"It really shows its capabilities when we have the sprinklers on the track to wet it down with some nice slippery dam water."
The track, which used to exclusively host Mercedes, was now open to all brands of cars and had seen some of the day's guests test their racing skills earlier that morning.
"We do anything from hands-on driving to our latest new skid pan challenge and, of course, our hot laps."
By the time we'd returned to the venue at 1.30pm, from what was my favourite part of the day, it was time for lunch.
Guests tucked away their competitive streak, after engaging in stints of extreme golf, petanque and clay shooting, to find their allocated tables that seated groups of 10.
Boomrock chef Mark Hartstonge's set menu began with an entrée of roasted parsnip soup shot with truffle oil and crispy pancetta, followed by a main that received a flow of positive feedback from the majority of my table's guests.
The main was a Primestar Angus fillet and braised Wakanui short rib with potato, thyme and roasted garlic gratin, green beans and horseradish and, to my appreciation, they'd catered to non-meat eaters with a main of St Maure goats cheese and caramelised onion tart with wild rocket, pear, caramelised walnuts and Saporoso.
The following sticky date pudding was a hit, served with the plate's standout component, a salted caramel sauce, accompanied by hazelnut praline and vanilla mascarpone.
After lunch, full and drawn into a sleepy post-meal haze, we enjoyed our remaining time sipping on wine and chatting among guests, soaking in the last of scenery before we boarded the coach at 4pm.
Following the same road home, the air calm and our cameras filled with scenic memories, we made our way back to Wellington City, before an hour's train ride home saw me back at the doorstep of Kapiti.
